Charles Mingus: Orange Was the Color of Her Dress, Then Blue Silk

Mingus worked the devil out of this complicated TV-score remnant during his 1964 tour of Europe. There must be a dozen or so versions under Mingus name, and this take from a Parisian concert is one of the best. Jaki Byards lush piano takes the lead, while Jordan and Dolphy alternate between swagger and swoon. Orange is one of Mingus most enduring multidimensional works, and the bassist clearly enjoys his extended solo feature. Dolphys bass clarinet solo is all over the place, free as a bird. An absolute masterwork, dulled just a bit by the live-bootleg sound quality.