Few records are able to sew together classical and jazz so seamlessly. One of the more simple ways that groups accomplish this is by using jazz instruments within an orchestral context without changing much of the classical style, other times it's done by stacking strings on top of a jazz record (*cough* Kamasi Washington *cough*). While some may not agree, this album stands apart from those two styles by taking thoughtful and gorgeous orchestral suites and imbuing them with adrenaline and response-fueled freedom of jazz. The record has that atmosphere that only Mingus could have in how it waggles its fingers in the face of free jazz standards while redefining and embracing them, but it's also filtered through Mingus's maturation as a composer and bandleader. Mingus reaches higher points on records like Black Saint & the Sinner Lady or The Clown, but as far as creative landmarks go, this record really stands out in his discography. 5/5
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Studies show that when a given norm is changed in the face of the unchanging, the remaining contradictions will parallel the truth.
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