I based one of my college admissions essays off of The Black Saint and the Sinner Lady's liner notes. Everything about that album is amazing. It's one of the most personal albums I've ever listened to, yet it hits home with so many different people at the same time. The translation of personal ideas to communal ones is a true artistic talent, and Mingus was one of the most talented in that regard.
My personal ranking of his albums:
1) The Black Saint and the Sinner Lady
2) Blues & Roots
3) Mingus x5
4) Mingus Ah Um
5) Let My Children Hear Music
6) Mingus at Antibes
... I'd have to spend some more time figuring out the rest.
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