mj, I’ve been a fan of Mingus for many years. He was very prolific and released a number of significant albums. Perhaps the easiest to find will be those released by Columbia, which certainly included a lot of great music. But here is one of my favorites from an album not quite so well known -
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L7CoJEyiSfE
Then, while I normally hesitate to suggest tribute albums to anyone learning about an artist, rather than the musician themselves, I think this Joni Mitchell tribute to Mingus is worthwhile. It may not apply to you but this is particularly good for anyone coming to jazz from a pop or rock background.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t67hc8V6Z4c&list=PLSlDx338k7514avRNmjAZr0AowOXTJVcg
I do have one criticism of her release. The taped candid conversations at Mingus’s birthday party are fun, but I wish they had been presented at the end, or better yet on an included 45. Once I’d heard them I found them to be an "interruption" to the flow of the music on subsequent listens. Still, a great tribute and wonderful album.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L7CoJEyiSfE
Then, while I normally hesitate to suggest tribute albums to anyone learning about an artist, rather than the musician themselves, I think this Joni Mitchell tribute to Mingus is worthwhile. It may not apply to you but this is particularly good for anyone coming to jazz from a pop or rock background.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t67hc8V6Z4c&list=PLSlDx338k7514avRNmjAZr0AowOXTJVcg
I do have one criticism of her release. The taped candid conversations at Mingus’s birthday party are fun, but I wish they had been presented at the end, or better yet on an included 45. Once I’d heard them I found them to be an "interruption" to the flow of the music on subsequent listens. Still, a great tribute and wonderful album.