The best Charles Mingus albums
20 records, ordered by how much they reward a first listen — not by chart position.
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Mingus Ah Um
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1
Mingus Three
1957
A vibrant tapestry of intricate rhythms and emotive melodies, Mingus Three captures the essence of jazz innovation in the late 1950s.
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2
Weary Blues
1958
A powerful blend of avant-garde jazz and gospel, evoking deep emotional landscapes through intricate orchestral arrangements.
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3
Newport Rebels
1961
A vibrant tapestry of avant-garde and blues-infused jazz that challenges conventions while embracing emotional depth.
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4
Blues & Roots
1960
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5
Changes One
1975
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6
Jazz Portraits – Mingus In Wonderland
1959
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7
Oh Yeah
1962
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8
East Coasting
1958
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9
Tijuana Moods
1962
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10
The Clown
1957
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11
Mingus Moves
1973
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12
Blue Bird
1971
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13
Live at Montreux 1975
2018
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14
Revenge!
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15
Charles Mingus @ Bremen 1964 & 1975
2020
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16
Reincarnation of a Lovebird
1988
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17
Mingus at Antibes
1979
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18
Mingus at the Bohemia
1956
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19
Charles Mingus in Paris – The Complete America Session
2006
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20
The Black Saint and the Sinner Lady
1963