the god-like Mingus's most introspective album, so personal that he co-wrote the amazing liner notes with his psychotherapist. a dark, spiraling maelstrom of searing swing, more soulful than bluesy - so wretched and lonesome that i can't imagine listening to it during daylight hours. still the most innovatively mixed/orchestrated jazz record to date, and Charlie Mariano's alto work is killer. a musical high water mark.

"Last and least is me. Mingus. I wrote the music for dancing and listening... Crazy? They'd never get out of the observation ward at Bellevue."