When dealing with jazz music, there is often a general perception that the listener must already be steeped in knowledge of the genre in order to appreciate it. Many people accustomed to pop and rock music are intimidated by the complexities of jazz, as if a music degree is a prerequisite to enjoying the music. While the genre is extremely varied, with outre off-shoots such as free jazz and experiments in atonality, straight-ahead jazz is in fact quite accessible to any music fan.
The Legacy Edition not only features truly outstanding remastered audio, but also a 23-page booklet detailing the making of the albums. The focus, understandably, is on Mingus Ah Um but the producers of this set have gone far beyond the call of duty by including a PDF booklet on disc two. Easily accessed simply by putting disc 2 in a CD-ROM drive, original liner notes, a bunch of photos, previously unpublished session notes, and more are at the listener's disposal. In other words, a comprehensive history and analysis of these recordings is included along with the most important part: the music itself. For any student of jazz or any longtime affectionado, Charles Mingus' legacy has been done proud by this spectacular reissue.
Article comments
1 - mjharper
I have the Complete 1959 Columbia Recordings set, and that comes with a bonus CD containing the three alternate versions you mentioned here, along with Song With Orange, Diane, and New Now Know How. According to the sleeve notes, only the take of Diane is previously unissued, although Song With Orange was not previously available on CD in unedited form. The other four takes were all apparently released in 1993. Of course, I don't know whether these are the same alternative takes as on the set you're reviewing...
Nice review, btw.