The Jazz Workshop of 1955 is in superb form, caught in performance at the Caf Bohemia in New York. Max Roach only appears for a "Percussion Discussion" with Mingus, but the forgotten Willie Jones is no slouch either. A typically adventurous set of tunes includes two montages. ("Septemberly" combines "September in the Rain" and "Tenderly", while "All the Things You Can C-Sharp" is a blend of "All the Things You Are," Rachmaninoff's "Prelude in C-Sharp" and "Clair de Lune.") It's a very spirited date, ranking with his best work in the period. A further disc, Charles Mingus Quintet Plus Max Roach (Fantasy 86009), derives from the same date; these were combined as Prestige P-24010. And the boxed set of the Complete Debut Recordings (Debut 12-CDC-4402-2) includes an additional hour of previously unissued material. - Stuart Kremsky
Tracks
01. Jump Monk (Charles Mingus)
02. Serenade In Blue (Mack Gordon/Harry Warren)
03. Percussion Discussion (Charles Mingus)
04. Work Song (Union Square)
05. Septemberly (Chappell)
06. All The Things You-C Sharp (Union Square)
CHARLIE MINGUS bass
WILLIE JONES drums
MAX ROACH drums (3)
MAL WALDRON piano
GEORGE BARROW tenor saxophone
EDDIE BERT trombone
Recorded December 23, 1955 at Café Bohemia, New York
Fantasy - 86002