Charles Mingus – Tijuana Moods VG+/VG

Charles Mingus’s “Tijuana Moods” is a simmering pot of innovation, recorded in 1957 but held back from the world until 1962. Though inspired by a trip to the Mexican border town, the music itself transcends geography. It’s a culmination of Mingus’s hard bop and post-bop sensibilities, pushing the boundaries of the genre with his signature intensity. The album features a tight band, challenged by Mingus to reach new heights, resulting in passionate playing and exciting group interplay. Expect original compositions with a catchy, dissonant edge alongside fresh takes on jazz standards. “Tijuana Moods” is a landmark recording, showcasing Mingus’s fiery spirit and solidifying his place as a true jazz pioneer.