Mingus, Charles
Tijuana Moods (it)
Recorded in New York in 1957 (though not released until 1962), 'Tijuana Moods' was, according to Mingus himself, "the best album I ever made." The music is a vigorous stew of Mexican rhythms and sophisticated post-Ellington arrangements, further invigorated by the soloing of trumpeter Clarence Shaw, trombonist Jimmy Knepper, and, particularly, saxophonist Shafi Hadi. Mingus's vision of Tijuana was clearly sensual, the music evoking strippers, frenetic street scenes, and heart-broken lovers. Making use of suite like thematic material and various forms of counterpoint, the group sounds much larger than it is, and points toward Mingus's later experiments with form. The bristling sound and spirit of the music, however, are its primary attractions - a remarkable place where Mexican fantasy and hard bop meet.