The Black Saint And The Sinner Lady

Amazing album full of surprising turns. A lovely, entertaining listen.

This is so badass before badass was a thing! Complex and beautiful. I'm no lover of Jazz, but this simply grabs your neck and slaps you to attention. If you give this a 1, you shouldn't be here. Go spend your time on MyFace and TicTac, and fuck right off!

“Stop! Look! And Sing Songs of Revolutions!" This was so good. Dark, uncomfortable at times. Brilliant

Bello, magari non il mio genere, però, però...

The angry man of jazz has conducted his masterpiece. As though he was orchestrating a ballet for the stage (he was though, as was the case, he wasn't successful), Charles Mingus uses the farthest parts of his brain to compose some of the most arresting work of his career, with a cracking band willingly pushing themselves to make the songs come to life. If one were to compile a list of jazz records to ease on into the genre, it would be a mistake to not consider The Black Saint and the Sinner Lady.

Especially for the early 60’s, this is such a mindblowing piece of music. Cacophony and catharsis, beauty and brutality. Mingus takes his already spectacular ensemble composition chops and levels them up again for this release. This is undoubtedly jazz at the end of the day (influenced by other styles, classical included), but I can see this having an impact on a number of different notable names. Not only the free jazz and fusion artists to come but noise-rock and post-rock which focus on massive instrumental climaxes. 10/10. The Black Saint is a sophisticated, unstable masterpiece.

Wind me up, Chuck

Man, that is some jazz music. Compositional wonder, amazing playing, incredible piece of art.

This was great to listen to. Mingus brings you along through and entire jazzy story. I enjoyed this record so much, but I agree with corbobb that there’s better Mingus out there (Mingus Ah Um imo) still feeling a 5/5 on this, I’ll definitely be listening to this again. Mingus forever!

I did this album a disservice by listening to it on spotify, in my gaming chair, while playing Marvel Rivals, which is what I've been doing for the majority of these albums. This album should be listened to in a grand music hall, played by a jazz orchestra of masters, accompanied by a wonderful ballet. I feel like listening to it how I did meant I only got half the experience. Despite that, this album is a masterpiece, and it should say something that despite feeling like I did the album injustice in how I listened to it its still a clear 5 out of 5.

Made me cum

I really enjoyed this one, but I’ll admit it might be a lot to take in if you’re not sure what you’re getting into. It’s avant-garde jazz at its best, with a hint of Spanish flair and layers that pull from all sorts of influences. It’s almost like each layer has a mind of its own, yet somehow it all comes together perfectly.

qué increible el buen jazz

Classic pretentious album.

Some great bonery, brew kinda vibes, track c fire

This was super fun! I really liked this one. Listened to it probably 3 times.

I don’t know much about jazz but I know this album has a very cool vibe. When I listen to this it makes everything going on around me feel more interesting.

una puta obra de arte, de aquí uno puedo escuchar el sonido propio del jazz: los ritmos libres, la melodía que deambula en un centro porque aquí el caos no es desornado; todo lo contrario, es una tormenta de medianoche en un puerto de new orleans.

does anyone else remember that SNL promo where James Austin Johnson plays bob Dylan and he misremembers musical guest Chappell roan as Charles Mingus. funny stuff. Anyways this is a fantastic album. starting to get a real love for jazz through this project which I 'preciate. Almost makes up for how many mediocre albums it pushes <3

This was a very interesting listen. I found the complex, layered jazz to be so attention-catching. It wasn’t background music, it was music that made you listen hard to it. I loved the unexpected tempo changes and how the same melodic lines at different tempos gave such different vibes. I also liked the individual instrument solos including the flute and out of left field Spanish guitar. I finally understanding the term “crooning trumpet.” It sounded so much like a human voice I had to stop and make sure I wasn’t heaeing an actual voice!

This is my classical music.

Complex and beautiful.

That might be one of the best jazz albums I’ve ever heard. Hell, that might be one of the best albums I’ve ever heard, full stop.

This is such an unusual and striking, yet beautiful and deeply moving album... just brilliance. The kind of music that makes you stop what you doing and demands your full attention to intently listen and take it in. Jazz par excellence 10/10

The GOAT. No jazz album even comes close.

Amazing jazz album! Didnt have to "try" to like it. Great work vibes.

YES!!! 5

MA BOIII MINGUS HELL YEAH

This was already one of my favorites so yeah obvs it’s getting a 5

still the best jazz album ever...nothing quite like it

So I had a day in the oh so pleasant company of Charles Mingus. I started with this album, which I had never heard before, and adored it. It's going to get 5 stars. I had to listen to it a few times to let it all sink in properly. Then I went to try out "MIngus Ah Um", as many people had said it was more accessible. I liked it, but nowhere near as much as "The Black Saint...". It was a little too light for my liking. I would have probably given it 4 stars. I used to hate jazz, seeing it as pretentious music with a lot of gatekeeping and a bad reputation. I gave a few albums a try when I was in my early 20s and found them all annoying to listen to. Something must have changed over the years, as now I find myself drawn to jazz that I would have despised in my youth.

I don't think I really understand this album but I can tell that it's probably a masterpiece. I want to come back to this one and fully appreciate it someday

Jazz + classical (elements of African and Spanish themes), 11-piece band, third stream, avant-garde jazz. Mingus: wrote a ballet, "ethnic folk-dance music". Favourites: all.

Unsettling. 5 stars.

This is good jazz.

This album was a nice surprise. I am a bit embarrassed thar as a jazz lover I had not heard this recording. It was not what I expected from Charles Mingus. I especially liked the range of instrumentation and the latin/Spanish guitar that appeared occasionally.

3rd time this week I've grown a 4.5/5 album I've already heard

as good as it gets. embraces dissonance without using it as a crutch. highly dramatic. perfect argument for the album (as opposed to individual tracks) as the unit of art. motifs emerge, withdraw, and then cacophonously barge in again totally transformed, overlapping across tracks. extracts a great deal of personality from the instrumentation, at time evoking resigned anguish, other times triumphant rebellion. has more compelling narrative structure than most lyrical "concept albums" explicitly telling a story. horns go hard. best jazz album of all time.

so good wow

Complete banger. Every instrument has so much character. Second half of Track D is an emotionally stirring journey.

Fan. Tas. Tic. I’ve always liked anything I’ve heard by Mingus, but was unaware of this. It is orchestral in its movement. So much more than jazz. The first half I listened to driving, the second half through ear buds. I have to go back and relisten so I can more thoroughly enjoy the whole thing. I highly recommend you do yourself a favor and immerse yourself in this through headphones, or at least just focus on this in a room with no other distractions. Enthusiastic two thumbs up.

Not big on jazz but I'm grateful for this project making me listen to this album. It's a stunning project with every instrument being just perfect

A frantic and furious jazz ballet, this paired perfectly with my attempt to digest a day's worth of institutionalized violence, oppression, and injustice.

Brilliant but it is like a forerunner to Heavy Metal fast noise My fave was the drumming ! What a pace

Jazzy 💃

Moody, subtle. An easier listen then most jazz

just one of the most unhinged and amazing accomplishments in the history of music. combines so many styles but always feels so natural and singular that it never comes across as one bit imitation or pastiche...mingus and co just discovered a piece that could only exist in exactly this form. the main developing motif sounds like breathing in and out with various degrees of effort, a fitting image for a record that goes so many strange places in search of pure expressionism. gets more and more emotional every listen...everyone is putting in everything they got. some of the most passionate art thats been made in any medium

- ART - .... another one I'm just not qualified to "rate". -

With jazz, it’s always Mingus, Mingus, Mingus

I'm a jazz troglodyte, but I loved this album from my 1st time hearing it some years ago in college. It feels like everything I'd ever hoped for jazz to be. Simultaneously dark, joyful, catchy, experimental, powerful, and subtle. it works, all of it.

What the jazz...

I just reached track c and oh my God.

Without a doubt, this is one of the greatest albums ever made. This album is so accessible to those less experienced with jazz can still appreciate it, but at the same time breaks so much ground and is immensely creative. The introduction of an acoustic guitar half way through the album is amazing, giving it a more latin feel in its latter half, and having an instrumenta a lot less common within the genre.

Maybe it's my bias as a try-hard bass player, but I loved this. That said, it's definitely an album that I would be reluctant to recommend to anyone who I didn't know already liked jazz.

This album is awe inspiring and is thrilling to listen to. Mingus is a great composer and I felt like each movement really told a story. Wish the list had more stuff like this.

MINGUS

Favorite Mingus.

I always find Mingus a bit "complicated" and I seldom put on an album by him. This one, I did not know. But a nice and great listening. Very clearly a 5 here!

I had it on repeat for hours

I don't really "understand" jazz. This album isn't catchy. It isn't memorable. I couldn't even hum a bar of it. And yet, it's great. You can listen intently, concentrating on each instrument, or you can put it on as background music. Wonderful stuff either way.

I had listened to this a couple of times before and enjoyed it, but never really absorbed it until now. It's not really like any other jazz I've heard before, and is an interesting blend of styles. It is a bit Avant-garde, but not in an off putting way. Very refreshing in general, and I can see how it might work as a ballet. Very emotional and dramatic, with a nice bit of resolution in the end.

General impression: visionary and amazing Detailed review: I’ll be coming back to this for sure. I’m very impressed and a little bowled over by the experience of listening to this album. It’s got these natural swells of energy, and one minute it sounds very composed and the next minute it’s off on some improvisatory flight. Definitely needs more listens to be fully digested, but I’ve heard enough to confidently give this bad boy a 5. Deeper thoughts (context): Score: 5 Number of albums left to review: 943 Number of albums from the list I’d consider “must-listens”: 35 (including this one) Albums from the list I won't include in mine: 23

Awesomness. Frogs at a waltz on vespa scooters. And then cats in pajamas enter from the left. Totally unexpected and amazing.

Another jazz classic, and this one landed nicely on a Sunday to help kick off those chill Sunday vibes I needed. Really enjoyed the blending of some other music styles in to this album, yet still keeping that Mingus’ feel. I needed this as lately I’ve had a lot of middling albums and duds.

much affection as i afford it, the big band jazz orchestra always felt wasted playing swing and 78 rpm single standards. therefore, using the thick sound of big band to make something that never feels simply pleasant, but challenging and complex, works like a cheat code on me. still, my only complaint is that, although the sound and direction of the thing is beautiful, as a ballet, it feels a bit lacking by having no choreography to go along with it. i know people make their own to go along and perform it, but i think the only thing keeping this from being an all timer is not seeing one of those performances live. who knows. maybe someone in Colorado will dare to and i'll revisit this with the proper idea of how one would move to it. God knows i'd embarrass myself if i tried.

The Black Saint and the Sinner Lady is a 1963 studio album from Charles Mingus. Mingus releases an extensive list of recordings, and The Black Saint is regarded as one of his best, and one of the greatest jazz albums ever recorded. This work was composed as a ballet, and was written for the "big band" format that Mingus was performing and recording with in the early 60s. This is Mingus' anguished and joyful picture of the world, told through his rich, textured compositions.

#2: I normally don’t expose myself to jazz but rather enjoy it when I do. This album was a great listen for me. I like that it’s not too long and it has enough variation between tracks to give me some break between listening. The ensemble of instruments over the four tracks adds a layer of character to each track that makes them unique to each other. One track you have a little guitar, some you have flute and piano. It really is a great array of sound. Track D seemed like a great culmination of the previous tracks, but that could just be me guessing. Would definitely like to add this one to my vinyl collection and want to hear more jazz like this.

11/03 yeah this is very cool!

The vibiest shit I ever heard.

I really enjoyed this one, but I’ll admit it might be a lot to take in if you’re not sure what you’re getting into. It’s avant-garde jazz at its best, with a hint of Spanish flair and layers that pull from all sorts of influences. It’s almost like each layer has a mind of its own, yet somehow it all comes together perfectly.

If you didn't give this album five stars I'm not sure this whole music reviewing lark is for you.

I love this album. One of Mingus's two masterpieces. You need the right setting for it, but the single-take approach is awesome.

Well. This is fucking incredible. Never listened to Mingus and I have no idea why. The notes in the book are correct, this certainly announces itself from the very opening bars. Absolutely tremendous stuff. This is the jazz I want. I'll be having a good old dig through his discography. Oh god, it's just magnificent, from the off right to the very end. Absolutely one of the very best albums I've heard out of the nearly 900 I've got through here. Music for the soul.

Original and masterful 4.6

Straight 5*

I'm not sure I'm qualified to speak on the merits of Jazz, but Mingus is definitely one of the greats. I enjoyed this album more than any other jazz album I've listened to. You can feel the emotion poured into the instruments. This album produced more emotion from me than many vocal led albums. Best Songs: Track A, Track C Worst Songs: NA

What an incredible, varied record. The sounds that this band is making are other worldly. There are moments where the jams are so deep that I'm not even sure I could describe the music as "jazz." The brass just waaaaaails. It feels like Modest Mouse at times, then they the flutes come in and kind of chirp like birds. I love how the Spanish Guitar opens and closes sections in different songs. The bass is so humming and grounding. He's working hard on that bass, it’s always moving and progressing, keeping the story flowing. I really love how Avant-Garde a lot of this record gets. I would almost describe it as heavy at parts. Like, it's not exactly easy listening. But it’s also somehow extremely digestible. Which is what makes it so fun, because each song is just going on an ever progressing and regressing journey. It and its down, but always moving. This record was brilliant.

Incredible jazz compositions. Charles Mingus gets it.

Shit a brick, I like a jazz album! For the first time ever in my life! That’s thrown me, what do I do now?

5/5

Swirling, mysterious, provocative. I love it.

Wat een force of nature is deze plaat. We volgen op ''The Black Saint and the Sinner Lady'' een mentale danschoreografie van Charles Mingus, die de luisteraar meeneemt in een chaotische reis. Ik hou van jazz waar de muziek ondanks die wanorde en confusie telkens weer op z'n pootjes terechtkomt, en bij de hand wordt genomen door intrigerende melodieën. De opener is in mijn boek één van de beste (deel)composities in de avant-garde jazz. Zo'n gelikte mix tussen spanning, duisternis en dissonantie enerzijds, en het lichtvoetige en swingende middenstuk anderzijds. En dat einde is pure extase, en is zonder twijfel een inspiratiebron voor vele post-punk bands van vandaag de dag. Bands als Squid, Swans en Viagra Boys maken gretig gebruik van dergelijk geweld. Het tweede stuk van dit album - dat als één compositie ervaren dient te worden - is 'Duet Solo Dancers'. Deze pakt de intieme melodielijn van Track A weer eventjes op, maar onrust en paniek is nooit ver weg op deze plaat. Dat hangt - zoals wel vaker - als een donkere wolk boven zijn muziek. De crescendo naar opnieuw een angstaanjagend slot, weliswaar wat minder dan in Track A, maakt de eerste helft van het album echt een attractie. Daarna komt de meest emotionele passage van het album, 'Group Dancers'. Echt een betoverende melodie, die langzaam transformeert in een ware tango. En zoals valt te verwachten bij een tango in groepsverband, ontpopt Track C zich tot een furieuze dans. De tweede helft van de plaat wordt volledig toegewijd aan Track D. Dit is een clusterfuck aan kalme fases en monsterlijke uitbarstingen. Kantje één had die balans precies goed, maar in dit laatste deel beweegt de muziek iets te veel in cirkels. Neemt niet weg dat die laatste uitbarsting echt ongekend is, en nooit eerder vertoont tot de dag van vandaag. Daar kan geen post-punk band tegenop. En de transitie terug naar de hoofdmelodie van Track A zorgt voor rust, en completeert de zenuwslopende doch fascinerende reis door het hoofd van één van de grootste jazz bandleaders ooit. 9/10 Highlights: Track A - Solo Dancer Track C - Group Dancers

I know better other more accessible albums from Mingus, but this one is really great. Totally crazy. It's full of the things I love in other genres of music: full of contrasts, dissonance, experimentation, and just enough melodies to keep you afloat.

I really enjoyed this album. Listened to it a few times. Will definitely be checking out his other albums.

Mingus was a mad genius and this album clearly shows it. Even after a few listens it's still has passages that sound like it's delivered from some extraterrestrial life form. It's remarkable his evolution from just a few years prior. This album get's 5 stars for the innovation and sadly it appears to be the only Mingus album on the list.

Charles Mingus might be the single biggest musical impact on my life. 5 stars doesn't even come close to covering it

When it comes to jazz music, my adventure, like many others, started with this seminal '63 Mingus record. And if anyone were to ask me where they should start with jazz music, I'd probably recommend this record, with the other obvious pick being Miles Davis' 'Kind of Blue'. Honestly, I'm no jazz expert, but to my ears, 'The Black Saint And The Sinner Lady' presents some of the genre's hookiest, most direct, versatile, and diverse-sounding music. I mean listen to the flute and piano-driven motif that's established early on in 'Group Dancers' and then bought back several times throughout the following medley. Or the flamenco-inspired guitar that comes in a couple of times backed by nothing but deafening silence or this lone saxophone that patiently croons along to it. And when the horn section comes in, it sounds so brisk and heavy, so full-sounding - it's difficult to describe exactly but it's undeniably evocative nevertheless. It feels like a cold winter day out in the city - as cliche as that might sound. Mingus, while being the bassist and pianist here, is also the genius composer behind this album. And it *does* feel composed, something jazz purists were probably relishing at the advent of the free jazz movement. It has its classical sensibilities but also easily slides into these chaotic pockets before seamlessly transforming back into its more structured and melodic form. I'd say this is best demonstrated near the ~11-minute mark of the closing medley. As for what I think this album is about - well honestly I don't know. This album does create a strong mood, though it's one steeped in abstraction and mystery. As the liner notes and names of the songs indicate, it's an album that often relates itself to movement or dancing with a song like 'Duete Solo Dancers' cooling up the tempo and the following 'Group Dancers' slowly boiling it up again before it bursts in the closing medley. Hearing this record for the first time years back as a kid who wanted nothing to do with jazz and its enigmatic compositions, this album really opened my ears to this kind of music. Obviously, with those floodgates open, I'd go on to not only listen to more jazz but also to more daunting projects in general. It takes a really special (and incredible) album to change the way you think about music.

This album made me feel a lot of things. I have a really hard case of ADHD and this crazy chaotic music made me feel at peace. My wife on the other hand could not stand it so I switched to headphones laid down on my bed, closed my eyes and just completely drifted away. It does not happen to me very often. I always need to be doing something else when listening to the music. Drawing, walking with my dog, exercising, the list goes on. It's very hard for me to just sit down and listen. Not this time. Thanks Mingus, you made me want to get into jazz on a much deeper scale than before!

Although I don't regularly listen to any form of jazz, I always appreciate the chance to get exposed to a jazz album and/or artist. It's nice to get a distinctively different style from previous jazz albums in this collection, and I enjoyed the album and the ebb and flow of each track, although as with most instrumental-focused music (especially long tracks) I find it's sometimes hard to stay focused and actively appreciative, but not as much as I expected with this album. I could even sort of visualize the various dances over the course of the album, which even I'm surprised by (and would likely make my mother proud, as she tried so hard with my brothers and me to instill some sort of ability to appreciate classical music and the themes and storylines; in that sense, this album (vaguely) reminds me of an infinitely more interesting, mature and wild version of story-based classical pieces like "Peter and the Wolf" or "The Nutcracker Suite"). I think my favorite movement/track was "Track B - Duet solo dancers" (subtitled "Hearts' Beat and Shades in Physical Embraces"); but I also really liked the unexpected Spanish/flamenco guitar in "Mode D - Trio and Group Dancers" ("Stop! Look! And Sing Songs of Revolutions!"). I also just *really* enjoyed a completely unexpected experience listening to this "jazz" album. I liked it that the Wikipedia entry included the subtitles to each movement; I was bummed that the entry overall was remarkably sparse on details or even narrative flow, given how highly rated this album has been for so many people. I also appreciated the "1001 Albums" entry for this album, not just for highlighting how masterful the drummer is on this album at keeping everything moving in the right direction, but also for the broader context of this almost genre-defying album.

One of the top 5 jazz albums of all time. Takes you through a spiritual journey.

YAYYYYYYYYYYYYY <3 solo dancers- 8 or 9 duete solo dancers- 8 or 9 group dancers- mingus in the studio is like: this is the most gorgeous and insane piece people have ever seen... drop it. 9 medley- 9 or 10 he saved me

Very evocative and conceptualized. Does not feel meandering or indulgent at all. Very intentional and interesting orchestration. I quite enjoy Mingus 👍

soulful

dark and brilliant

Not an album, but a symphony. I can see why someone wouldn’t be into this, but it worked for me. What that asshat John Zorn wishes he could be.

++: Track A – Solo Dancers, Track B – Duete Solo Dancers, Track C – Group Dancers, Mode D – Trio and Group Dancers, Mode E – Single Solos and Group Dance, Mode F – Group and Solo Dance 9,7/10

I don't normally listen to jazz, but this is a masterpiece. It combines the best of classical and popular music along an experimental vibe

This was my first time listening to a jazz album. I loved it. At first listen I probably would've given it 4 stars but the more I listen the more it grows on me. I like how it can sound so dissonant yet be so engaging and simply beautiful at the same time. Fave: track C

Tremendous stuff. My favourite jazz record of all time

This is some seriously next level shit. Brilliant and clear production, this album will change your life. 5/5

One of jazz's most daring and exciting records ever. Its multi-segmented pieces range from avant-garde horn playing, beautiful guitar solos, to absolute sonic chaos when everyone starts to play progressively faster. An absolute thrill from start to finish, and a testament to Mingus' ability to elevate everyone as a bandleader.

Freaking awesome!!!!

Mingus is one to watch. This is the type of Jazz I want to listen to.

Álbum caótico e barulhento do melhor jeito possível. As vezes é difícil esse tipo de som instrumental e desordenado "clicar" - ainda mais de primeira - mas quando ele "clica" é um sentimento único, algo que o que é cantado. o que é dito não consegue alcançar. Álbum que tem que ser ouvido na ordem: começar do começo e terminar no final, a divisão entre músicas é puramente para organização.

love jazz and mingu

Short and sweet! I love the space and instrumentation

1963 !!! Intelligent, intransigeant, novateur, indémodable. Mingus reconnaissable entre mille !

just some stonking good jazz. it's jazz week at uni and I listened to this staring out the window at the very determined rain. it's 1pm and practically dark with clouds. today's album generation knew exactly the wavelength. I didn't want to stop listening, and I'm definitely adding this to the regular rotation! a revelation

I've listened to a bunch of Mingus before, but never this album. (I'd strongly recommend people check out his "Blues & Roots" album - jazz that ROCKS! 🤘) Within the first 30 seconds I knew I was gonna absolutely LOVE this - instantly transported to some over-the-top chaotically animated noir world - this is absolutely the soundtrack for getting tangled up in sinister underworld machinations at the behest of a femme fatale that's only told you half of the story! 🕵️‍♀️ Would love to see a dance performance to this, though would probably prefer something more modern/interpretive to ballet, but I'd take ballet, sure! Fave track - Let's say "Solo Dancer" as it's the gateway to the album, but the whole thing is sublime!

when i saw this was my album of the day i thought 'YESSSSSSSSSS' because it is so good

I know nothing about jazz (or music in general tbh), which normally means I give its albums a 3 as it always feels a bit distant to me. Not this though, it doesn't matter if I dunno what's going on, I can't help but groove and enjoy it. Fav tracks: - All

Incredible jazz album, one of the greatest

Love this

Classic

one shot album, those were great times

Sonic storytelling at its finest. I don’t always enjoy jazz, but this was a great experience.

Beautiful, Dark, Melancholic, and Touching

One of the best jazz albums of all time, Definitely a classic.

Opening track is amazing. So intriguing immediately, makes me feel like i'm in a dream fantasy world. I love the sound of this record, the trumpet is incredible. Such an incredible album. Maybe one of the best pieces of music I've ever heard. 5

An all-time jazz classic for a reason. 5.0/5.0: Iconic

An all-time great, the best Jazz composition ever made. Mad genius front to back, and track D is monumental. Top 5 albums ever made handily, and this site's score feels a little racist, ngl.

Big band isn’t my favourite style of Jazz, but the way Mingus subverts the genre on this record to create an atmospheric and nightmarish soundscape, with interpolations of blues and flamenco, is astonishing.

BL: listened to this album once before due to it being heavily lauded by 21st century jazz heads on the web. Me being one of them myself was interested to sample the wares. I remember not thinking much of this, though I was around 15 or 16 at the time and hadn’t developed the taste for jazz that I have now. So I will see how it holds up on the relisten AL: this was a very good album. While to me it pails to something like Headhunters by Hancock this stands out as an amazing piece of song cycle jazz and I’m very glad to have heard it. I think it’ll take multiple listens to fully dissect everything going on here, but I’m sure I will be coming back to it. FT: “Track C - Group Dancers” 5/5

Album 412 of 1001 Charles Mingus - The Black Saint And The Sinner Lady Rating : 5 / 5 Not top rated in the sense of a competition with something like Automatic for the People or Dark Side of the Moon...but top rated because it is one of the best jazz albums I've heard. I'm no aficionado, but I know what I like.

This album was incredible. I can get why they call it one of the best jazz records of made. Mingus killed it with this one.

You want tripped out jazz?! You got tripped out jazz mother fucker! Mingus might be at the height of his career on this record, bringing in Spanish influences, African rhythms, and complex time signatures that keep you glued to what you're hearing.

I believe jazz to be intrinsically romantic and cinematic, and this album is a grand, sweeping sonic narrative—a heart-swelling, emotionally epic journey that encapsulates the seductive and transporting powers inherent to the genre.

Charles Mingus's "The Black Saint and the Sinner Lady" is a groundbreaking masterpiece that transcends the boundaries of jazz, merging various styles and influences into a cohesive and innovative work of art. Released in 1963, this album remains a pinnacle of Mingus's career, showcasing his unparalleled talent as a composer, bandleader, and bassist. In this review, I'll delve into the album's lyrics, music, production, themes, and influence, while also highlighting its pros and cons. **Lyrics:** Unlike many jazz albums, "The Black Saint and the Sinner Lady" doesn't feature traditional lyrics. Instead, Mingus utilizes the language of music to convey his narrative. Each movement tells a story, rich in emotion and imagery. From the fiery passion of "Track A – Solo Dancer" to the melancholic introspection of "Track E – Group Dancers," Mingus's compositions evoke a range of feelings without the need for words. This allows listeners to interpret the music in their own unique way, deepening their connection to the album. **Music:** Mingus's music is complex and multifaceted, blending elements of jazz, classical, and avant-garde into a rich tapestry of sound. His compositions are densely layered, with intricate arrangements that demand attention to detail. The album features a large ensemble, including brass, woodwinds, and strings, allowing Mingus to explore a wide range of textures and timbres. From the chaotic cacophony of "Track B – Duet Solo Dancers" to the haunting beauty of "Track C – Group Dancers," Mingus demonstrates his mastery of musical expression, captivating listeners with his dynamic performances. **Production:** Produced by Bob Thiele, "The Black Saint and the Sinner Lady" is a testament to Mingus's meticulous attention to detail. Thiele's production captures the raw energy and intensity of Mingus's performances, while also highlighting the subtleties of his compositions. The album's sound quality is exceptional, with each instrument given its own space to shine. Thiele's skillful mixing and mastering ensure that every nuance of Mingus's music is preserved, allowing listeners to fully immerse themselves in the experience. **Themes:** Thematically, "The Black Saint and the Sinner Lady" explores the duality of human nature, as represented by the titular characters. Mingus uses his music to delve into the complexities of good and evil, love and hate, redemption and damnation. Each movement tells a different facet of this overarching narrative, weaving together themes of passion, longing, and despair. Mingus's compositions are deeply introspective, inviting listeners to reflect on their own inner struggles and contradictions. **Influence:** "The Black Saint and the Sinner Lady" has had a profound influence on the world of jazz and beyond. Mingus's innovative approach to composition has inspired countless musicians, from jazz legends like John Coltrane and Miles Davis to contemporary artists like Kamasi Washington and Esperanza Spalding. The album's fusion of genres and styles has paved the way for future generations of musicians to explore new creative territories. Its enduring legacy continues to resonate with audiences around the world, cementing its status as a timeless classic. **Pros:** 1. **Innovative Composition:** Mingus's compositions push the boundaries of jazz, incorporating elements of classical and avant-garde music to create a truly unique sound. 2. **Emotional Depth:** The album's richly textured music conveys a wide range of emotions, from joy and passion to sorrow and despair, resonating deeply with listeners. 3. **Technical Mastery:** Mingus's virtuosic performances and the exceptional skill of his ensemble demonstrate a high level of technical proficiency and musical expertise. 4. **Influence:** "The Black Saint and the Sinner Lady" has had a lasting impact on the world of jazz and contemporary music, inspiring generations of musicians with its groundbreaking approach. **Cons:** 1. **Complexity:** Mingus's music can be challenging for some listeners, particularly those who are not familiar with jazz or avant-garde music. 2. **Length:** With six extended movements, the album may be daunting for listeners accustomed to shorter, more concise musical compositions. 3. **Intense Themes:** The album's exploration of dark and existential themes may not be suitable for all listeners, particularly those seeking more lighthearted or uplifting music. In conclusion, "The Black Saint and the Sinner Lady" is a timeless masterpiece that continues to captivate and inspire listeners more than five decades after its release. Mingus's innovative compositions, emotive performances, and profound thematic depth make this album a landmark achievement in the history of jazz music. While its complexity and intense themes may not be to everyone's taste, for those willing to delve into its depths, "The Black Saint and the Sinner Lady" offers a truly transcendent musical experience.

WOW. I probably would need 10+ listens to even approach appreciating this correctly, but even with my 2 I was pretty in love. The instrumentation is great and the piano work is also great!

Beautiful, vibrant.

Great album all of the songs were great and the sax goes so hard. No complaints here.

There are a couple of Jazz albums in here I'm looking forward to but this wasn't one of them. It would have been, if I had heard it before. Which I *think* I had not. Magnificent. Not easily digestible at times - Wikipedia taught me the term "Third Stream" - but it's all good every time Dannie Richmond starts drumming again. Been playing this all day.

This might be my favourite album I hadn't heard before so far

5 / 10 Jazz. Siempre me parece que hacen un trabajo de 10, pero que no es lo mío.

One of my favorite musicians of all time

That's one incredible musical achievement by Mingus. A love at first listening to me. The creativity and flow of this piece never stops amazing me, and I always find new details every time I come back. A must for each music enthusiast.

This album makes that Bill Evans album look like a fucking preschool recital, holy shit. What an instant 5. The layering on every instrumental is perfectly done, the mixing is fabulous, and the avant garde composition of the piano, the brass, and the percussion — good lord, the percussion — is a masterclass in jazz. For 1963, this is experimental as hell, but it’s aged beautifully well. The quickest 40 minutes of an album experience I think I’ve had so far, but in a really pleasing way that had me encapsulated the entire time. I’m really deeply impressed by how much this sort of touched me, and I’m glad I listened to it. Fantastic album, easy 5.

Sounds like a smoky room

A challenging listen which I don't think is just a jazz album. With the dissonance and odd rhythm choices, I'm reminded of Stravinsky's 'The Rite of Spring'. The big band approach is taken and turned on its head with the instruments seemingly communicating with each other, depicting different voices and personalities and coming to a cacophony by the close.

Amazing jazz album, so well composed and performed, keeping you engaged the entire time, love how progressive the sound can get, you don't know where it's gonna take you

A true masterpiece. Top-notch composition and performances. 5/5

After countless listens, this album never seizes to amaze me. The way the seemingly chaotic and disparate parts weave in an out of the melody, while always remaining in precisely the right place, no instrument is ever lacking, no instrument is ever overbearing. The whole thing is a perfect cacophony of seamlessly arranged unpredictability, complete with an immaculately timed flamenco interjection. To say I adore this album would be a gross understatement. Inject these sounds into my veins. When I die, I hope they take my ashes, mix them with vinyl and press them into a copy of this album. The entirety of the human experience can be summed up in these short 39 minutes. If the world were to end tomorrow, I hope somewhere there is a concrete bunker with a copy of this album and a record player to play it, so that future interstellar explorers may stumble upon the remains of our civilization, and know that once, a species lived here, that was capable of great art.

the red drives me insane, im glad its always there. the option to show my insides, hope no one stares. it stings, it hurts, i love not to care. alone, sitting atop my back broken chair. in my own lair, im a prisoner. im a lioness, so mystical. when i set sail, through the cyclical. and my mind flails, egotistical. mingus the goat, more like the feds

One of the all time greatest albums.

I love jazz so much.

There might be more consequential figures in the history of jazz - no one is shoving Miles, Trane, Monk, Billie, Duke, Ella or Louis off the 7-headed Mount Rushmore. There might be more popular jazz musicians - Brubeck, Herbie, Getz. But I'm not sure there is a better, more versatile jazzman than Charlie Mingus, whose bass playing is so good he was sought after by almost everyone I've already named, and who was so gifted he proved to be an excellent pianist as well. The Black Saint and The Sinner Lady is a towering achievement. A 40 minute ballet, with liner notes from his therapist, composed for eleven players (an undectet?), you could listen to it every day for a year and find something new to appreciate each time. Of particular note is the classical guitar of Jay Berliner, who would go on to play on Van Morrison's Astral Weeks, an equally towering work. But I digress: Mingus is king.

Big band jazz that covers all sorts of ground, including folk music, classical elements, and jazz solos. Never lulls or drifts into wankery. Radiohea'ds National Anthem horn section sounds inspired by the final track.

WOW! Great Suggestion!

The musical achievement on this record is difficult to fathom. Mingus heard this in his head. And it was recorded in ONE DAY.

If you liked the Black Saint part wait until you get to the Sinner Lady part. Fire energy. Really cool melodies across the whole ensemble.

One of the best jazz albums I’ve ever heard, end of story. This was great!

This is the rainy days jazz that I love. He did some things with that trumpet I have never heard before. 9/10

Genuinely one of the greatest album that I’ve heard EVER

Spanish guitar! Then a well-deserved five star.

Definitely dig this... It’s so cool and expressive. Inventive. At least a 4.5.

The wild energy of the music propelling the dancers across the stage in my mind, bounding between chaotic and serene, my only complaint is that it was over too soon. Beautiful.

Sometimes I read the global reviews and just shake my head. This is one of those times. This album gets dubbed “avant garde” but in my opinion it’s highly accessible. Written as a ballet piece, the movements make sense throughout the tracks. There’s a nice blend of bop, orchestral and flamenco music. Not sure why I’ve never listened through a Mingus record before but this is worth every minute.

awesome jazz

I personally hate the posturing and posing that goes into loads of jazz. The directionlessness of the songs. The noodling in a twelve bar for 9 minutes. The prevailing sense of snootiness. However, this record shows everything I love about the genre. Every song has intense use of dynamics and structure. Each piece is sculptured thoughtfully and imaginatively. There are shocking instrumental turns everywhere you look. This is an album, a fully realised statement, not a meaningless pile of noodling. Anything less than a five would be daft.

One of my favorite Mingus albums. This has been in my rotation for years. Gives you a strong feel for what this genius was up to.

What a wild ride. So many different paths to travel. Chaotic/serene. Fast/slow. Beautiful solo parts by every instrument and then collision of group effort. One of a kind

Mas duro que el puto pan de ayer

Love ❤️ Jazz.., this instrumental experimental was fantastic!!

Mommy was 3 months pregnant! I loved the infusion of Spanish guitar into the progressive jazz.

I think it’s Mingus’s best, better than Ah Um. Daring and sophisticated. A big cohesive statement that mixes musical styles. 5 stars

This rules

I love Jazz, I think that’s the starting point on a jazz album. There is something about it I’ve always loved and this sounded great to me! Album cover is awesome!

Dinery's list missed *Mingus, Ah, Um", inexplicably, but at least it contains the post-bop / progressive big band masterpiece *The Black Saint and the Sinner Lady", thank goodness. Jazz has rarely sounded as wild and lively as in here, with so many crazy build-ups duriing the evocative dance pieces and atonal experiments found in this memorable record. The mere fact that Mingus' shrink wrote part of the album's liner notes speaks volumes (even if those notes are more a tongue-in-cheek joke than anything else). Not for the faint of heart, obviously, but 5 stars nonetheless. Number of albums left to review: approximately 300 (I've temporarily lost count here) Number of albums I'll include in my own list: half so far, approximately (including this one) Number of albums I *might*  include: a quarter, approximately. Number of albums I'll never include: another quarter (many others are more important to me)

Pretty dope stuff. Instrumental virtuoso, jazzy, eclectic, fun.

So good

♥️

•Not owned: Streaming •A demanding fever dream of improvisation. Moments feel like a walk in a neon-lit noir city—you pick which coast—safe and strolling but unaware of the eyes that peer from the shadows. Others gain momentum and then abandon you on the sidewalk. You come to at the end of its 40 minute run and wonder when it's going to return. •5/5

5 stars from the first note

Excellent experimental jazz. The whole album is essentially one piece, conceived as a ballet.

The Black Saint and the Sinner Lady is a stunningly complex and expressive story that doesn’t need words. In four songs, it’s able to convey a lifetime of experience. We begin with “Solo Dancer”. The Black Saint is a good man, doesn’t drink a lot, but incredibly lonely. The Sinner Lady tries to be good but fails a lot, and burning so many people makes you alone. In “Solo Dancers” the two find themselves in the same smoky bar, catch each other’s eyes, and are immediately thrown into a whirlwind of doubts, fears, and temptations. Eventually they meet on the dance floor, finding who they want to be with one another (“Group Dancers”) and how they want to be in the world (“Melody”). This is by far my favorite album on this list thus far

This shit blew me away. There's not a single dull moment on this entire thing, which I really didn't expect going into a jazz album. Every instrument just feels like it plays its own role to perfection, and each time they busted out that guitar I nearly came. It also somehow felt like it just kept getting better as it went on. I think I need to listen to more jazz now. 10/10

MARAVILHOSO! Jazz com elementos diversos: musica flamenca, brasileira e sons que podem soar estranhos à música "correta". Incrível

I loved this album

otsaan muodostuu hikipisara..valo heijastaa naaman...keuhkoja tärähtää...vauhti kiihtyy...pakko puhaltaa...pakko puhaltaa voimalla...silmät sulkeutuvat, kulmakarvat mutrulle...ärtyisenä, ei, vihaisena... rumpali menee kyyryasentoon, kauhuinen katse... ei saa läähättää...otsa hiessä...rööri syljessä, limassa, rääässä... nopeutuu, nopeutuu...tajunta katoaa...ja ilmestyy muualle.. toisessa maailmassa...missä olen...en täällä...puhalla, puhalla, PUHALLA. sormet liikkuu itsestään...kuin masiina linjastolla konsanaan.. uskomaton albumi duete solo dancers

Possibly the best jazz album ever made, it's one of those albums where there is this like "11/10 sheen" that I stumble upon in albums with super high ratings. It's a suite with some of the best big band playing ever recorded. Waves of saxophones and trumpets.

Großartiger Krach

one of the best things ive ever listened to no joke

Great old classic.

Excellent

really interesting!!

It's a Mingus album.

At times gloriously noisy and at other times quiet and intimate, this is Gershwin levels of fantastic as the album takes you through so many sonic textures -- big band improvisation, classical-ish guitar (!) and wailing saxophones and wah-ing trombones.

Loved this one

Charles Bingus

this album is oddly beautiful. it sounds as chaotic as it sounds gorgeous. even when i first listened to it i liked it very much even not being as much into jazz as i am today. its an extent to what was being done in jazz on the late 50s with the incorporation of more "foreign" sounds. the way they come back with harmonies youre already familiar with and then add a dissonant sound to make it less comfortable gets me everytime. also i remember thinking it was amazing that something from 1963 could sound that crazy. now i see its not the only album from that time with this sound but it is still one of the best exemples of it.

Loved this album, it has a very unique sound. It really doesn't sound like it's 60+ years old. I listed to it multiple times, and will continue to listen to it in future.

Experimental jazz at it's finest. You can clearly hear the creativity and musicality, but is not so chaotic that is sounds like a bunch of random notes thrown together. Mingus may not have been the best person, but he was a grateful musician

This album Is so experimental and I love it

Not normally my style but it grovved

I'm not really a fan of avant-garde jazz but this really works for me. It sounds noir-ish, urban, and bold. The Spanish influences surprised me. It's not a very casual listen and I could understand how this might not be for everyone, it's definitely challenging. An interesting vision and an accomplishment to make it happen.

Je ne connaissais pas cet album de Mingus, excellente découverte. Très bons saxophones.

Fabulous Despite having no lyrics, this album tells a more meaningful story than almost any, a true musical journey. Several times better than Kind of Blue, if you ask me

Needs a re-listen but superb

Excellent jazz album

I know nothing about the quality of jazz, but as a whole this album ruled. It weaves motifs throughout creating new, yet familiar, melodies that ultimately built up an established story for the listener. This easily could have been played along with a LA noire film and, for that, I loved it. 5/5 Fav song: C

One of the greatest albums I’ve ever heard.

Incredible.

I've struggled getting Mingus in the past, but this album is incredible. What beautiful orchestration and composition. The balance of the group is incredible and the themes are kicked around and reformed so well throughout. I could probably listen to this thirty more times and still pick out new things I missed. The ballet aspect comes through for me. All of my favorite music tells a story and particularly tells a story through the music. This lives up to the hype as a masterpiece.

Really good one of my favorite jazz albums ever

Brilliant!

Perfekte Mischung aus Eleganz und Verve Das Medley gefällt mir nicht so ganz wie der Rest

Even though I'm not an avid listener of Jazz music, this album really shows the beauty os this genre, and Mingus true genius with his gorgeous musical arrangement.

This offering takes a while to to come to terms with and appreciate if you’re new to the genre. I look forward to experiencing it multiple times so I can gain a better understanding of it.

10/10

I am not by any means particularly well versed in jazz culture or popular jazz albums. I know the big ones, like A Love Supreme, Kind of Blue, and Bitches Brew. But you couldn't quiz me on jazz. So when this album was generated for me, I felt as if the cover and title were vaguely familiar. I did what I usually do when I get an album, which is quickly search it up on RYM. To learn this album is the highest rated jazz album ever, and in the top 15 of all time was very surprising. After listening to it, I can see where it comes from. This album masters one specific thing. It manages to be abrasive without being unpleasant or overwhelming. There is a very tense energy of the wailing brass instruments on this. But it doesn't stop there. Take Track C for example. It opens with this beautifully haunting piano, and then the main melody is led by these flutes. For some reason, those particular flutes just scratch at your ears in the perfect way. That song in particular might be one of the finest jazz songs I've ever heard. Track B also carries that same claustrophobic energy. The whole band does this build-up thing where it keeps getting louder and faster. And you are just waiting for the moment it crescendos and comes crashing down. But it stops much calmer than you would expect. Like a train driver hitting the brake and stopping the train a foot from your face. I think compositionally this album is also a masterclass. I'm not really sure what parts Charlie plays in this other than the piano, but the way he composes his band is genius. If you really try and focus on each individual person and what they are playing, you might drive yourself mad. It is like there are two different songs playing at the same time, and yet it manages to come together perfectly. Each player has full confidence in each other, and they just run wild and make it work. It takes the most impressive aspect of jazz instrumentation and turns it up to eleven. In a way, I can understand why this would be number fourteen of all time. At the same time though, I don't see it. This album is amazing, no doubt. But I am not completely gushing over it. I am all for this slightly more aggressive form of jazz, but I think there are more traditional jazz records I will enjoy more than this in the future.

Probably like the best jazz album of all time. this is a national accomplishment. the way it all flawlessly seems together is amazing. listen to this

awesome album. every instrumentalist is excellent.

Yeah, now we're boogieing!

Prachtig jazzalbum

Ez 5. One of my favorite jazz albums.

I genuinely think I've listened to this 200 times. A seminal album for my middle / high school experience. 4.5/5

Absolutely outstanding. This album takes you to a different place and this album is great

Wow! This music is fantastic, loved the energy, the flow of the music, the atmosphere. Like I love e.g. the Comet Is Coming, bring on the adventure and organised chaos. It is clear that compared to the Miles Davis we had before this is my type of Jazz. Hope we get more jazz in the 1001 list so I can develop my taste in Jazz.

Very engaging, big lively parts, catchy parts, great musicianship, excellent album

exceptional, solo dancer was the main track i remembered but it's easily the worst on the record, track B and the medley are both outrageously good, i'll hand this over a 5 for this site but for me personally it's a 4.5/5

The first songs intro with the horns hit some weird frequency in my headphones that made it unbearable. Skipping forward a minute or so I found a very interesting jazz album. It sounds tight with the right amount of experimentatorn and improvisation. "Track B - Duet Solo Dancers" has a great build up and release. The classical inspired piano is great in "Track C" and just as it ends you get hit with some flamenco and then sax solos. Every new song brought something different to the table that made me think "No this is my new favorite track of the album". I find that often with jazz albums that they take multiple listens to get really into but this album was so good after just one listen.

This was a trip!

This was just very very good

Great piece of art

"The Black Saint And The Sinner Lady" is a studio album by American jazz double bassist, composer and bandleader Charles Mingus. The album is a single composition partially written as a ballet and divided into four tracks and six movements. It blends jazz and classical styles integrating African music and Spanish themes. Mingus used an 11-piece band. This album is considered one of the best jazz records of all time. I'll back that from what I've heard. "Track A - Solo Dancer" starts with drums and multiple horns. I think a tuba gives a grinding sound in the background. Multple layers of horns (throughout this album too) and horn solos. The pace slows down with the bass plodding along. "Track B - Duet Solo Dancers" opens with a piano. Multple saxophones take center stage. Very seductive. The pace picks up into almost constructive chaos. A flute take the lead in the beginning of "Track C -Group Dancers." Ah, let's throw in a Spanish guitar. Lookout, everyone joins the fun. You could listen to this song ten times, just focus on one instrument and hear a different song. Together...gorgeous. And, they bring it altogether in the closer "Mode D," "Mode E" and "Mode F." All the instruments are involved. The pace changes constantly. They combine all of what they were doing before. The most dramatic of the pieces. A great ending. Yeah, this is one heck of a musical achievement. It is one of the most complex jazz albums I've heard with all the layers of horns. I'd say this is busy but in a good way. Mingus does give certain instruments space occasionally. It plays like a movie soundtrack at times. With my limited jazz experience, the albums I tend to like the best are the ones with different lead instruments and pace changes. This has that in spades. Fantastic.

Intense album for an emotionally intense day July 1, 2023

Really cool jazz album! Mingus Dew!!!

This album is so wild. Really unique and love the ensemble improvisation and composition.

Really dug this and definitely going to revisit. Such masterful writing and arranging. I love jazz records like this that somehow manage to feel groovy and chaotic at the same time.

Classic

Badass.

The Black Saint and The Simmer Lady was a forward thinking project that encapsulated feelings of fun, adventure, and mystery.

The jazz albums included here never fail to awe and delight. What a spectacular soundscape. Amazing.

Great

This album is a masterpiece, it's all I ever want in a piece of music. It feels like there is a communing with a higher power on this record. It's universal and sacramental. Just an amazing composition. Mingus was and forever is the master.

5.0 + I picture a distinguished gentleman dressed in formal evening attire who's had a few too many and is stumbling around midtown Manhattan trying unsuccessfully to hail a cab so he can meet his ladyfriend for dinner and a show. He looks dashing but he can hardly walk, and he curses pointedly at passing cars that honk for him to get back on the sidewalk.

Probably my favorite jazz record?

Hard to find a fault, an electric listen. Easy to get lost in, make interpretations, or just appreciate some impressive musicianship. Breaking a rule as its probably not one I'm coming back to incredibly regularly, but for what it is, it's a 5-bagger. Fave track: Track A

His fingus make the stringus singus. I can't really claim to have an extensive knowledge of experimental jazz, but I do know this is one of the big ones. This record really pulls you in and engages you throughout. Full of jarring left-turns and enough little pockets of repeated melodies teased about that the songs seem both familiar and surprising for its duration. A distinctly entertaining listening experience. I'm a sucker for an extensive medley with multiple movements that take up an entire side of a disc so my favourite track for this record was 'Mode D - Trio and Group Dancers/ Mode E - Single Solos and Group Dance / Mode F - Group and Solo Dance'

totally amazing

Love me some jazz

Trumpet mutes and piano were dope. Best jazz album I've heard.

maybe it’s too generous but the sounds on here are j too cool

Extraordinary. It feels like the spirit of Modernism remains alive and well in this collection, which by turns rages, celebrates, swings and broods. Notwithstanding the incredible musicianship, in some moments the sound conjured up puts one in mind of the immensity of an angry ocean. I think Becker and Fagen took cues from some of the horn work here for 'Royal Scam'. Love the Spanish guitar. Mingus was the Man.

playing this on repeat in my evil lair

What an album ‘Side 2’ was amazing Would love to see this as a ballet, the way it was intended

Stop! Look! And Listen, one of the greatest jazz records I've listened to so far. I haven't listened to many to be fair but this is a great one. Such a good listen. An interesting blend of smooth jazz and sudden bursts of excitement and uneasiness makes this one pretty unique and enjoyable. All tracks are great. Personal Enjoyment - 9 Songwriting - 10 Originality - 9 Production Value - 10 Artwork - 10 Overall - 9.5

10/10 refreshingly unique take on jazz I don’t know much about Charles Mingus but I’ll definitely be looking into more of his stuff soon

Masterpiece 5*

5/5. Honestly an amazing jazz album. It feels so innovative and amazing. Although I may not play it all the time, it just feels so necessary and unique.

On the line between free jazz freak outs and sweet grooves

god

great soung, makes the heart beat faster

Brilliant album if you're into jazz.

Discazo.

Absolutely loved listening to this album. Gorgeous jazz music. I have added it to my Spotify rotation to return to when I’m in the mood. Stunning.

This ruled. 4.5/5

This was my first experience with Charles Mingus, and I’ve got to note that this is one of the most musically interesting Jazz albums I’ve ever heard. Mingus and Co. really are wonderful musicians. The starting moments on Track B are so sweet and delightful when flowing through from Track A. What genius. 4.75/5, but let’s round up, shall we?

Очень хороший джазз. Неожиданно энергичный и как будто стреляющий во все стороны каждым инструментом. Всё гармонично, красиво и трогательно до глубины души.

gorgeous. i could listen to jazz all day

Remek djelo konceptualnog jazza s jakim klasičarskim impulsom

Amazing album. I love how dark and psychologically brooding it is. Definitely need to get the vinyl. Never mind I actually just bought it ope.

woooow 5

Greazy, dark, tight, filthy jazz. Full disclosure here: I fucking hate jazz. I hate the tootling, self aggrandizing bullshit. but I. love. Charles Mingus. It's gutteral, dirty, almost scatalogical. Whereas jazz is so often cerebral, long winded, unstructured and lame - this feels rhythmic, deep, penetrative, and primeval. Brilliant

One of the best albums of all time

Never heard this before - amazing! Recorded in one day! Only 11 people - sounds like many more!

Changed my life

A great classic!

So good, how have I not come across this album before now? I like jazz but don't listen to it regularly, electro wins out generally for me. Still have listened to Mingus before. Never heard Mingus like this though. Gorgeous. One for the repeat list, makes me wish I had it on vinyl (and a vinyl player, AND room for one!).

I like the part where it goes doot doot

Jazz is not my favorite. But I can recognize and appreciate the talent it took to make this album.

Really great

Beautifully chaotic. Went straight out and found another album of his to listen to.

jazzao muito massa aham

Un classique. Comment combiner des arrangements hyper riches avec des trippes et un jeu super organique. On joue avec les dynamiques, les tempos et tout ce qui est possible. L’album ne sert pas à mettre en valeur la contrebasse, mais la musique. Superbe !

Mingus is one of the greatest bandleaders in jazz. This album is a multi part song cycle that borrows from jazz, classical, Latin, and African music. It is at times more accessible and more abstract at others. Structured loosely as a ballet, this album remineded me somewhat of Stravinsky's Rite of Spring. This is one of those pieces of music that transcends genre and will stand as a work of genius.

Reminded me why I love good jazz.

Great morning album especially the 18minute ending tune

Just the best jazz album ever

I think this is awesome music and should be required listening. I don't know how Mingus was able to pull off the combination of styles with a free jazz vibe, but he did. At times it sounds like a soundtrack, at times an avant-garde troupe playing live. A magnificent suite.

I feel supremely unqualified to comment on any jazz album's quality relative to another's, but I will say that out of all the jazz I've listened to for this project (including Bitches Brew and Kind of Blue, among others), this is by far the most interesting. It's innovative in all the right ways and it sounds like more than just a music theory exercise. Plus they included a contrabass trombone! Who the hell does that? An unexpected joy. Best track: Track C - Group Dancers [(Soul Fusion) Freewoman and Oh, This Freedom's Slave Cries]

The 60's were a wild time to be a part of the jazz scene. Bebop, established in the 40's out of necessity to contrast the big band boys, had grown into hard bop in the 50's with an influence of blues melodies. Then the 60's came around and we can see the need to break down the walls of conventional jazz rules, a way to start reinventing the genre; Charles Mingus has always been at the forefront of this. Mingus plays by his own definitions of jazz along with Ornette Coleman (not featured on this list) to bring a new experience to listeners. The Black Saint And The Sinner Lady is a crowning achievement of Mingus and Avant-garde jazz as a whole. It's theatrical, progressive, and beautiful all in one package. Truth be told, this is an album that should be wholly experienced, with art and liner notes. Additional, this is a successful blend of jazz and classical that is never boring or excessive. I don't know how else to talk about it other than encouraging you to really listen, with more than just your ears, and visualize this album to the best of your ability.

Yes!

Latin music really turns the elevator-ish jazz into an explosive monster. I felt every note in this album. The struggles and build-up of the drums, the wailing of the violins, the Tom and Jerry-ish flow of the wind instruments... All of these sound so chaotic and human. And because of that, every second of this is such an adventure. That's the epitome of a musical experience. This is probably how jazz sounds to jazz fans. Not a boring, lengthy musical fiddling but an experience beyond words. I'm not a big fan of jazz, but I freaking love this bad boy.

Beautiful!

An absolutely amazing jazz standard. There is so much going on - just melodies weaving in and out of each other. Absolute classic

As expected, Mingus took me on a journey. Some good places, others pretty dark. The musicianship on display here is amazing in ways I would struggle to express, so I'll take an easy cop-out and just give it five stars.

slapper of the highest order, first song is madness

I've never really enjoyed Jazz, but this kept drawing me back with interesting rhythms and sounds and phrases.

This is one of my favorite jazz albums. Mingus here is at the top of his game, experimenting and innovating. It is a total ride.

Those orchestrations are miraculous. No one sounds like Mingus and his blend of experimental big band, classical music and the so-called world music. Most importantly, he kept pushing the jazz genre forward while still bopping hard. This album is a testament to his genius.

I think this is now one of the best jazz album I've ever heard. The arrangements are incredibly brilliant and ahead of their time. The sounds of each instrument are used in an original and unexpected way. I want this album on vinyl now.

So energetic and vital, really lifted my spirits. More like this please.

This album is stunning, a jazz masterpiece in everything that made jazz unique in the early 1960s - a single composition that stars almost like a ballet and evolves to become very experimental, with an eleven piece big band working in full synergy to deliver something unique, with a beautiful orchestration. Mingus' piano sounds amazing, and his double bass is also out of this world. There's nothing like The Black Saint and the Sinner Lady.

I find jazz a mite tricky to write about, an issue I suspect I share with many. How do you dissect it entertainingly without either splatterings of empty words conveying the square root of sod all or acres of minutiae about unorthodox time signatures and tonal clusters that also convey the square root of sod all? Can you just write "it sounds nice" or "it sounds bad"? Anyway, this sounds nice. By "nice" I mean bold, intricate, formidable and singular. Of course, with such an experimental piece as this, the listener is required to be open-minded, but that also implies that it's rather your fault if you don't get this. I'm happy with that conclusion.

A high point in jazz music

One of the best albums of Mingus - not much too add, other than this is a great album.

Reminded me of ‘Kind of Blue’. Definitely one to revisit.

Stunning. Unlike anything I’ve heard before. Completely absorbing. Such depth, such intensity, such reshaping of the world through music. Towering achievement.

versatile, storytelling jazz.