Inspired by a trip to Tijuana,
Tijuana Moods
was recorded in 1957 but was sat on by
RCA
until its release in 1962. Bassist/composer
Charles Mingus
at the time said that this was his greatest recording, and it certainly ranks near the top. The original version, which was usually edited together from a few different takes, consisted of just five performances. It has often been said that
Mingus
forced and pressured his sidemen to play above their potential, and that is certainly true of this project. Altoist
Shafi Hadi
(who doubles on tenor) is in blazing form on "Ysabel's Table Dance," while trumpeter
Clarence Shaw
(who was praised by
for his short lyrical solo on "Flamingo") sounds quite haunting on
"Los Mariachis."
Trombonist
Jimmy Knepper
and drummer
Dannie Richmond
made other great recordings, but they are in particularly superior form throughout this session, as is the obscure pianist
Bill Triglia
. Completing the band is
Ysabel Morel
on vocals and
Frankie Dunlop
on castanets. While "Dizzy's Moods" is based on "Woody'N You," and "Flamingo" is given a fresh treatment, the other three songs are quite original, with "Tijuana Gift Shop" having a catchy, dissonant riff that sticks in one's mind. The passionate playing, exciting ensembles, and high-quality compositions make this a real gem, and it represents one of
' finest hours. [In the '80s,
doubled in size with the release of two versions of each of the songs, and beginning in the 2000s, some reissues appeared with 22 performances.] ~ Scott Yanow