This was Charles Mingus's first recording with a working band of his own, issued on his own enterprising Debut label. The group was also the first to carry the Mingus Jazz Workshop banner. Recorded live, the music is among the earliest examples of the inspired interplay Mingus demanded from his musicians, and the unity of musical purpose he strived after. "Work Song" was the first Mingus composition with a socially conscious title and message. Max Roach, Mingus's partner in the Debut venture, sits in for "Percussion Discussion," a rousing duet (Mingus overdubbed a third part, played on piccolo bass). Barrow and Bert rise to the occasion, Waldron is already himself, and Jones, a Monk graduate, plays with taste and intelligence. This is an important milestone in the saga of Charles Mingus.

with Eddie Bert, George Barrow, Mal Waldron, Willie Jones, Max Roach