Priceless Jazz Collection is a mid-line series GRP assembled with the intention of providing affordable introductions to several of the most popular artists on their label. Charlie Mingus isn't necessarily well served by this approach, since his music was so sprawling it can't be adequately summarized by a nine-track collection. Nevertheless, the collection is entertaining and has some use for neophytes, since "Better Get Hit in Yo' Soul," "Hora Decubitus," "Celia," "II B.S.," "Mood Indigo" and "Memories of You" will certainly whet the appetite of the budding
Mingus fan. They'll want to acquire more
Mingus records after hearing this, of course, and this will eventually become redundant, but it's an adequate introduction nonetheless. ~ Stephen Thomas Erlewine