Charles Mingus “Mingus at Antibes” (1960)<i> Atlantic</i>

This album documents a very special performance at the 1960 Antibes Jazz Festival, where legendary bassist/composer Charles Mingus--at the peak of his considerable powers--was abetted by the estimable lineup of Eric Dolphy and Booker Ervin on saxophones, Ted Curson on trumpet and Dannie Richmond on drums.

Always one to wear emotions and sensibilities on his sleeve, Mingus was fusing jazz with gospel rhythms and phrasing at this point in his career, adding extra doses of energy, enthusiasm and spirituality to his already charged concerts. Listen to “Wednesday Night Prayer Meeting” as the fired-up leader shouts encouragement to his sidemen as they tackle difficult time signatures in free jazz style while remaining true to the simple elegance of traditional gospel rhythm.

Also right up there is “Better Git It in Your Soul,” one of Mingus’ more popular and memorable compositions (originally recorded on “Mingus Ah Um”). The late, lamented Dolphy was in particularly fine form this day: His speed, chops and heroic improvisations leaped about with barely contained excitement and glee, spiraling into uncharted territory, barely under control.

The septet is joined by pioneering bop pianist Bud Powell for “I’ll Remember April,” and although he was light years past his prime as a technician by 1960, he still demonstrated that his wellspring of ideas hadn’t dried. “Mingus at Antibes” is a superb program of live jazz, expertly played and exceptionally recorded, especially considering its age.