**** Charles Mingus

MINGUS MOVES

(32 Jazz)

This 1973 recording is one of the most beautiful results of the composer-bassist's Mingus Jazz Workshop years. It's all about what happens when melodies meet meat -- when dexterous soloing and smartly layered harmonies are given full range in ear-pleasing midtempo pieces that also allow for unfettered improvisation. Mingus is a warm and driving presence who along with pianist Don Pullen and drummer Danny Richmond keeps the seven tunes gracefully swinging. The secret star here is George Adams on tenor sax and flute. He wails and flutters the coda of Mingus's "Opus 3" to Mars, yet keeps his tone mellow enough to make his wild effusiveness plenty earthy. He's especially respectful of Ronald Hammond's trumpet lines on the elegant "Wee" and of vocalists Honey Gordon and Doug Hammond on "Moves," building a cocoon of gentle harmony around their lines until it's time for him to cut loose. Plus, Pullen's solo on "Wee" foreshadows the dynamic expressionism that became his signature. This CD is a jewel.

-- Ted Drozdowski