Stupefied: The John Goodman Playlist - Mingus Speaks!

A couple of months back, I was lucky enough to come across a brand new book on Charles Mingus entitled Mingus Speaks! by John Goodman. Between 1972 and 1974 (only five years before the composer's death), Goodman (at the time the music writer for Playboy magazine) spent quite a bit of time with Mingus, and taped many extended discussions. If you've ever read any interviews with Mingus, you know he had a lot to say about many, many things. I've since read the book, and I'm very happy to report that it did not disappoint. This book is a rare one (especially for a jazz book, especially with an artist of Mingus' stature) in that, the artist gets to speak for himself. And much more than music is covered - politics, sex, race, spirituality. It makes for fascinating reading whether you're a Mingus expert, or just discovering his music, and is a rare, in-depth view into the mind of a musical genius.

I asked Mr. Goodman for a list of his favorite Mingus recordings for this week's edition of the Stupefied Playlist, and here are the wonderful results. I huge "thank you" goes out to him. Now, go and check this book out!  

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01. Better Get It in Your Soul (Mingus Ah Um)

02. Goodbye Porkpie Hat (Mingus Ah Um)

03. Haitian Fight Song (The Clown)

04. Alice’s Wonderland (Mingus in Wonderland)

05. Wednesday Night Prayer Meeting (Blues and Roots)

06. Gunslinging Bird (Mingus Dynasty)

07. Hog Callin’ Blues (Oh Yeah!)

08. The Black Saint and the Sinner Lady (full album)

09. Hora Decubitus (Mingus, Mingus, Mingus, Mingus, Mingus)

10. Let My Children Hear Music (full album)