"Mingus, like his lifelong idol Ellington, and like Thelonious Monk, built a grand repertoire of his own music. He hired musicians whom he sensed would represent this music as he felt it; he wanted his sound from each instrument and from the ensemble." ......Doug Ramsey, writer "No one enjoyed his music more than Charles Mingus.....even during the worst of evenings there was always one moment when the gaunt, dissatisfied face gave way to dimpled grin and flashing eyes as the spirit of his music soared, took hold and warmed everyone present." .....Gary Giddins, writer