This is a seriously ambitious record that plays more like a cinematic film score than a traditional jazz album. Feel, swing, and rhythm are never in question, however. The album is full of hauntingly beautiful moments—particularly “The Chill of Death (Recitation)” and “The I of Hurricane Sue,” which evoke the eerie atmosphere of a Twilight Zone episode. Per the liner notes, Mingus himself considered it his finest work. While it’s undeniably a masterpiece of composition, one might better enjoy his more straightforward works. Attentive listening is required to fully appreciate what Mingus is doing here. To best experience this album, I suggest one grab a good pair of headphones and set aside some time (A LOT of it).