Charlie Mingus Passions of a Man: The Complete Atlantic Recordings 1956-1961 (6-CD)

Ranked #8 on Spin's list of the "Top 10 Reissues."
9 (out of 10) - "...PASSIONS OF A MAN documents the moment when his whole conception came together--the avant-garde's expressive squawk and squeal, the virtuosity of the bop soloists who peopled whi bands, the raggedness of country blues, and the melodic and orchestral achievements of Ellington, his hero..."
"...PASSION contains plenty of the lyricism, experimentalism, and hollering genius that made Mingus such a unique figure. Like the best such collections, it leaves listeners not overfed but hungry for more." - Rating: A
4 stars (out of 5) - "...one can hear the mature Mingus driving various classic bands....the music on these records has been the object of constant analysis, review, critique and ponderment since it was waxed....it is a package absolutely packed with brilliant music..."
"...Mingus did work on his instrument that won't be duplicated until humans grow six extra fingers. PASSIONS OF A MAN is a splendid musical civics lesson..."
"...a staggering array of saxophonists playing music that never, ever sounded like it was composed, orchestrated, and stomped upon by anybody but Mingus....As history, this is invaluable stuff....music like this can never lose its power or its passion."
5 stars out of 5 -- "Besides oodles of great music, there's a CD devoted to a recorded interview with Mingus. Fascinating stuff."