This 1960 session falls historically between the astounding late-1959 work Charles Mingus did for Columbia Records and his slimmed-down pianoless quartet that made the classic Mingus at Antibes. Pre Bird and the Columbia material share some common elements, most obviously the large ensemble. Mingus devoted these sessions to his pre-1940s material and other works from the prebop era, and two of the best-played works are from Ellington's pen.

Take the "A" Train
Prayer for Passive Resistance
Eclipse
Mingus Fingus No. 2
Weird Nightmare
Do Nothin' Till You Hear from Me
Bemoanable Lady
Half-Mast Inhibition