From the first throbbing bass notes by Boris Koslov in "Gunslinging Birds" to the animated trombone and vocals of Ku-umba Frank Lacy in "E's Flat, Ah's Flat Too, " and the roaring full-band choruses that close out "Wednesday Night Prayer Meeting, " the Mingus Big Band was on.

NPR: Mingus Big Band: A Rousing, Raucous Concert