Charles Mingus - The Black Saint And The Sinner Lady (Vinyl/Record)

This is a studio album by American jazz double bassist, composer, and bandleader Charles Mingus. It was recorded on January 20, 1963, and released in July of that year by Impulse! Records. The album comprises a single continuous composition—partially written as a ballet—divided into four tracks and six movements. It is widely regarded as one of the greatest jazz records of all time.

The album's title is a reference to the biblical story of Saint Paul and the woman at the well. Mingus has said that the album is about "the struggle between good and evil, light and dark, love and hate." The music is complex and challenging, but also deeply expressive. It features Mingus's trademark blend of jazz, blues, and classical music.

The album features a stellar lineup of musicians, including Mingus on bass, Eric Dolphy on alto saxophone, Booker Ervin on tenor saxophone, Jaki Byard on piano, Dannie Richmond on drums, and Jimmy Knepper on trombone. The album also features guest appearances by trombonist Don Butterfield and trumpeter Johnny Coles.

The Black Saint and the Sinner Lady was a critical and commercial success. It was praised by critics for its originality, complexity, and emotional power. The album reached number 16 on the Billboard 200 chart and was certified gold by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA).

The Black Saint and the Sinner Lady is considered one of Mingus's finest albums and one of the greatest jazz albums of all time. It has been ranked highly on many lists of the best albums of all time, including Rolling Stone's list of the 500 Greatest Albums of All Time, where it is ranked #32.

The album has been cited as an influence by many jazz musicians, including Herbie Hancock, Wayne Shorter, and John Coltrane. It is a classic album that continues to be enjoyed by jazz fans around the world.