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The combo here, referred to by Mingus as The Jazz Workshop, had been in residence at the Showplace on W. 4th St. In Greenwich Village for nearly a year when they entered the studio to record what became the album Charels Mingus Presents Charles Mingus in October of 1961. To recreate this atmosphere, Mingus introduces the songs as if he were speaking to the audience, giving off the illusion of a live album. The charade paid off. The LP includes extraordinary liner notes written by Hentoff himself, giving a context and insight that adds to the experience of hearing these magnificent performances.