Charles Mingus – “Wham Bam Thank You Maam”

Oh Yeah isn’t your typical jazz record. It isn’t even a typical Mingus record. Released in 1962, it’s one of those rare records that Mingus handed over all bass duties to another skilled musician—in this case Doug Watkins. Mingus focused his talents on the piano and vocals, while the rest of the band was filled out by Booker Ervin (tenor sax), Jimmy Knepper (trombone), Dannie Richmond (drums) and most importantly multi-instrumentalist Rahsaan Roland Kirk (flute, siren, tenor sax, manzello, and strich).

“Wham Bam Thank You Ma’am” is one of the many wild compositions on Oh Yeah, filled with exceptional musicianship, unexpected shifts, and Mingus’ scat vocals.