1959 was a milestone year for Charles Mingus -- he recorded four albums which included some of his best known, and best, compositions/performances. Unlike the other three albums, which mostly feature larger ensembles, this semi-obscure one has a stripped down quintet: John Handy on alto, Booker Ervin on tenor, Richard Wyands on piano (subbing for Horace Parlan), and Danny Richmond. Two of the compositions here, "Nostalgia in Times Square" and "Alice's Wonderland", also appear on the album Mingus Dynasty under the titles "Strollin'" and "Diane". The former is a swinger with an extremely catchy melody; the second is one of Mingus's finest ballads. "No Private Income Blues" is a spectacular performance. Handy and Ervin trade scorching licks at ever-shrinking intervals, eventually engaging in a thrilling simultaneous improvisation. I think it anticipates some of the better-known performances with Eric Dolphy. The only standard, "I Can't Get Started", is a feature for Handy. Overall, this album is highly recommended. Both saxophonists play at a very high level, and Mingus's bass is more heavily featured than on other albums from this year. I wouldn't quite put it on the level of Mingus Ah Um, Mingus Dynasty or Blues & Roots, but you will almost certainly like it if you enjoy those. It will probably also appeal to fans of Mingus at Antibes or The Great Concert.