The Penguin Guide to Jazz Has called Mingus Ah Um "an extended tribute to ancestors" and awarded it with one of their rare crowns. It is, in fact, one of Mingus' most personal albums, and produced a series of songs that have become standards. "Better Git It in Your Soul" is inspired by gospel singing and preaching of the sort that Mingus would have heard as a child growing up in Watts, Los Angeles, California, while "Goodbye Pork Pie Hat" is a reference (by way of his favored headgear) to saxophonist Lester Young (who had died shortly before the album was recorded)."

THE COMPLETE ALBUM - 180-GRAM CRYSTAL CLEAR VINYL - LIMITED EDITION

A1. Better Get It In Your Soul
A2. Goodbye Pork Pie Hat
A3. Boogie Stop Shuffle
A4. Self-Portrait in Three Colors
A5. Open Letter to Duke
B1. Bird Calls
B2. Fables of Faubus
B3. Pussy Cat Dues
B4. Jelly Roll