It was released in August 1956 through Mingus's own label Debut Records.

[1][4] It was recorded at Café Bohemia in New York City on December 23, 1955.

Max Roach makes a guest appearance on one track.

Other recordings from the same performance were released in 1964 under the title The Charles Mingus Quintet & Max Roach.

[5] Allmusic awarded the album 4.5 stars, citing Mingus' standout bass playing and noting that "this is the first Mingus recording to feature mostly his own compositions.