Charles Mingus is known as a bassist and composer, but on July 30, 1963 he went into the studio to record an entire record album as a pianist. It was released the following year on Impulse! Records under the title ​Mingus Plays Piano: Spontaneous Compositions and Improvisations.

The record contains original works by Mingus as well as interpretations of standards like I Can’t Get Started, Body and Soul, I’m Getting Sentimental Over You and Eubie Blake’s Memories of You.

The Penguin Guide to Jazz on CD says that Mingus’ “touch and harmonic sense were so secure that…he more than passes muster,” and that “It’s interesting to hear themes like Orange Was the Color of Her Dress, Then Blue Silk reduced to their essentials in this way, the true highlights are [Myself] When I Am Real and a thoroughly unabashed Body and Soul.”

Here is a link to Charles Mingus playing solo piano on the first track of the record Mingus Plays Piano:

"MYSELF WHEN I AM REAL"