Charles Mingus The Clown 1957 Post-Bop / Avant-Garde Jazz

Charles Mingus The Clown 1957 Post-Bop / Avant-Garde Jazz Atlantic 1260 | Vinyl U.S. Release

Tracklist

Side A

Haitian Fight Song Blue Cee

Side B

Reincarnation of a Lovebird The Clown (narration improvised by Jean Shepherd)

Originally recorded on February 13, 1957, The Clown is one of Charles Minguss most daring and theatrical albums, blending powerful compositions with spoken-word improvisation. The album features the Charles Mingus Jazz Workshop, including Curtis Porter (Shafi Hadi) on saxophones, Jimmy Knepper on trombone, Wade Legge on piano, and Dannie Richmond on drums.

Haitian Fight Song opens with a thunderous bass solo and builds into a cathartic ensemble performance. Blue Cee offers a bluesy, swinging contrast. On Side B, Reincarnation of a Lovebird is a tribute to Charlie Parker, rich in emotional depth. The title track The Clown features Jean Shepherds improvised narration over Minguss composition, creating a haunting and satirical commentary on performance and identity.

Produced by Nesuhi Ertegun and engineered by Tom Dowd, the U.S. mono pressing was issued on Atlantics white fan label and remains a collectors favorite for its bold experimentation and emotional intensity.

Condition 10 of 10

Jacket 9 very very light wear / name on the back cover

Vinyl perfect 10

Labels 10

Listing # R68