Charles Mingus The Clown (Atlantic 75 Series) 45RPM (Mono) (2 LP)

Mono 180g 45rpm Double LP!
An Absolute Must-Have for Every Jazz Collector!
Pressed at QRP!
Atlantic 75 Historic Reissue Series from Analogue Productions!
With "The Clown" from 1957, the follow-up to the album "Pithecanthropus Erectus", Mingus solidified his avant-garde position in the scene and also delivered two of his best compositions: the driving "Haitian Fight Song" and the melancholic, 40s-inspired song "Reincarnation of a Lovebird".
The free improvisations of the title song under the direction of trombonist Jimmy Knepper, with which the group reacts to the story told by Jean Shepherd and paints the sonic background, are also exciting. They serve as evidence that Mingus's compositional palette has become significantly more modern, with the increasing use of dissonance and sudden tempo changes. It tells the story of a clown who, according to Mingus, had one thing in common with many jazz musicians: the goal of wanting to inspire people, to despair of it, and only to find fame and peace after death.
The Clown was Charles Mingus' second masterpiece in a row, featuring Jean Shepard (yes, that Jean Shepard from the holiday movie A Christmas Story) on the title tune narrating a story about a clown attempting to please the world with his performances. The Clown also introduced two of Mingus' finest compositions in the driving, determined "Haitian Fight Song" and the '40s-flavored "Reincarnation of a Lovebird," a peaceful but melancholy tribute to Charlie Parker; Mingus would return to both throughout his career.
With Pithecanthropus, Mingus displayed a gift for airtight, focused arrangements that nonetheless allowed his players great freedom to add to the established mood of each piece. The Clown refines and heightens that gift; instead of just writing heads that provide launch points for solos, Mingus tries to evoke something specific with every piece, and even his most impressionistic forays have a strong storytelling quality.
The Clown tells the story of a clown "who tried to please people like most jazz musicians do, but whom nobody liked until he was dead," Mingus said, in an interview. "My version of the story ended with his blowing his brains out with the people laughing and finally being pleased because they thought it was part of the act. I liked the way Jean changed the ending; leaves it more up to the listener."
The title track is even more interesting for the free improvisations led by trombonist Jimmy Knepper, as the group responds to Shepherd's story and paints an aural backdrop. It's evidence that Mingus' compositional palette was growing more determinedly modern, much like his increasing use of dissonance, sudden tempo changes, and multiple sections.
The 75th Anniversary of Atlantic Records
"75 for 75" is a series of 75 vinyl releases from Atlantic Records' storied catalog to celebrate the label's 75th Anniversary. This great label includes some of the best artists and records of all time.

Features:

• Atlantic 75 Series
• 180g Vinyl
• 45rpm
• Mono
• Double LP
• 100% All-Analog
• Mastered & Cut to Lacquer from the Original Master Tape
• Pressed at Quality Record Pressings
• Gatefold Old-Style "Tip-On" Jacket by Stoughton Printing

Musicians:

• Charles Mingus, bass
• Curtis Porter, alto & tenor saxes
• Jimmy Knepper, trombone
• Wade Legge, piano
• Dannie Richmond, drums
• Jean Shepherd, improvised narration on "The Clown"

Selections:

Side A
1. Haitian Fight Song
Side B
1. Blue Cee
Side C
1. Reincarnation Of A Lovebird
Side D
1. The Clown