One of the most controversial and difficult musicians in jazz, Charles Mingus was also one of the most prolific, and perhaps the greatest bass player jazz has ever known. Released shortly after his groundbreaking Pithecanthropus Erectus, which marked the dawning of Mingus' era as a major player in jazz, The Clown took it to the next level and as a result captured some of the finest music Mingus ever made. Listeners can now enjoy the complete sessions for the album, recorded on Feb 13 and March 12, 1957. Uniquely for a jazz player of this period, this album is comprised entirely of Mingus-penned tracks, including the explosive “Haitian Fight Song” and his tribute to Charlie Parker “Reincarnation of a Lovebird,” while the title track features a spoken word piece by Jean Shepherd.

Charles Mingus The Complete Sessions: The Clown Track Listing

1. Haitian Fight Song
2. Blue Cee
3. Reincarnation Of A Lovebird
4. The Clown
5. Passions Of A Woman Loved
6. Tonight At Noon