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Lost at the Carnival is the second solo studio album by the late American jazz pianist, composer, and producer Jim Beard. Originally recorded in 1994 at “The Loft” in New York City and the Carriage House in Stamford, Connecticut, the fusion album showcases Beard’s trademark wit, intricate woodwind arrangements, and nuanced piano styles

Reception

Pianist/composer Jim Beard applies his masterful hand as an arranger to this collection of delightful oddities. “Step Inside,” with its “Big Bad Wolf” piano melody over a drum machine leads us down a couple of blind alleys, then opens onto a sparkling piano solo, while “Pumpkin Fat” features Bill Evans’s spiraling soprano saxophone over a bed of piquant woodwind chords. Beard seems more interested in suggestion and nuance than in overt display of piano pyrotechnics. Best of all, it’s funny without being slapstick–instruments appear then drop out, key changes come and go, songs drift off without announcing the end.

LOST AT THE CARNIVAL suggest a meeting of Groucho Marx and Miles Davis, or perhaps Errol Garner and Stravinsky. Beard has a deft partner in crime in guitarist Jon Herington, who would go on to record memorably with Steely Dan, among others. Herington contributes stinging, economical leads and rhythm work that owes as much to Freddie Green as Steve Cropper. Favorite moment: the intro to “Holiday,” a barrelhouse piano lick that leads to an abrupt key change. Like the rest of LOST AT THE CARNIVAL, it’s refreshing (AllMusic).

Track listing

1 Step Inside 6:18
2 Chunks And Chairknobs 5:36
3 Pumpkin Fat 5:14
4 Holiday (For Pete And Sladys) 4:54
5 Lost At The Carnival 7:41
6 Jigamarie 6:58
7 Grace In The Bubble 6:32
8 Michigan Roll 5:33
9 Poke 5:32

Personnel

Acoustic Bass – Steve Rodby (tracks: 2, 6)
Bass – Ron Jenkins (tracks: 3, 4, 8)
Clarinet, Bass Clarinet, Flute, Alto Flute – Stan Harrison (tracks: 2, 3, 5, 7)
Drums – Billy Ward (tracks: 2), Mike Mechem (tracks: 5, 6), Scooter Warner (tracks: 3, 4, 8)
Guitar [Guitars], Harmonica, Percussion – Jon Herington
Piano, Synthesizer [Synthesizers], Percussion – Jim Beard
Songwriter [All Songs Composed By], Arranged By – Jim Beard
Soprano Saxophone – Bill Evans (3) (tracks: 3, 5)
Tenor Saxophone – Bill Evans (3) (tracks: 6)

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Label: Lipstick Records (3) – LIP 89027-2
Format: CD, Album, Stereo
Country: Germany
Released: 1995