Pithecanthropus Erectus (album)
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Pithecanthropus Erectus is a 1956 album by jazz composer and bassist Charles Mingus.

Track listing

All tracks composed by Charles Mingus except where noted. Recorded at Atlantic Studios in New York City.

1. "Pithecanthropus Erectus" – 10:36
2. "A Foggy Day" – 7:50 {George Gershwin}
3. "Profile of Jackie" – 3:11
4. "Love Chant" – 14:59

According to Mingus' liner notes, the title song is a ten minute tone poem, depicting the rise of man from his hominid roots (Pithecanthropus erectus) to an eventual downfall. The song's title translates into "Upright Ape-Man", which holds a dual meaning with "upright" referring to Mingus' bass. Listening to "A Foggy Day", listeners should envision the saxophone part as a man encountering all the other sounds while walking down a foggy street.

Reception

• Q magazine (12/01, p.160) - 4 stars out of 5 - "The essential early Mingus set."

• Vibe (12/99, p.162) - Included in Vibe's 100 Essential Albums of the 20th Century

Personnel

• Charles Mingus – Bass
• Jackie McLean – Alto Saxophone
• J. R. Monterose – Tenor Saxophone
• Mal Waldron – Piano
• Willie Jones – Drums
• Tom Dowd – Recording Engineer
• Hal Lustig – Recording Engineer

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