Pithecanthropus Erectus (album)

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

Track listing

All tracks composed by Charles Mingus except where noted.

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 due to, "his own failure to realize the inevitable emancipation of those he sought to enslave, and his greed in attempting to stand on a false security." The song's title translates into "Upright Ape-Man", which holds a dual meaning with "upright" referring to Mingus' bass.

Reception

Personnel

• Charles Mingus – Bass
• Jackie McLean – Alto Saxophone
• J. R. Monterose – Tenor Saxophone
• Mal Waldron – Piano
• Willie Jones – Drums

Technical

• Tom Dowd – Recording Engineer
• Hal Lustig – Recording Engineer

References