Pithecanthropus Erectus (album)

Infobox Album |
Name = Pithecanthropus Erectus
Type = Studio album
Artist = Charles Mingus
Released = 1956
Recorded =
Genre = Jazz
Length = 36:36
Label = Atlantic
Producer = Nesuhi Ertegün
Reviews = *Allmusic Rating|5|5 [http://www.allmusic.com/cg/amg.dll?p=amg&sql=10:jv6ktr4lklmx link]
Last album =
This album = "Pithecanthropus Erectus"
(1956)
Next album = "The Clown"
(1957)

"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.

#"Pithecanthropus Erectus" – 10:36
#"A Foggy Day" – 7:50 {George Gershwin}
#"Profile of Jackie" – 3:11
#"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