Charles Mingus - Pithecanthropus Erectus [Mono]

1. Pithecanthropus Erectus
2. A Foggy Day
3. Profile Of Jackie
4. Love Chant

With “Pithecanthropus Erectus”, Charles Mingus established himself as a composer of boundless imagination and as a new, fresh voice in jazz, firmly rooted in tradition despite his ambitious, modern concepts.

Having mastered the vocabulary of bop and swing, Mingus found his own musical identity. With “Pithecanthropus Erectus”, he began exploring new ways to enhance the evocative power of the art form and challenged his musicians (including alto saxophonist Jackie McLean and pianist Mal Waldron) to work beyond conventional boundaries.

Mingus’ relationship with Atlantic would produce many of his finest recordings. “Pithecanthropus Erectus” from 1956 was his first recording for the label and marked his breakthrough in extended compositions: the ten-minute title track and the captivating “Profile of Jackie” rank among the bassist’s finest recordings. The band is further distinguished by the contribution of the unjustly overlooked tenor saxophonist J.R. Monterose.