An early, ambitious peak of programmatic jazz and collective fire. Bold and influential. A landmark. Released in 1956, it's an early landmark for Charles Mingus.
On vinyl: Original pressings are collector's territory now, so most listeners reach for a well-reviewed reissue.
Add it to the collection
Vinyl and CD links go to Amazon search results; listening links open Amazon Music. New to Amazon Music? Start a free trial → As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases and sign-ups.
More from Charles Mingus — where to go next
If you have Pithecanthropus Erectus, these are the Charles Mingus records worth reaching for next.
-
1
Pithecanthropus Erectus1956 · you're viewing this oneStart here
-
2
Mingus Ah Um1959 · JazzClassic
-
3
Blues & Roots1960 · JazzClassic
-
4
Tijuana Moods1962 · JazzClassic
-
5
The Black Saint and the Sinner Lady1963 · JazzClassic
If you like Pithecanthropus Erectus, try
Ellington at NewportDuke Ellington
Ella and LouisElla Fitzgerald & Louis Armstrong
Saxophone ColossusSonny Rollins
Art Pepper Meets the Rhythm SectionArt Pepper
Study in BrownClifford Brown & Max Roach
Birth of the CoolMiles Davis