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Pithecanthropus Erectus is a studio album by jazz composer and bassist Charles Mingus. It was released in August 1956 through Atlantic Records.

Reception.

The AllMusic review by Steve Huey awarded the album 5 stars and stated:” This was the first album where Mingus tailored his arrangements to the personalities of his musicians, teaching the pieces by ear instead of writing everything out. Perhaps that’s why Pithecanthropus Erectus resembles paintings in sound – full of sumptuous tone colors learned through Duke Ellington, but also rich in sonic details that only could have come from an adventurous modernist. And Mingus plays with the sort of raw passion that comes with the first flush of mastery. Still one of his greatest.”

The Penguin Guide to Jazz gave it a maximum four-star rating and included it in its “core collection” of essential recordings, describing it as “One of the truly great modern jazz albums”.

Track listing:
All tracks composed by Charles Mingus except where noted.

“Pithecanthropus Erectus” – 10:36
“A Foggy Day” – 7:50 (George Gershwin)
“Profile of Jackie” – 3:11
“Love Chant” – 14:59

Personnel:
Charles Mingus – bass
Jackie McLean – alto saxophone
J. R. Monterose – tenor saxophone
Mal Waldron – piano
Willie Jones – drums, tambourine (overdubbed)

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Released: August 1956
Recorded: January 30, 1956
Studio: Audio-Video Studios
New York City
Length: 36:36
Label: Atlantic
Producer: Nesuhi Ertegun