Pithecanthropus Erectus circa 1971
Charles Mingus
Bobby Jones
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“Pithecanthropus Erectus” was originally a breakthrough performance for bassist-composer Charles Mingus, his first long-form original to catch on and influence modern jazz.
Tenor-saxophonist Bobby Jones always wanted an opportunity to play with Mingus, and he had his chance during 1970-72, touring and recording with the great bassist before slipping away into obscurity.
This performance, from 1970 or 1971, features Jones in top form on Mingus’ “Pithecanthropus Erectus” with a sextet that also includes trumpet Eddie Preston, altoist Charles McPherson, pianist Jaki Byard, and drummer Dannie Richmond.
-Scott Yanow
