Minority is a composition by Gigi Gryce, first recorded on October 8, 1953, during a session in Paris with Clifford Brown as part of the Gigi Gryce-Clifford Brown Sextet. It is a 16-bar jazz standard in a minor key, departing from the more common 32-bar AABA form found in many standards. This compact structure gives the melody a concise, introspective character that prioritizes melodic economy while remaining accessible for varied interpretation. Gryce composed the tune during his prolific early 1950s period, when he was touring and recording in Europe and collaborating with figures such as Clifford Brown, Tadd Dameron, and Max Roach. The composition exemplifies Gryce's widely recognized strengths as a composer and arranger, standing as his best-known work alongside pieces like Nica's Tempo and Shabozz. Minority has been recorded over forty times and holds secure status as a jazz standard, frequently performed in the active canon. Gryce also recorded it with Art Blakey and on his 1960 Prestige album The Hap'nin's, and notable covers include versions by Pat Martino, Bobby Watson, and Red Mitchell. On AllSolos, the tune appears on Stephen Riley's 2018 album Oleo with a solo by Adam Nussbaum on drums, and on LA Jazz Connection's 2021 album Minority, featuring solos by Josh Mellicker on electric guitar, Danny Janklow on alto saxophone, and Michael Gurrola on acoustic bass.
