Ellington/Mingus/Roach - Money Jungle (1962)
fuck Cream, this is the OG power trio of the 60s. these tracks were composed specifically for Mingus's bass and Roach's drums by just about the only guy who could enlist these 2 bandleaders during the peak of their powers - Duke Ellington. the versatility of the session is obvious in the first two tracks - the title track opener is a furious post-bop and "Fleurette Africaine" is a florid exposition for bass and percussion that challenges "Portrait of Tracy" as the most expressive bass work in the repertoire. Mingus and Roach (esp. Mingus) are on another level, but Duke's subtle, soulful piano tie it all together. check the keys @ 1:43 on "Switch Blade" and the beat drop @ 3:15 on "Solitude".
thanks
Amazing! Thank you for this, my brain will enjoy this auditory vacation :)
The story goes that none of them got along, especially Ellington and Mingus and that they fought constantly, which led to a sort of heated competition in the playing. It led to the whole recording being aggressive and powerful, full of anger and bitterness. It's a really dark album, but it's amazing. One of my favorite jazz albums ever.
dear, ill!
you are my new favourite WFLM associate
love, .
@Corey: thanks for the backstory
i should've also mentioned the production/engineering, which is really special. Mingus's bass sounds like it was strung with barbed wire
sick!
One of my all time favorites!