Presented here is the original album Money Jungle (United Artists UAS 15017), which was the only trio collaboration of Duke Ellington with Charles Mingus and Max Roach. Both youngsters greatly admired Duke. Ellington himself briefly featured Roach (in 1950) and Mingus (in 1953) in his band, and expressed on multiple occasions his appreciation for Mingus’ compositions. Most of the repertoire here was especially composed for the date, while the only old tunes they recorded were “Warm Valley,” “Caravan,” and “Solitude.” There are a number of reasons why Money Jungle is considered a unique jazz recording. First of all, the album stands out for its superb musical quality. It also marks a very rare trio session in the otherwise prolific discography of Duke Ellington. The album is best known, however, for being Duke’s only true recorded collaboration with two much younger jazz geniuses: Charles Mingus and Max Roach. DUKE ELLINGTON, piano CHARLES MINGUS, bass MAX ROACH, drums Sound Makers Studios, New York City, Monday, September 17, 1962. Original recordings produced by Alan Douglas.
