Money Jungle

Matt Till · #1 09-03-2008, 07:37 PM

I haven't really mentioned this on TB, but I got a new job working at a used CD/DVD store. I'm not really making top dollar or anything, but it's a pretty laid back job, obviously. Anyways, we buy used CDs and a guy dropped off Money Jungle by Duke Ellington (with Charles Mingus and Max Roach).

I set it aside to buy it immediately after it was checked in, the guy who sold it was going on about it, how you could sense the tension between Mingus and Ellington because they essentially hated each other during this session. I had a chance to listen to it at work and I agree, it's a very tense recording. On quite a few tracks, Mingus plays more lead than traditional walking bass lines, which creates a really interesting feel, Max Roach does a great job of holding it down though (which is no surprise, amazing drummer)

So, I know Mingus was a hot headed individual who was notorious for fighting with everyone, what happened during this session that made Ellington and Mingus have it out? Was it Mingus playing so much lead? I do think this album has some of Mingus' more out there playing that I've heard. I assume the guy at work knew what he was talking about because of Mingus' history.

Regardless, amazing album. Very highly recommended.

JimK · #2 09-04-2008, 11:39 AM

IIRC, the tension was between Mingus & Roach.
Mingus' big band compositions are from the Ellington school...if Mingus liked anybody-
It was Duke.

Mushroo · #3 09-04-2008, 11:51 AM

Ellington fired Mingus from his band for getting in a fight with Juan Tizol (on stage).

Matt Till · #4 09-04-2008, 03:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JimK

IIRC, the tension was between Mingus & Roach.
Mingus' big band compositions are from the Ellington school...if Mingus liked anybody-
It was Duke.

That's what confused me, I thought Mingus was really into Ellington's stuff.

Regardless of why anyone hated anyone, great album.

Matt Till · #5 09-04-2008, 03:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mushroo

Ellington fired Mingus from his band for getting in a fight with Juan Tizol (on stage).

Oh yeah! I heard about that. Didn't Mingus threaten to stab people from time to time? And didn't he smash a pianists fingers with the piano's cover for the keys? I did assume any quarrellings were more than likely Mingus' fault.

So many genius people end up become completely deranged in one way or another.