COMPOSERS: Terri Lyne Carrington
LABELS: Concord Jazz
ALBUM TITLE: Terri Lyne Carrington: Money Jungle/Provocation in Blue
WORKS: Money Jungle/Provocation in Blue
PERFORMER: Terri Lyne Carrington (drums), Robin Eubanks (trombone)
CATALOGUE NO: CJA3402602
The original Money Jungle LP was recorded 50 years ago, a trio project initiated by Duke Ellington, then 64, and involving two musicians of the next generation – Charles Mingus (bass) and Max Roach (drums). An almost impromptu jam session, the tense dynamic between the players produced an improvised and (much underrated) classic.
Drummer Terri Lyne Carrington’s update of the blue hued work also crackles – but this is more a studied, extended and multi-dimensional homage rather than a remake. Keyboardist Gerald Clayton and bassist Christian McBride are magnificent in the core roles. Carrington herself has the presence of two drummers. Spare use of percussion, vocals and reeds on some tracks broaden the sound, while guests, such as Herbie Hancock, add spoken comment on the ‘cash vs culture’ theme behind the original concept. It all adds up to a 24-carat take on a rough-cut gem.
Garry Booth