Duke Ellington – Money Jungle (Total Clear Vinyl)

Money Jungle by Duke Ellington is a landmark jazz album and a vital entry in any collection. Recorded in 1962, it brought together three titans of jazz: Duke Ellington on piano, Charles Mingus on bass, and Max Roach on drums. This trio, though stylistically distinct, created a raw and intense interplay that redefined the boundaries of small-group jazz.

The album’s sessions, held at Sound Makers Studio in New York, are famously charged with creative tension, which translates into the music’s emotional depth. Key tracks include the title piece, “Money Jungle,” a brooding commentary on capitalism, and the wistful “Fleurette Africaine,” which blends delicate melodies with rich textures.

Ellington’s compositions anchor the album, but the fiery contributions from Mingus and Roach make it a true collaborative masterpiece. Balancing sophistication and grit, Money Jungle is essential listening for its daring exploration of jazz’s emotional and sonic possibilities.

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Release Date: 04.07.2025