Money Jungle: Provocative In Blue

Drummer/bandleader/producer Terri Lyne Carrington uses Duke Ellington’s classic *Money Jungle* trio album from 1962 with bassist Charles Mingus and drummer Max Roach as a template for this reflective yet forward-thinking GRAMMY®-winning project. Nine of Ellington’s *Money Jungle* compositions are explored here; Carrington wisely excludes the better-known “Caravan” and “Solitude.” She contributes two of her own originals, plus one by *Provocation* pianist Gerald Clayton. The core trio is at times supplemented with others, including vocalist Lizz Wright and trombonist Robin Eubanks. A funky-then-swinging take on the spoken-word-enhanced title track opens, followed by the flowing “Fleurette Africain” with guest trumpet and vocals by living legend (and Ellington band alumnus) Clark Terry. Bassist Christian McBride nimbly lays down a meaty solo on “Very Special,” while Carrington’s onetime boss Herbie Hancock serves as Ellington’s spoken voice on the closer, “Rem Blues/Music.”

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The successor to drummer and composer Carrington's Grammy-winning 2011 Mosaic is just as elegant and dynamic, writes <strong>John Fordham</strong>