Drummer Terri Lyne Carrington thanks her fans for getting a Grammy last year by putting together a new album that is a fascinating tribute to an important album when Giants Ruled The World. Celebrating a half century since Duke Ellington, Max Roach and Charles Mingus created the clashing and fascinating Money Jungle, Carrington brings together a (mostly) trio session with Christian McBride/b, Gerald Clayton/p and a handful of guests for cameo roles in tribute to the sparks that flew during that tumultuous recording session from a bygone era. Interspersed with some anti-capitalist quotes (that tell me that Ms. Carrington needs to read some Thomas Sowell or Milton Friedman, or at least ask what communist country has produced creative music) the opening “Money Jungle” sets the tone with exciting interplay and fiery rhythm grooves. Other tunes, such as “Switch Blade” includes flutes and reeds by Tia Fuller and Antonio Hart, evoking images and viscera of Mingus’ inner struggles perfectly. Ellington alumnus Clark Terry brings his trumpet and voice to a wondrous “Fleurette Africain.” An earthy and southern rural “Backward Country Boy Blues” includes some back porch guitar as well as Lizz Wright’s rich voice. However, the trio is the thing her, and the exciting 3 way boxing match on the leader’s “No Boxes” and hints of Ellington melodies on Clayton’s “Cut Off” show taste and style. Even the original album’s iconic cover photo is given a new lease on life with the working band in the liner booklet, but the session feels much more love betweeen the artists this time around, and as the Bible says, love wins out.
Concord Records
www.concordmusicgroup.com