Presented here is the complete original album Money Jungle, which was the only trio collaboration of Duke Ellington with Charles Mingus and Max Roach. Both youngsters greatly admired Duke. Ellington himself briefly featured Roach (in 1950) and Mingus (in 1953) in his band and expressed on multiple occasions his appreciation for Mingus' compositions. Most of the repertoire here was especially composed for the date, while the only old tunes they recorded were "Warm Valley," "Caravan," and "Solitude."

"Alan Douglas of United Artists arranged a record date in 1962 on which I was to play with two fine musicians, two men of imagination, whose normal personalities were as far apart as the North and South poles. Charles Mingus and Max Roach were both leaders of their own groups, but what was wanted now was the kind of performance that results when all the minds are intent on and concerned with togetherness. Nothing should be overdone, nothing underdone, regardless of which musician was in the prime spot as soloist."

Most fans and critics agree that this was successfully achieved, and the album is now considered to be a true jazz classic!

Musicians:
Duke Ellington, piano
Charles Mingus, bass
Max Roach, drums