What an alliance: the premier big-band leader and legendary composer, a bop drummer, and an unclassifiable (and often prickly) bass behemoth. It's no wonder that the tension between Duke Ellington, Max Roach, and Charlie Mingus is thick, heavy, and extremely tangible, permeating the whole album with anger, passion, and aggression. The product of this tension is nothing short of breathtaking.
The normally subdued Ellington pounds away furiously on the keys while Mingus and Roach establish chaotic rhythmic support. At times, the interplay is so "out there" that it's as freaky and unsettling as any psychedelic rock you can find.
On the jagged blues "Very Special," Ellington creates a weighty mood while his piano work almost borders on free jazz. "A Little Max" showcases Roach's palette of percussion: His sticks dance and prance, utilizing every inch of his kit. Duke's harmonic invention is captivating on the eerie, delicate, and mysterious "Fleurette Africaine" and it's simultaneously jarring and cerebral on the confrontational "Wig Wise."
Ellington's interpretations of newer and old compositions take on an urgency and fire rarely heard in his music. On the new "Switch Blade," Mingus' powerful intro gives way to rippling right-hand runs from the leader while on the cacophonous title track, it's hard to believe only three people are creating the stomping, disjointed monster. You might even need to reach for the pause button on this one! As far as older works, Ellington has the first half of the classic ballads "Soltitude" and "Warm Valley" to himself, emphasizing the beautiful melodies. As soon as the rhythm section enters, however, the edge returns. Mingus, who actually idolized Ellington, seems to be purposely agitating the master, almost taunting him. Roach shifts from exotic rhythms to straight time on "Caravan," while Ellington states the melody in both the lower and the upper registers.
You'd say the synergy was magical on this unbelievably potent statement, except that they seemed to be working against, rather than with, each other. Be forewarned: This album can be literally frightening.
If you like Duke Ellington, check out:
Duke Ellington The Far East Suite
Duke Ellington Blues in Orbit
Duke Ellington At Newport
Thelonious Monk Plays Duke Ellington
Charles Mingus Mingus Ah Um
-- Marc Greilsamer
