Max Roach – Money Jungle

On a Mingus kick lately and saw this used copy at my local store. I was hesitant to bring it home given the hate that the audiophile community has with this label and also not hearing this music beforehand. I took the chance for 15 bucks and was extremely glad that I did. This is rapidly becoming one of my favorite jazz albums. The records is pressed and remastered magnificently and sounds incredible. With 4 extra bonus tracks not included on the original release, this budget copy is a no brainer.
Duke at over 60 years old shows he still has it and is more than capable to hang with the younger generation of bop musicians. His version of Wig Wise and Caravan to start the second side are absolutely fierce. He’s pounding out the chords and melody as if his life depended on it. He also throws in some soft and beautiful numbers with Solitude and Fleurette Africaine.
On the first track, the title track, you can feel the tension created during the session. Whether it was Mingus angry that Duke decided to write all the material for the session or his unhappiness with Roach’s drumming, he’s clawing at his bass strings like he’s trying to rip them off of the pegs. Max Roach gives no quarter to the elder Duke, challenging him and Mingus on this session. Absolutely thrilling jazz that belongs in every collection in some shape or form.

On both my DMM LP and CD the piano sounds with distortion and compression so I guess there’s no way to address that.

Though I was wondering if the TP is mastered hard panned like all the others? If so maybe that’s highlighting the recording issues even more? I have this pressing in my bucket cause I prefer the nice gatefold

This is a solid pressing, nothing spectacular, but for the price totally fine.

The amount of complaints regarding the piano distortion seem to ignore the fact that this has nothing to do with Kevin Gray or the TP’s (great) pressing quality but entirely because of the inherently poor production job done by Bill Schwartau, the lead engineer. Yes, the piano is wooly and jangly but the music itself is really some of the most far-out and expressive performing of the era. Ellington is truly pushed to his limit and clearly welcomes the challenge put up by Roach and especially Mingus. “Don’t try and outplay the Old Man,” as Clark Terry once said. Sometimes just enjoying the music for what it is instead of what we want it to be is the best adage, especially when it comes down to the recording quality itself, as the case is here. Highly recommended.

Add me to the list of those who complaint about the distorted piano. Avoid this release at all costs

Absolutely dynamite album pressed on dead & I do mean dead-silent vinyl. Nice recording and stereo-mix sounds so live & 'one-take' it's ridiculous. Mingus' bass goes right through the floor & Max's drums cook on this sumbitch too. Sounds great played LOUD...just sayin'.

Budget version and its all okay. Both sides the first 30 sec is snap crackle pop for some reason but after that it's fine. The og recording isn't sound wise that special so this version will do just fine for this fine session which is something different from the Duke....

As others have said, the piano is completely distorted, unbelievable for a Tone Poet.... I would stay away from this release...

Siiickkkkkk album ever recorded. Imagine seeing these 3 giants live

wax time remaster dmm release is available.
truly engaging sound quality, the sound of the piano is authentic, - it brings the analog technology of the '50 time.

the bigger sound is professional, playful.
the cut is professional.

the bonus tracks are truly audiophile quality.

if it doesn't work for you, you must be lighting the wrong needle.

I'm happy with it, it's a good album.
thanks guys!