Money Jungle: Provocative in Blue cover

Money Jungle: Provocative in Blue

Terri Lyne Carrington · 2013

62 min · 11 tracks · jazz

A vibrant fusion of jazz and contemporary influences, blending intricate rhythms and emotive melodies with a bold exploration of identity.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Money Jungle — As the title track, it encapsulates the album's spirit with its complex interplay of instruments and poignant improvisation, reflecting on economic themes.
  • →
    Very Special — This track features an engaging vocal performance that adds emotional depth, highlighting the collaboration between Carrington and her talented ensemble.
  • →
    No Boxes (Nor Words) — The song's abstract structure and rich textures illustrate Carrington's commitment to breaking musical boundaries and challenging conventional forms.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

Instrumental
66 /100
Alpine
Higher than 89% of albums we've rated

The album showcases intricate rhythms and emotive melodies while maintaining a strong identity within modern jazz.

What we noticed

  • The album opens with a title track that features a complex interplay of drums and piano, establishing a rhythmic foundation that persists throughout.
  • The final track, 'Rem Blues/Music', serves as an extended improvisational piece that gradually builds in intensity before concluding the album.
Composition 25% of the score
7/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
8/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
7/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
8/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
6/10

running order, pacing, length

Influence 4/10

Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

  • intricate arrangements for attentive listening
  • emotive improvisation for reflective moods
  • vibrant rhythms for lively gatherings
  • dynamic pacing with varied intensity
  • cathartic explorations of musical themes

Maybe skip if you

  • seeking instant gratification tracks
  • prefer straightforward, predictable compositions

Where this album fits

Career context
Released in 2013, 'Money Jungle: Provocative in Blue' is Terri Lyne Carrington's follow-up to her critically acclaimed album 'The Mosaic Project'. At this juncture, Carrington was solidifying her place as a leading figure in modern jazz, showcasing her talents not just as a drummer but also as a composer and bandleader.

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

  • 1 Money Jungle 6:21
  • 2 Fleurette Africain 5:56
  • 3 Backward Country Boy Blues 6:00
  • 4 Very Special 4:11
  • 5 Wig Wise 6:17
  • 6 Grass Roots 4:38
  • 7 No Boxes (Nor Words) 5:37
  • 8 A Little Max (Parfait) 5:01
  • 9 Switch Blade 6:28
  • 10 Cut Off 5:08
  • 11 Rem Blues/Music 6:44

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata