This is a phenomenal record. I think it's unfair to say they were poles apart. This wasn't Roach and Mingus playing swing, this was 100% Ellington playing hard bop. You an teach an old dog new tricks.
Phenomenal is right. Longtime fan of this album. Mingus and Roach prodded Ellington into new jazz territory, and it all worked, despite some tense and awkward musical moments.
I also recommend Duke’s collaboration with Coleman Hawkins from the same period (early ‘60).
*bump*
When America was still America.