Tag Archives: Max Roach

Max Roach / Abdullah Ibrahim – Streams of Consciousness (1977)

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This duo is the title track on the album Streams of Consciousness by Abdullah Ibrahim and Max Roach.

Abdullah Ibrahim, then known as Dollar Brand, went into the studio with Max Roach on September 20, 1977. In his brief but all-encompassing notes, Roach says that there were no rehearsals and no plans as to what they were going to record. Sure, it is said that they were friends, and shared social and cultural backgrounds. Those are good points of reference but there has to be something more: a perspicacity, a feel, anticipation and vision that have to course through the blood and in the mind. Roach and Ibrahim are in the swell of the tide. Now that this recording is available once more, listen to two articulate imaginaries as they take you on their completely improvised journey, savor the experience and acknowledge, as well, the good sense that activated the re-release of the music.

The sum of the four tunes, witness the names given them, make up the breathtaking whole. The title tune runs just over 21 minutes, every one of which is a dynamic of exploration. Ibrahim sets up the mood in a virtuosic panoply of rich euphonic piano chording that Roach reinvents with a shifting timbral pulse. [source]

Tracks: Streams of Consciousness / Inception / Acclamation / Consanguinity

Personnel: Max Roach – Drums / Abdullah Ibrahim – Piano

 

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[Dedicated to Ronnie Rocket, as thanks for the confidence]

Booker Little – Moods In Free Time (1961)

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Moods In Free Time is from the album Out Front by Booker Little, recorded in New York, spring 1961, and first released on Candid ame year.

Booker Little was the first trumpet soloist to emerge in jazz after the death of Clifford Brown to have his own sound. His tragically brief life (he died at age 23 later in 1961) cut short what would have certainly been a major career. Little, on this sextet date with multi-reedist Eric Dolphy, trombonist Julian Priester, and drummer Max Roach, shows that his playing was really beyond bebop. His seven now-obscure originals (several of which deserve to be revived) are challenging for the soloists and there are many strong moments during these consistently challenging and satisfying performances. [source]

Booker Little – Trumpet
Eric Dolphy – Alt Saxophone, Flute, Bass Clarinet
Ron Carter – Bass
Julian Priester – Trombone
Max Roach – Drums, Vibraphone
Don Friedman - Piano

 

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Charles Mingus & Max Roach – Percussion Discussion (1955)

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From the album Mingus At The Bohemia by Charles Mingus, recorded at Cafe Bohemia, New York City, December 23, 1955.

The songs from “Cafe Bohemia” contain the typical Mingus “Jazz Workshop” characteristics. A concert as work shop meant first of all a live experiment; this is mainly true for his “guest” musician Max Roach in “Percussion Discussion”. Mingus at the Bohemia fixed a moment in time where Mingus found his musical identity.

The above mentioned “Percussion Discussion” is a duet of Mingus and Roach, which was later also used in the Epitaph suite.  Just two men playing two instruments that are very rarely found on the stand alone. Two men producing and assortment of rich and exciting sounds. Here is a chance to really enjoy the artistry of Max and Mingus. Notice the clean, true snare sound that Max gets on his highest pitched drum. As he moves from snare drum to tom-tom, there is no doubt that he’s changed intentionally. No muddled indistinct sound here but a real fresh, swinging sound for Max. And he has his earthly qualities too: strong, vigorous, earthy qualities. Mingus is tremendous, matching Max mood for mood. His pizzicato becomes so strong at times that it sounds very close to Max’s percussive effort. Also, for a new concept in jazz sounds, listen to the high, scraping sound Mingus gets on his bass immediately after Max’s cymbal entrance. [source]

Charles Mingus – Bass / Max Roach – Drums

 

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Sonny Clark Trio – Minor Meeting (1960)

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Minor Meeting is from the album Sonny Clark Trio, released on Time Records in 1960.

Clark is inspired by his sidemen (bassist George Duvivier and drummer Max Roach) as he digs into a full set of his originals. None of the tunes became standards, but all are excellent. The music falls between classic bebop and hard bop, with Clark as usual displaying the influence of Bus Powell along with his own voice. His life was unfortunately quite brief, but Sonny Clark never recorded an unworthy record. This one is well worth picking up. [source]

Personnel:
Sonny Clark – Piano
George Duvivier – Bass
Max Roach – Drums

 

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Max Roach – You Stepped Out Of A Dream (1958)

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You Stepped Out Of A Dream is from  Deeds, Not Words, an album by American jazz drummer Max Roach featuring tracks recorded in 1958 and released on the Riverside label, same year. Words an music for You Stepped Out Of A Dream is originally created by Nacio Herb and Gus Kahn.

Max Roach – Drums
Brooker Little – Trumpet
Ray Draper – Tuba
George Coleman – Tenor Saxophone
Art Davis – Bass