Max Roach

Percussion Bitter Sweet

★★★½

Max Roach is a staple in jazz drumming, from the beginning to end of his length career. Playing with the hard boppers to the avant spiritually inclined; he's been everywhere. And by this time he had just finished his landmark, perhaps even magnum opus, We Insist! Max Roach's Freedom Now Suite. This date comes out later that year, and while it isn't as directly political and aggressive, the undertones are subtle and powerful all the same. The song titles are some indication of this, along with the decision to include Abbey Lincoln on vocals. Songs like "Mendacity" serve as a proud and stark plead for change, while also remembering pain and suffering. The solo from Roach is not cheeky or boring at all, it almost serves as his voice.

The combo of Booker Little and Eric Dolphy are a powerful dynamic duo throughout this release, Dolphy especially giving his signature sound. It's not as avant as you'd think, but the political background behind this album, and Roach at the time, is impossible to ignore. It's a little unique though, mixing in African and Latin rhythms with the drumming. Most notably on "Garvey's Ghost" and "Man from South Africa". At many times the songs almost reach into ballad terrain, although more anxious and unnerving. Waldron and Dolphy help add to that effect, especially on the song "Tender Warriors". 

The important thing on this release though, is that no one really takes the spotlight, not even Roach. It's a tightly knit group, that plays as though they've all known each other for years. The added percussion by the two Cubans feels right at home and elevates the music to an almost cinematic level. I would not classify this record as warm at all, although you would think so, especially with all the players. Instead it's almost demanding and cold; telling you to shut up and listen. Lincoln is a great commander when using her voice, especially on the opener "Garvey's Ghost". She sings as if she's just any other part of the group, an instrument that fulfills its role perfectly with wordless vocalizations. 

As lyrical as this album can get, it never slows down. It chugs along, full of steam and smoke. There are no breaks and by the end it feels like a whole plot has unfolded right in front of you. While I think this is largely forgotten, especially due to the presence of his prior album, it's a unique and compelling date. Not my favorite album either, but there are certainly some memorable moments here that easily make it a worthwhile listen. While Roach leads, it's not a dictatorship. Leading here just means to help everyone get in position and come together to help contribute to a message and music that is greater than all of them. That can only be achieved by a certain few, Roach being one of them. 

Favorite Song: Mendacity