Annotation
Biography
Arguably one of the most important drummer ever, Maxwell Lemuel Roach began his career pioneering bebop drums play (at the same time Kenny Clarke did).
This step ahead led him to record a number of historical sessions with Charlie Parker, Thelonious Monk, Coleman Hawkins, Bud Powell and other giants of the time during the 50's.
Then involved with Charles Mingus and Clifford Brown, his already important career reached new heights in the early 60's with landmark records, either sideman or leader, such as Money Jungle and We Insist! Freedom Now.
Married with Abbey Lincoln with whom he recorded a number of times, Roach is also known to be one of the few bop drummers making intrusions into Free Jazz: the well-named Historic Concert is one of the most remarkable example, featuring Roach in a two hour killing duet with Cecil Taylor.
Listener guide
Newcomers are encouraged to start with the all-star Money Jungle emphasizing Roach subtle bop playing - this release also is one of the finest jazz record ever.
People looking for a solid reference covering the hard-bop years are encouraged to (try to) dig the excellent (and rare) Mosaic seven discs boxset The Complete Mercury Max Roach Plus Four Sessions.
Legal name: Maxwell Lemuel Roach
Discography
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