Max Roach is a vital link in the chain of drum history. He was recognized as the man who pioneered a modern drumming style for his work with bebop giants like Charlie Parker and Dizzy Gillespie. In the ‘50s and ‘60s, Max led a number of different bands that were incredible. The arrangements were often innovative (for instance, Max was the first drummer to have the bass player accompany the drum solo, so that the listener could hear the changes of the song as if he were listening to a horn player) and his early work with voices and percussion at that time was always searching and most brilliant. Then Max disappeared from “the scene” and concentrated on teaching at The University of Massachusetts in Amherst, Massachusetts. When he finally came back on the scene he was better than ever, and in addition to his fine quartet, Max origanized M’Boom, […]

December 2021 Issue