The Jazz Show Episode February 8, 2016

Drummer/composer Max Roach: "Percussion: Bitter Sweet"

9:02pm - 12:42am

Drummer/composer and Modern Jazz pioneer Max Roach did two wonderful albums for the Impulse label and as second tribute to Black History Month we present the first of these two recordings called "Percussion: Bitter Sweet". As is common knowledge, Max Roach's music became more political in about 1959 when he stated that he would never play or record anything that didn't have political or social significance as regards the African-American and civil rights. Max Roach's Ensemble consists of his then wife Abbey Lincoln on vocal on the first two tunes. The instrumentalists are trumpeter Booker Little, tenor saxophonist Clifford Jordan, trombonist Julian Priester, and Eric Dolphy on alto saxophone, flute and bass clarinet, Mal Waldron on piano, Art Davis on bass and where heard percussionist Carlos "Patato" Valdes (conga drum) and Carlos "Totico" Eugenio (percussion and timbales). There are six compositions on the record and the music is militant, powerful and inspired. Percussion: Bitter Sweet is a classic.

Track Listing:

Garvey's Ghost
Max Roach · Percussion Bitter Sweet
Mendacity
Max Roach · Percussion Bitter Sweet
Mama
Max Roach · Percussion Bitter Sweet
Tender Warriors
Max Roach · Percussion Bitter Sweet
Praise For a Martyr
Max Roach · Percussion Bitter Sweet
Man From South Africa
Max Roach · Percussion Bitter Sweet
I'll Close My Eyes
John Handy · In The Vernacular
I'll Never Smile Again
John Handy · In The Vernacular
Quote:Unquote
John Handy · In The Vernacular
Blues In The Vernacular
John Handy · In The Vernacular
Dance To The Lady
John Handy · In The Vernacular
Elsewhen
Mike Nock · An Accumulation of Subtleties
House of Blue Lights
Mike Nock · An Accumulation of Subtleties
Front o' Town
Pony Poindexter · Gumbo!
Back o' Town
Pony Poindexter · Gumbo!
Muddy Dust
Pony Poindexter · Gumbo!
Gumbo Filet
Pony Poindexter · Gumbo!
Blue and Sentimental
Pony Poindexter · Gumbo!
Piece for Clarinet and String Orchestra
Jimmy Giuffre · Mobiles
Johnny One-Note
George Wallington · Live At The Cafe Bohemia
Sweet Blanche
George Wallington · Live At The Cafe Bohemia
Minor March
George wallington · Live At The Cafe Bohemia
Twisted Blues
Wes Montgomery · So Much Guitar!