The Jazz Show Episode October 3, 2016

Drummer and Jazz Pioneer Max Roach: "Speak Brother, Speak!"

9:06pm - 12:35am

This album was recorded at the legendary Jazz Workshop in the North Beach area of San Francisco in October of 1962. In 1959 Max Roach declared that his music would from that time on reflect not only his musical stance but his political stance as regards civil rights for his people of African-American heritage. After this recording, Mr. Roach was boycotted by many booking agents and the record companies of the day. He did not resume recording until he signed with Atlantic Records in 1965. This album brings his working band to the fore and unfortunately doesn't include his wife, vocalist Abbey Lincoln but it is all about his powerhouse quartet with included tenor saxophonist Clifford Jordan, pianist Mal Waldron and bassist Eddie Khan and of course Mr. Roach. Two long pieces are included on this recording and both are in the form of a suite designed to feature everyone in the band extensively.. "Speak Brother, Speak!" is the first long suite based in the blues and the second piece entitled "A Variation" based on a theme by Heitor Villa-Lobos is another foray into a minor key. Both are so effective and moving. "Speak Brother, Speak!" speaks to us all so listen up!

Track Listing:

Speak Brother, Speak!
Max Roach · Speak Brother, Speak!
A Variation
Max Roach · Speak Brother, Speak!
Ekaya
Abdullah Ibrahim · Ekaya
Sotho Blue
Abdullah Ibrahim · Ekaya
Mandela
Abdullah Ibrahim · Water From an Ancient Well
Tuang Guru
Abdullah Ibrahim · Water From an Ancient Well
Cherry/Bra Joe From Kilimanjaro
Abdullah Ibrahim · African Portraits
No Problem
Jerome Richardson · Goin' To The Movies.
Son Of Ice Bag.
Lonnie Smith · Think!
Don't Call Before Ten
Jill Townsend · The Music of Ross Taggart
Cyclamen
Jill Townsend · The Music of Ross Taggart
Match The Hatch
Jill Townsend · The Music of Ross Taggart
Impressions
Wes Montgomery · Live at The Half Note
Patterns
Oliver Nelson · Sound Pieces
Ee-Ah!
Sonny Rollins · Tour de Force.
13 (Death March)
Jimmy Smith and Wes Montgomery · James and Wes