Max Roach: What Black People Sound Like

Often, when we think of Jazz we think of those virtuoso, technical, craftsmen blowing the horn; Dizzy, Miles, The Bird etc...Or those guys on the keys; Monk, The Duke, Count Basie, Charles Mingus and so on. I think that most Jazz fans(including myself) take the percussionists for granted. I'm sure that this is not on purpose but the rhythm that the drummers lay down are so vital to the mood of the composition. If the drums are mellow and cool, that's where your mind goes, to your favorite coffee shop or further into your own isolation. If the drums come out kicking then your mind goes there too, to your favorite club and your head just goes bobbing along. Max Roach was a MASTER, his odes to Africa and its diaspora really make one proud of his heritage. You can feel the richness of the culture and the love that Mr. Roach had for black and brown people. Consequently, the phrase "Black is Beautiful" had more meaning and relevance when Mr. Roach was playing the drums than it ever had before. So if you have never listened to Max Roach manipulate the hi hats and the snares then you ought to...NOW. Start with arguably his most famous album: We Insist: Freedom Now