ABOUT THE ALBUM

Max Roach was a revolutionary drummer and composer who not only helped spearhead the developments of bebop and free improvisation but also lent his voice to the Civil Rights Movement as a prominent activist. Now, to celebrate what would have been his 100th birthday, the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra with Wynton Marsalis releases The Music of Max Roach, their tribute to a 20th century icon.

Taken from a live performance music-directed by the JLCO’s own drummer Obed Calvaire, The Music of Max Roach includes new big band arrangements of some of Roach’s most searing compositions. Each song on the album (apart from Calvaire’s anthemic “Between Max and Ti-Roro”) is a Roach original released between 1957 and 1962, highlighting some of the artist’s most impassioned work. Featuring special guest vocalist Shenel Johns and Chorale Le Chateau (led by Damien Sneed), The Music of Max Roach gives Roach the thrilling retrospective his artistry deserves.

Personnel

The Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra with Wynton Marsalis
REEDS
Sherman Irby
Alexa Tarantino
Chris Lewis
Abdias Armenteros
Paul Nedzela

TRUMPETS
Ryan Kisor
Geoff Gallante
Marcus Printup
Wynton Marsalis

TROMBONES
Vincent Gardner
Chris Crenshaw
Elliot Mason

RHYTHM
Dan Nimmer – piano
Carlos Henriquez – bass
Obed Calvaire – drums, music director

Special Guests:
Shenel Johns – vocals
Chorale Le Chateau: Damien Sneed, chorus master;  Chenee Campbell, Nia Drummond, Sean Holland II, Markita Knight, Djore Nance, Jillian Willis

Stream the album

Listen to The Music of Max Roach on Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon Music, Tidal, and more.
Listen Now