Maxwell Lemuel Roach, commonly known as Max Roach, was one of the most innovative and influential drummers in the history of jazz. Born on January 10, 1924, in Newland, North Carolina, Roach grew up in Brooklyn, New York, where he developed his talent and passion for drumming at an early age. He went on to perform with many jazz legends, including Charlie Parker, Dizzy Gillespie, and Thelonious Monk, becoming one of the architects of the modern jazz style known as bebop.

Throughout his career, which spanned more than five decades, Max Roach pushed the boundaries of jazz percussion, turning the drum kit from a mere rhythm section instrument into a vehicle for complex, expressive soloing. He was also a prolific band leader and composer, often integrating social and political themes into his works. His collaborations with trumpeter Clifford Brown in the group Brown-Roach Quintet heralded a new era in jazz ensemble playing, combining intricate arrangements with virtuosic improvisation. Roach's involvement in the civil rights movement was reflected in recordings like "We Insist! Freedom Now Suite," which remain poignant to this day. His latest releases, such as "The Complete Mercury Sessions" and "Max Roach: Candid Roach," continue to shine a light on the breadth and depth of his artistic endeavors, while his experimental group M'Boom showcased his innovative foray into all-percussion compositions. Max Roach passed away on August 16, 2007, leaving behind an indelible legacy as a master of rhythm and an activist for human rights.

Genres

Avant-garde Jazz

Bebop

Contemporary Post-bop

Free Jazz

Hard Bop

Jazz

Jazz Drums

Related Artists

Art Blakey

Thelonious Monk

Dizzy Gillespie

Buddy Rich

Sonny Rollins

Charles Mingus

John Coltrane

Herbie Hancock

Chick Corea

Elvin Jones

Philly Joe Jones

Kenny Clarke

Latest Release

The Complete Mercury Sessions

Max Roach

Album - 95 Tracks - Released January 1, 2011