CiTR

The Jazz Show's tribute to Black History Month is the famous Max Roach recording called "The Freedom Now Suite". This was one of the first politically charged albums that reflect the leader's growing awareness of the civil rights movement that was erupting in the U.S. in the late 1950's. Mr. Roach's basic ensemble includes trumpeter, Booker Little, tenor saxophonist Walter Benton, trombonist Julian Priester and bassist James Schenk. Abbey Lincoln is extraordinary on her vocals and Coleman Hawkins, the "father of the tenor saxophone" makes a cameo appearance on "Driva' Man", the opening tune. The final two pieces are by the full ensemble augmented by two percussionists and the great Micheal Olatunji on vocal and African drums. The centerpiece of the album if a duet in three parts called "Prayer, Protest and Peace" with Miss Lincoln and Max Roach. The album was recorded in 1960 and to this day stands as a monument to the creativity and political stance of one of the greatest drummers in Jazz, the late Max Roach. I should add that the lyrics of this were written by Oscar Brown Jr. and all the music was written by Mr. Roach. "We Insist! Freedom Now Suite".