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Max Roach On Piano Jazz

Published February 22, 2008 at 8:53 AM CST
Max Roach performs in Havana, Cuba in 1989.
Rafael Perez
/
AFP/Getty Images
Max Roach performs in Havana, Cuba in 1989.

Being a legendary drummer was only part of Max Roach's musical personality; he was also an accomplished composer and storyteller. On this 1998 episode of Piano Jazz, Roach (1924–2007) relates a few of his many musical memories from performing with greats like Charlie Parker, Thelonious Monk and Dizzy Gillespie.

Roach also treats listeners to a selection of his own compositions. And he, host Marian McPartland and bassist Ray Drummond collaborate in "I'll Remember Clifford" and "Joy Spring."

Originally recorded April 21, 1998. Originally broadcast Sept. 29, 1998.

Set List

  • "Drum Also Waltzes" (Roach)

  • "Now's The Time" (Parker)

  • "Billy The Kid" (Roach)

  • "I Remember Clifford" (Golson)

  • "The Smoke That Thunders" (Roach)

  • "Joy Spring" (Hendricks, Brown)

  • "Giant Steps" (Coltrane)

  • "All The Things You Are" (Hammerstein)

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