Max Roach

• limited colored vinyl

• 5 stars all music guide

Max Roach's 1960 masterwork We Insist! is a suite based on the Civil Rights Movement, and involves variations on the theme of the struggle for African Americans to achieve equality in the United States, a struggle that is still all too relevant.

Roach began composing with lyricist Oscar Brown Jr. in 1959, with the initial intention of having the suite performed in 1963, on the 100th anniversary of The Emancipation Proclamation. Featuring the wonderful Abbey Lincoln on vocals, as well as Booker Little, Julian Priester, Coleman Hawkins, Olatunji, and more, We Insist! is a truly stunning album, one that knows no equal from that time or since.

PERSONNEL:

• Max Roach - (drums)
• Coleman Hawkins - (tenor sax)
• Walter Benton - (tenor sax)
• Booker Little -(trumpet)
• Juliean Prester - (trombone)
• James Schenk - (bass)
• Babatunde Olatunji - (conga)
• Thomas Du Val, Ray Matilla - (percussion)
• Abbey Lincoln - (vocals)

New York, August 31s and September 6, 1960.

TRACKS:

• SIDE A:
• A1. Driva Man
• A2. Freedom Day
• A3. Triptych: Prayer
• A4. Protest
• A5. Peace

• SIDE B:
• B1. All Africa
• B2. Tears For Johannesburg