Max Roach
Members, Don’t Git Weary
Real Gone Music
Despite passing in 2007, Max Roach remains a quintessential figure among modern jazz as not only an influential drummer, but as one of the musicians who led the shift in the genre in the β50s and β60s alongside the likes of Miles Davis, John Coltrane, and Wayne Shorter. It is because of this that Real Gone Music has chosen to reissue a pair of Roachβs solo records, as a bandleader. The first of which, Members, Donβt Git Weary, originally released in 1968, is among his most revered.
Opening with the push and pull rhythms of βAbstructionsβ, Roach and his band β consisting of Gary Bartz on the sax, Charles Tolliver on trumpet, bassist Jymie Merritt, and pianist Stanley Cowell β saunter through a rhythmic track, led primarily by the piano solo, and accented with shots from the horns. It isnβt until the following song, βLibraβ, where Members, Donβt Git Weary truly picks up. The post-bop track is a stellar performance from the entire band. Following Roachβs sublime lead, βLibraβ modulates rhythmically seamlessly with the band moving through the song without a bump. In every way, βLibraβ is a prime example of not only Roachβs abilities behind the kit β the song does feature a quick solo after all β but more so his presence as a band leader, something not often associated or as audibly noticeable for a drummer.
Much like βLibraβ, Members, Donβt Git Weary continues forward in a manner that is nothing short of incredible. From the moody melodicism of βEffiβ to the hint of avantgarde spoken word on the title track, Members Donβt Git Weary is a masterclass of jazz performance. The closing song, βAbsolutionsβ, in particular is an odyssey of rhythm, dark and moody tones, and carefully curated and improvised solos. Without a doubt, βAbsolutionsβ is a jaw dropping track that – even without the previous songs, all of which strong β cements Roach and Members, Donβt Git Weary in the echelon of truly excellent jazz albums.
If youβre only familiar with Roach through his iconic performances behind the kit for some of the genreβs best, Members, Donβt Git Weary serves as a strong entry point into his massive back catalogue of solo material. Furthermore, Members, Donβt Git Weary elevates Roachβs status beyond being just a drummer, but as a powerful band leader capable of writing moving, but challenging, pieces and guiding a band through them with ease. In some regards, Members, Donβt Git Weary only proves that his legacy as a bandleader should rival his status as one of the greatest jazz drummers.
Real Gone Music Links
SPILL ALBUM REVIEW: MAX ROACH – MEMBERS, DON’T GIT WEARY
Gerrod Harris