Max Roach / WE INSIST! – MAX ROACH’S FREEDOM NOW SUITE

This album is a classic of jazz music. At a time when the civil rights movement was beginning to heat up, drummer Max Roach performed and recorded a seven-part suite inspired by black history (particularly slavery) and racism. “Driva’ Man” features the powerful contribution of veteran tenor saxophonist Coleman Hawkins, but there is also room on another track for a trombone solo by Julian Priester; but above all there is the enchanting performance of Abbey Lincon’s voice, which we can hear on an unforgettable track, “Tryptich: Prayer;Protest;Peace,”; her duet with the drummer and her heartbreaking cries of rage remain memorable. A gem of protest music.