Charlie Parker - Embraceable You (1947)

For all of Bird’s legendary pace and pyrotechnical prowess, this cut’s three and a half minutes includes one of the prettiest solos you’ll hear anywhere.

[l to r] Tommy Potter, Charlie Parker and Max Roach at The Three Deuces, NYC circa August 1947 (photo by William P. Gottlieb)

(Source: lcweb2.loc.gov)

Abbey Lincoln and Max Roach (unknown date and photographer)

(Source: negroartist.com)

Sonny Clark - Nica (1960)

From Sam Stephenson’s Tin House article on Sonny Clark:

“Bewitching” is the word New York Times jazz critic Ben Ratliff used to describe Clark’s performance of “Nica” on a 1960 trio recording with Max Roach on drums and George Duvivier on bass.

“It’s funky and clean and has the tension of changing tonality,” writes Ratliff, “so that within four bars it keeps changing from easy and secure to full of dread.”

vintagetestosterone:

delightfulee: Max Roach.

Max Roach, Inventor of beats.

buttondownmoda:

mr-soulreparations:

Sonny Rollins (left). Max Roach (right).

Yes!!

so sick.

(Source: goldofophir)

Thelonious Monk with [left to right] the hands of bassist Charles Mingus, Miles Davis, Gigi Gryce, and Max Roach playing at Tony’s in Brooklyn NYC, March 1954

Sonny Clark - My Conception (1960)

I previously shared one other example, but it is rare indeed to find Sonny Clark in a solo setting. Stripped down to nothing but his piano (and a flourish from Max Roach at the end), Clark reveals his plaintive side, a side that belies his swinging, deep-in-the-pocket accompaniment for which he is legendary.

For you jazz geeks out there, compare this version of My Conception with a version recorded with a truly outstanding quintet.

Thelonious Monk - Pannonica (1956)

Monk dedicated this classic to Pannonica “Nica” Von Koenigswarter, the NYC patroness of all things jazz. Thanks to @mpiedlourde for reminding me of this sweet Sonny Rollins solo.

Ronnie Mathews playing with Max Roach, Milan Italy, 1966 (photo by Roberto Polillo)