Search - Clark Terry, Max Roach :: Friendship

Old School

Stephen A. Smith | Boston, MA | 02/21/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"If you listened to this disc and your only response is to suggest that Clark Terry and Max Roach have lost their fire, then I'd politely suggest that your CD might have been quietly replaced with Folgers Crystals. Listening to these two guys with 152 years between them, it's impossible not to tap your foot and laugh at the Rolling Stones as a bunch of over-the-hill geezers.



This ain't polite jazz. Roach hits the snare hard as ever, and Terry's lines are pure bop. About half the disc consists of duets between the leaders, and their dialogue is as heavy as anything you'll hear from Chris Potter or Keith Jarrett. Roach takes "Lil Max" as a solo, and Terry plays alone on the ballads "When I Fall In Love" and "The Nearness of You." Although the personnel is listed as a quartet with pianist Don Friedman and bassist Marcus McLaurine, only three tunes feature the full band: "Let's Cool One," "But Beautiful," and "Makin' Whoopee."



Like much of Sony's recent jazz, this album received little fanfare and was mostly overlooked; and since it was manufactured by a major label, the result is that supply overwhelmed demand and you can now buy a copy for pennies. You should. It'll cost a fraction of what you'd spend at a jazz club and it'll take 46 minutes from your life, and it'll be well worth both."

Friendship

J. Deighton | 05/17/2003

(4 out of 5 stars)

"A lovely, laid-back session by two legends clearly enjoying each other's company."

Max Roach and Clark Terry, what can I say

J. Deighton | 05/31/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This record is great, really you should just listen to it. But, if you can't listen to music if it's not fast and loud like the reviewer from San Diego....then maybe this album isn't for you. Mr. San Diego wasn't listening very closely if he came to the conclusion that the musicians were "falling asleep". This album is something you really should hear."