Max Roach Plus Four

Max Roach Plus Four

ASIN: B0000046UU

Editorial Reviews
Amazon.com
Plus Four, from September 1956, was Max Roach's first recording as a leader following the deaths of his musical partner, Clifford Brown, and their pianist, Richie Powell (the brother of the more famous Bud Powell), in an automobile accident just three months before. Given that circumstance, it's a stunningly upbeat and intense affirmation of the hard-bop ethos. Tenor saxophonist Sonny Rollins and bass stalwart George Morrow remained from the earlier band, and Roach enlisted trumpeter Kenny Dorham and pianist Ray Bryant to complete the quintet.

It was a time when Rollins had just matured into one of the dominant soloists in jazz, with a commanding sound and a headlong forward momentum, in which ideas and technique matched up with unusual symmetry. Dorham's more deliberated trumpet lines provide a different perspective on the material, and the controlled contrast of their approaches gives the band a distinct sound. The opening "Ezz-thetic," composed by George Russell, is an immediate reminder of a time when hard bop was adventurous. A complex, almost atonal theme taken at breakneck tempo, it combines with Roach's clipped drumming to press Rollins and Dorham to immediate heights. The same musical muscle flexing appears on the blistering "Just One of Those Things," while Roach's inventiveness as both composer and percussionist is evident in his brief feature "Dr. Free-Zee," complete with overdubbed tympani, and "Mr. X." Dorham, Bryant, and Rollins reveal three kinds of lyricism on "Body and Soul" and a shared feeling for classic bop on Dizzy Gillespie's "Woody 'n' You." The original LP is supplemented by three additional tracks from March 1957 with Bryant replaced by Billy Wallace, a little-known pianist who shines on "Love Letter." Ellington's "Don't Mean a Thing" manages to still swing at a furious pace. --Stuart Broomer

Tracks:

Valse Hot
Kiss And Run
I Feel A Song Comin' On
Count Your Blessings Instead Of Sheep
Pent-Up House

Amazon.com

The tenor saxophonist is listed as the leader, but Sonny Rollins Plus Four is nothing other than the Clifford Brown-Max Roach Quintet recording for a different label (Prestige rather than Emarcy) in 1956 mere months before Brown's tragic death at age 25 in a car crash. One of the great ensembles in jazz history, the Quintet shows its inventiveness and rhythmic daring were at their peak in such numbers as "Valse Hot" and Rollins's "Pent-Up House." The only flaw of the 32-minute album is that it--like Clifford Brown's life--is too short. --David Horiuchi

Customer Reviews:

A Jazz Masterwork.......2003-01-04

Although under Sonny Rollins' name, the quintet on this masterpiece is the Brown-Roach Quintet, featuring (as Pee Wee at Birdland would have it) "the trumpet sensation, Clifford Brown." Thankfully, Prestige recorded the group in March 1956 so that Rollins and Brown were captured ensemble. The record is brief, but important. The disc begins with Rollins' "Valse Hot" a jazz waltz that features fine solos by Rollins and Brown followed by Richie Powell on piano and a Max Roach drum solo. "Kiss and Run" features a fine Rollins solo and a driving virtuoso performance by Brown spurred by Roach's masterful drumming. The Powell solo is commanding and lyrical and the traded breaks by Rollins, Roach, and Brown are almost the equal of the dialogue between Rollins and Brown that conclude this track. These interchanges are cause enough to own the disc. But the great stuff doesn't end there. "I Feel a Song Coming On" begins with a breakneck Rollins solo followed by Brownie at peak tempo and inventiveness. Max' solo is tasteful and explosive and there is another Rollins/Brown dialog that's quick and clean. "Count Your Blessings" features Rollins as a balladeer and it's apt testimony to the lessons that he had learned from Lester Young as well as Charlie Parker. Lyrical and inventive, it simply swings. The disc concludes with "Pent-Up House," a Rollins original that fairly explodes with improvisation and vitality. This was one of the great jazz groups, unfortunately ended with the untimely deaths of Powell and Brown. This disc is a fit companion to the "Brown-Roach Quintet at Basin Street" (January-February 1956) and any serious collection should contain both.

This is real!!.......2002-07-18

Jazz in true artistic form is on this cd. Clifford Brown probably the best trumpeter and Sonny Rollins definitely the best tenor sax ever come together and swing off of each others magnificence. Highly recommended!!!

A+.......2000-08-28

This album is probably the best jazz cd I own. The solos by Clifford Brown, Sonny Rollins, and Richie Powell are awesome, especially when Clifford and Sonny trade fours. A must have album!

The only problem is it's too short.......2000-03-14

You might be disappointed in the length of this CD, as it checks in at a mere 32 minutes. Sure, in the days of vinyl that was acceptable, but we spoiled CD buyers have come to expect 45-75 minutes per disc. Rest assured that although you'll want more music at the conclusion of "Plus 4," every minute that you spend with Sonny and company will be time well spent.

Besides, after you listen to his cover of the chestnut "Count Your Blessings Instead of Sheep," you might decide that length is overrated. The tune consumes a mere 2 minutes, 29 seconds. But during that brief time, Rollins not only has enough time to beautifully sketch the melody, but also to construct an airtight solo that sounds like a definitive statement on the theme. Like a great meal, it doesn't leave you wanting more; instead, you're perfectly satisfied. It also shows that Rollins, a mere 26 when "Plus 4" was recorded, was well on his way to becoming a saxophone giant.

"Plus 4" also finds Rollins in fine company. The great Clifford Brown's trumpet playing makes us regret again his all-too-early departure. He and Rollins sound like they could have made a dozen good records together had Brown lived. Max Roach delivers his usual impeccable time keeping and solo voice, and Richie Powell contributes a sprightly presence on piano, particularly on "Kiss and Run."

If you find yourself wanting a heavier Rollins meal after this one, check out his "Complete Prestige Recordings" (7 discs), which includes the tunes from "Plus 4."

hard bop made easy.......2000-03-10

to my mind, jazz reached its peak with hard bop, and here is the best hard bop record ever made. doubtful? listen to pent-up house and if you don't feel it deep in your bones, you have no soul. this is a record that makes you glad you're not watching t.v.

Average customer rating:

Max Roach Plus Four (Jpn Lp Sleeve)
Max Roach
Manufacturer: Universal
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Jazz | Styles | Music

General | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music
ASIN: B000065E8Y
Release Date: 2002-05-29

Album Details

Japanese Limited Edition in an LP-STYLE Slipcase.

Jazz Music:

Jazz Music

Jazz Music