We Insist! Max Roach's Freedom Now Suite: Compositions and Players

Jazz Research
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Jazz Research
"We Insist! Max Roach's Freedom Now Suite" is an album released in 1960 by the American jazz drummer Max Roach. The album is a powerful statement on the civil rights movement that was taking place in America. It is a concept album that tells the story of the struggles of African Americans through a series of compositions rich in history, emotion, and creativity. This essay will provide an overview of the album, including its historical context, compositions, and players. I will then follow the trajectory of each piece, discussing the changing soloists, the mood of each piece, and the emotional impact of the album as a whole.
Historical Context
"We Insist! Max Roach's Freedom Now Suite" was released in 1960, when the civil rights movement was gaining momentum in America. African Americans were fighting for their rights, demanding an end to segregation and discrimination (Bradford, 2017). The album was Roach's response to the social and political climate of the time. It was a call to action, an expression of the frustration and anger felt by African Americans tired of being oppressed (Bradford, 2017).
Roach was no stranger to social and political activism. He had been involved in the struggle for civil rights for many years, and his music reflected his beliefs. The album was recorded with lyricist Oscar Brown Jr. and featured many talented musicians, including Abbey Lincoln, Coleman Hawkins, and Booker Little. The album was recorded just before the Civil Rights Act of 1964 was signed into law, and it captures the mood of a nation on the brink of change (Bradford, 2017).
Compositions and Players
"We Insist! Max Roach's Freedom Now Suite" comprises five compositions, each telling a different story. The first composition, "Driva' Man," is a powerful protest song that speaks to the brutality of the slave trade (Kim, 2018). It features Abbey Lincoln on vocals, who delivers a haunting performance that captures the pain and suffering of African Americans throughout history. The piece also features a powerful saxophone solo by Coleman Hawkins, who plays with a sense of urgency and passion that is palpable.
The second composition, "Freedom Day," celebrates the end of slavery. It features the trumpet of Booker Little, who plays with a sense of joy and hope that is infectious. The piece also features a powerful drum solo by Max Roach, which serves as a reminder of the African roots of jazz music (Kim, 2018). The third composition, "Triptych: Prayer/Protest/Peace," is a three-part composition that speaks to the different emotions felt by African Americans during the civil rights movement. The first part, "Prayer," is a solemn piece that reflects the religious traditions of African Americans. The second part, "Protest," is a powerful protest song that speaks to the frustration and anger of African Americans fighting for their rights (Kim, 2018). The third part, "Peace," is a hopeful piece expressing the desire for a better future. The piece features a range of talented musicians, including Julian Priester on trombone, who delivers a powerful solo that captures the emotions of the piece.
The fourth composition, "All Africa," celebrates the African continent. It features a range of African instruments, including the djembe and the shekere. The piece is a reminder of the African roots of jazz music and the contributions African Americans have made to American culture (Bradford, 2017). The final composition, "Tears for Johannesburg," is a tribute to the Sharpeville massacre victims in South Africa in 1960. The piece features a range of African instruments, including the kalimba and the thumb piano. It is a somber piece that speaks to the pain and suffering of those who have been oppressed. The piece also features a powerful saxophone solo by Archie Shepp, who plays with a sense of sorrow and mourning that is palpable.
The Trajectory of Each Piece
Each composition on "We Insist! Max Roach's Freedom Now Suite" tells a different story, and the trajectory of each piece is unique. "Driva' Man" sets the tone for the album, with Abbey Lincoln's haunting vocals capturing the pain and suffering of African Americans throughout history (Bradford, 2017). The piece features a powerful saxophone solo by Coleman Hawkins, who plays with a sense of urgency and passion that is palpable. The piece ends with Lincoln repeating the words "God damn slavery" repeatedly, emphasizing the brutality of the slave trade.
"Freedom Day" is a celebration of the end of slavery, with Booker Little's trumpet capturing the sense of joy and hope that comes with freedom. The piece also features a powerful drum sol...