Classic Recordings, The Clifford Brown & Max Roach Quintet - Clifford Brown & Max Roach

The album Clifford Brown and Max Roach emerged as a landmark recording in jazz history, marking the debut of one of the most influential hard bop quintets of the 1950s. Promoter Gene Norman approached Max Roach, already an established bebop pioneer, to form his own group. Roach immediately sought out Clifford Brown, a rising trumpet star known for his virtuosic technique and warm tone, to be his co-leader. The quintet featured the talents of Harold Land (tenor saxophone), Richie Powell (piano), and George Morrow (bass).

Hard bop, an extension of bebop, emerged in the 1950s, combining bebop’s complexity with elements of blues, gospel, and R&B to create a more accessible yet sophisticated sound that continues to resonate with musicians and audiences alike. Following the bebop movement, hard bop incorporated elements of rhythm and blues, allowing for artistic freedom while establishing a danceable quality - something bebop sometimes lacked for general audiences. Early innovators of this sub-genre include The Jazz Messengers, led by Art Blakey and Horace Silver, followed by prominent hard boppers like Freddie Hubbard, Julian 'Cannonball' Adderley, and Sonny Rollins, who made several appearances with Brown and Roach in the mid-fifties. From a cultural perspective, hard bop partly arose as a reaction to cool jazz and, through politically engaged figures like Roach, provided a soundtrack to the civil rights movement of the time.

Clifford Brown and Max Roach initially consisted of five tracks recorded during an August 1954 session. Later, when EmArcy adopted the 12-inch LP format to compete with larger labels like Columbia, three additional tracks from the same session were added to the album. The opening track, 'Delilah', is a sensual rendition of the theme song from the film Samson and Delilah, featuring a memorable solo by Harold Land. (Paul Motian once singled out 'Delilah' for special praise, calling it "simple but great.") Bud Powell's composition, 'Parisian Thoroughfare', is a full-on, hustle-and-bustle, bebop-rooted track that showcases the staggering technical abilities of the band, with Roach propelling his bandmates forward. Now a jazz standard, Brown's original 'Daahoud' stands out for its lyrical melody and flowing harmonic structure, highlighted by melodious solos that effortlessly navigate the chords.

'Joy Spring' a favorite among jazz musicians, is admired for its elaborate melody and challenging progression. Composed by Brown as a tribute to his wife, the theme is infectious and uplifting, leaving a bounce in the listener's step. The blend between saxophone and trumpet only enhances the experience. Tracks like 'Jordu' and 'What Am I Here For?' provide a platform for the musicians to demonstrate their joyful interplay and virtuosic talents. Roach at times interjects like a horn player, while Land and Brown both infuse their solos with personality - and Richie Powell, when given the spotlight, matches them all. Across the album, the chemistry between Brown and Roach exudes confidence and a shared desire to elevate each other's playing.

The Clifford Brown and Max Roach Quintet had a profound impact on the 1950s jazz scene, pioneering the hard bop style and elevating jazz to new heights of technical excellence and emotional depth. Their collaboration bridged Roach’s established bebop style with Brown's emerging hard bop sound. Their original compositions became jazz standards, and Roach's innovative drumming redefined the role of percussion in jazz ensembles. Their collaborative approach and ability to connect bebop and hard bop influenced generations of musicians. The group's precision, warmth, and emotional richness set a new standard for jazz. Clifford Brown and Max Roach is a sociable and inviting album - a strong recommendation for attentive listeners and those beginning to explore the vast jazz universe. It’s a recording that ticks all the boxes.