This post is by Scott
Recorded in 1981
This is a powerful musical statement -- and a strangely overlooked album in Roach's discography. To the best of my knowledge, it has never been reissued in any digital format. However, its low profile has nothing to do with the quality of the music, which is extraordinary.
The opening cut features MLK's "I Have a Dream" speech in duet with Roach's drums, making apparent the inherent musicality in King's speech. It also reminds listeners that Roach didn't make distinctions between political and musical statements. Beginning with albums like We Insist! (Candid, 1960) and Sonny Rollins' Freedom Suite (Riverside, 1958), political and civil-rights concerns have regularly been in the forefront of Roach's music. Sadly, with the passing of nearly sixty years, MLK's speech -- and Roach's invocation of it -- remains timely and relevant. Every day, the we face reminders that the U.S. continues to be plagued by inequalities.
The remainder of the album is equally profound, if less overtly political. Roach's quartets of the 1970s and 80s have always flown beneath the radar, and that's a shame. Each incarnation was a fantastic band, and I'm especially partial to this group with tenor saxophonist Odean Pope. I think many listeners would be transfixed by this music if they were given the opportunity to hear it.
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