Max Roach, jazz drummer, composer, educator and bandleader, died last night. He inspired me to play the drums and to continue to play throughout my formative years. The genius of Roach was his ability to turn drumming into art versus just entertainment. And he was the first to introduce the idea of improvising to drumming. No longer were drums just for timekeeping. It should come as no surprise to those of you who know my musical preferences that I was attracted to this. It took me about 4 years to truly unlock my limbs so I could keep 4 separate but consistent rhythms going at the same time. Roach wasn't shy to speak his mind and act on his beliefs. Active during the 60s, Roach's We Insist! Freedom Now Suite targetted oppression worldwide while being admired for both solid jazz and political art. Roach was the first artist to pick me up by my lapels, shake me violently and speak to my core. Only a few artists have since done the same -- Dylan and Phish are the only two to come to mind.
While we didn't name our child Max, we did like Myles and Cole because of their jazz roots. While my listening has waned over the years, I still consider myself a fan. My life and career so far have been like jazz -- I've improvised throughout. I got married before most of my peers. I had kids early. I've lived in 3 great cities -- Chicago, DC and New York. And no doubt my aversion to corporate life is based on my desire to do my own thing, or march to my own beat so to speak.
Thanks Max for all the great music. American music and culture would not be the same without you. Rest in peace.
