Booker Little steals the show on this. Morgan has been my favorite trumpeter for ages but Booker Little has slowly overtaken first spot for me. His playing is so brilliant and his compositions are so innovative. On this album he hasn’t composed any tunes but the playing is outstanding. Fiery and lyrical. His solo on “My Old Flame”, especially after about 02:10 in, is completely out of this world.
Roach and Little recorded several albums together just like Roach and Brownie did. The same outcome tragically occurred in the end for both of these virtuosic trumpeters, as they died very young.
The stuff Max Roach released as a leader is highly enjoyable. I will try and find some more albums as they are often reasonably priced as well, which complies nicely with my new philosophy of focusing on cheaper titles.
I got to mention Roach’s drumming on this album as well, he plays so good. Very lyrical and tasteful in his appROACH. ‘Nuff said.
Do you have a favorite Max Roach album? Please share.
Cheers!