Max Roach
Drums Solo on
Jordu

About

Max Roach rounds out the solo section with a drum feature that extends just over one chorus on this medium-swing reading of "Jordu." His solo demonstrates the thematic development and structural awareness that revolutionized jazz drumming, treating the 32-bar AABA form as a compositional framework rather than merely a rhythmic showcase. Roach employs tuned tom-toms and varied textures to create phrases with clear melodic shape, his approach to the instrument redefining what drum solos could accomplish in a small-group context. As the final soloist, he brings the improvised section to a satisfying conclusion before the ensemble returns to Jordan's memorable theme.

Max Roach was 29 to 30 years old at the time.