"Max Roach.. a peerless master." 1924 - 2007

In 1998 I travelled to New York for four days as manager for Chango Jackson (then Moscas). Moises Alanis, a singer/guitarist with the band (and good friend), suggested we check out legendary drummer Max Roach at the Blue Note on one of our nights off. This was one of the most magical shows I've ever seen. Max played a four piece drumset accompanied by five-piece horn section - this was the complete band for the evening! Fortunately, I had the opportunity to meet Max after the show. Still have my signed program and photo with him.

Max passed away today after a long illness. He'll be missed, but his spirit will live forever.

In a 1988 essay in The New York Times, Wynton Marsalis wrote of Roach: "All great instrumentalists have a superior quality of sound, and his is one of the marvels of contemporary music. ... The roundness and nobility of sound on the drums and the clarity and precision of the cymbals distinguishes Max Roach as a peerless master."