MAX ROACH ‘The Drum Also Waltzes’ Centennial Celebration

Saturday night’s Max Roach centennial tribute show was simply magical. Everything aligned serendipitously including our performers’ schedules, the great weather, and the impeccable crowd energy. This was also Grand Performances’ most technically ambitious concert of the past decade. The scope was staggering: 27 jazz musicians, 50 microphones, 6 drum and percussion kits, etc…

The evening was filled with countless dynamic shifting permutations of ensembles and arrangements. A murderer’s row of jazz talent rotated through our stage to pay tribute to the late great drummer. 

Max Roach’s illustrious career spanned seven decades, and it was only fitting that old school icons like Michael Carvin and Munyungo Jackson jammed on stage next to this generation of jazz torch bearers like Ryan Porter, Todd Simon, Brandon Coleman, vocalist Jimetta Rose and spoken word artist Aja Monet. Roach was beloved for his ability to bridge styles and movements, and our performers, led by esteemed bandleader Dr. Jaz Sawyer, did just that.

Those in attendance were treated to a set that included elements of bebop, free jazz, and fusion… with plenty of Latin and Afro-Caribbean tinged percussion sprinkled throughout. Reinterpretation is the lifeblood of jazz, and Saturday’s performance was filtered through a decidedly LA lens.

The artists were genuinely having a great time, and that positivity translated to every aspect of their performance. We’d like to think Max would have been proud. To hear compliments from his surviving family who were in attendance meant everything to us.