Max Roach - Percussion Bitter Sweet
Drums – Max Roach [click here to see more products featuring Max Roach]
Vocals – Abbey Lincoln (A1, B2)
Trumpet – Booker Little [click here to see more products featuring Booker Little]
Flute, Alto Saxophone, Bass Clarinet – Eric Dolphy [click here to see more vinyl featuring Eric Dolphy]
Piano – Mal Waldron [click here to see more vinyl featuring Mal Waldron]
Tenor Saxophone – Clifford Jordan [click here to see more vinyl featuring Clifford Jordan]
Bass – Art Davis
Congas – Carlos Valeler
Cowbell – Carlos "Totico" Eugenio
Trombone – Julian Priester
Written by M. Roach (all tracks), C. Bayen (B2)
1 LP, Gatefold jacket
Original analog Master tape : YES
Heavy Press : 180g
Record color : Black
Speed : 33 RPM
Size : 12'’
Stereo
Studio
Record Press : Optimal
Label : Verve
Original Label : Impulse
Recorded on August 1, 3, 8–9, 1961 in New York City
Original session produced by Max Roach
Mastered by Ryan Smith
Reissue produced by Ken Druker
Lacquer cut at Sterling Sound by Ryan Smith
Photography by Bob Gomel
Liner Notes by Margo Guryan
Originally released in 1961
Reissued in December 2025
Tracks:
Side A
1. Garvey's Ghost
2. Mama
3. Tender Warriors
Side B
1. Praise For A Martyr
2. Mendacity
3. Man From South Africa
Reviews:
« A classic album, and one of the finest of drummer Max Roach's very productive career. The illustrious sidemen (trumpeter Booker Little; trombonist Julian Priester; Eric Dolphy on alto, bass clarinet, and flute; tenorman Clifford Jordan; pianist Mal Waldron, and bassist Art Davis, in addition to some guest percussionists) all have opportunities to make strong contributions. Dolphy's pleading alto solo on "Mendacity" is particularly memorable. Abbey Lincoln has two emotional and very effective vocals, but it is the overall sound of the ensembles and the political nature of the music that make this set (along with Roach's Freedom Now Suite) quite unique in jazz history. » AllMusic Review by Scott Yanow
Ratings:
AllMusic : 5 / 5 ; Discogs : 4.91 / 5