After the tragic deaths of trumpeter
Clifford Brown and pianist
Richie Powell in a car accident a few months earlier, drummer
Max Roach regrouped with trumpeter
Kenny Dorham and pianist
Ray Bryant filling in unfillable holes. Tenor great
Sonny Rollins and bassist
George Morrow remained from the earlier band.
Max Roach Plus Four finds
Roach taking plenty of solo space, including almost all of "Dr. Free-Zee" and the climaxes of "Just One of Those Things" and "Woody 'n You." The horns have plenty of good spots, and other highlights of this worthy set include
George Russell's "Ezz-thetic" and a warm rendition of "Body and Soul." ~ Scott Yanow