What makes Easy Winners by Max Roach notable?

Easy Winners is recognized for its blending of jazz with elements of classical themes, especially through Roach's interpretation of Scott Joplin's music. The album received critical acclaim, contributing to Roach's legacy as one of jazz history's pivotal drummers and composers, influencing subsequent generations of musicians. Released in 1985, Easy Winners marked Max Roach's return to recording after a brief hiatus. This album followed his notable work in the 1970s and 1980s that explored political themes and avant-garde jazz, positioning him as a vital figure navigating both tradition and innovation in jazz music.

How many songs are on Easy Winners?

Easy Winners has 4 tracks, running approximately 38 minutes.

Easy Winners

Max Roach · 1985

38 min · 4 tracks · jazz

Rhythmic intricacies and melodic explorations intertwine in a vivid tapestry of jazz, showcasing the evolution of traditional forms.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Bird Says — This track features intricate drum patterns interwoven with lush melodies, encapsulating Roach's innovative approach to rhythm and harmony.
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Sis — A testament to Roach's lyrical drumming style, this piece showcases his ability to blend traditional jazz elements with modern sensibilities.
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A Little Booker — This long composition exemplifies Roach’s skill in storytelling through music, building tension and release with masterful dynamics and phrasing.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

Instrumental

64 /100

Treeline

Higher than 79% of albums we've rated

The album blends traditional jazz with classical influences, showcasing Roach's skill in composition and performance.

What we noticed

The first track opens with a lively tempo, while the subsequent pieces explore slower, more contemplative themes before concluding with a vibrant finale.
Each track is structured around a central motif that is developed through improvisation, allowing for dynamic interplay among the musicians.

Composition 25% of the score: 7/10
Craft 20% of the score: 8/10
Durability 25% of the score: 6/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 8/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 7/10

Influence 4/10

Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

1 Bird Says 12:54
2 Sis 6:38
3 A Little Booker 13:55
4 Easy Winners 4:54

What to play next

Listen next

Bright Moments

1986

Go back to

Survivors

1984

Full Max Roach discography Where to start with Max Roach Artists like Max Roach

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Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata