What makes Max Roach + 4 by Max Roach notable?

'Max Roach + 4' is significant for its critical acclaim upon release, highlighted by a positive review in DownBeat magazine, where it was celebrated for its innovative arrangements and improvisation. Additionally, the album features compositions that have become jazz standards, influencing countless musicians and contributing to the genre's development. Max Roach was at a pivotal moment in his career with the release of 'Max Roach + 4', following his influential work on the landmark album 'The Max Roach Trio Featuring Abbey Lincoln'. This album showcased Roach's evolution as a bandleader and innovator in jazz, solidifying his reputation within the emerging post-bop movement during the mid-1950s.

Who is Max Roach + 4 for?

Max Roach + 4 works well if you're into intricate rhythms for attentive listeners, vibrant improvisation with engaging dynamics and for late-night gatherings.

How many songs are on Max Roach + 4?

Max Roach + 4 has 9 tracks, running approximately 58 minutes.

Released 70 years ago today

Max Roach + 4

Max Roach · 1956

58 min · 9 tracks · jazz

A vibrant exploration of post-bop jazz, rich in intricate rhythms and melodic interplay among Roach and his ensemble.

Spotify Apple Music

YouTube Music YouTube Deezer Bandcamp SoundCloud

Own it: Amazon eBay

Top tracks — play these first

→
Ezz-Thetic — This track exemplifies Roach's dexterous drumming and complex rhythmic structures, establishing a lively conversation between instruments that defines the album’s adventurous spirit.
→
Body and Soul — Roach’s interpretation of this classic shows his ability to blend emotional depth with technical prowess, making it a standout vocal feature on the record.
→
It Don't Mean a Thing (If It Ain't Got That Swing) — This track showcases how Roach reinvents a well-known standard with fresh energy and intricate syncopation, highlighting the band's cohesive interplay.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

Instrumental

73 /100

Alpine

Higher than 96% of albums we've rated

The album excels in intricate rhythms and strong performances, showcasing Roach's leadership and compositional skill.

What we noticed

The album features complex polyrhythms and syncopation, particularly evident in the opening track 'Ezz-Thetic', which sets a vibrant tone.
Each track showcases a different ensemble member taking turns in the spotlight, allowing for varied melodic interplay throughout.
Several pieces, like 'Body and Soul', incorporate unexpected tempo shifts that enhance the improvisational feel of the record.

Composition 25% of the score: 8/10
Craft 20% of the score: 9/10
Durability 25% of the score: 7/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 8/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 6/10

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.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

intricate rhythms for attentive listeners
vibrant improvisation with engaging dynamics
for late-night gatherings
cascading melodies that invite reflection

Maybe skip if you

prefer straightforward, catchy tunes
seek instant gratification in music

Where this album fits

Career context: Max Roach was at a pivotal moment in his career with the release of 'Max Roach + 4', following his influential work on the landmark album 'The Max Roach Trio Featuring Abbey Lincoln'. This album showcased Roach's evolution as a bandleader and innovator in jazz, solidifying his reputation within the emerging post-bop movement during the mid-1950s.
Stylistic neighbors: Art Blakey· Elvin Jones· Tony Williams