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.