Max Roach, Sonny Clark, George Duvivier - Max Roach (1962) (1LP Vinyl) - Very Good Plus (VG+)

Condition: Used

Media Condition: Very Good Plus (VG+)

Sleeve Condition: Very Good Plus (VG+)

Condition Notes:

Max Roach, Sonny Clark, George Duvivier by Max Roach.

Cut in New York City on March 23rd, 1960, this session brings together three master craftsmen whose names share the billing, and for good reason. Max Roach behind the drums, Sonny Clark at the piano, and George Duvivier on bass form a trio that plays with the kind of intuitive conversation only genuine peers can sustain. Every one of the eight tunes here was written by Clark, making this as much a showcase for his compositional voice as it is for the players who bring it to life.

Side one opens with "Minor Meeting," a title that hints at the moody, considered feel Clark favored, before moving through "Nica," "Sonny's Crip," and "Blues Mambo." These are pieces built for interplay, giving Duvivier room to walk and anchor while Roach colors and drives from the kit. Clark's writing rewards attentive listening, each theme carving out its own character within the trio's tight, unhurried frame.

Flip to side two and the program continues with "Blues Blue," "Junka," "My Conception," and "Sonia." "My Conception" in particular stands as one of Clark's most enduring themes, a melody that lingers long after the needle lifts. Throughout, the trio holds a rare balance: spacious enough to breathe, disciplined enough to swing hard, with Roach's touch reminding you why he remains one of the most inventive percussionists jazz ever produced.

The session came together under the guidance of A&R man Bob Shad, with John Cue serving as original recording engineer and Hal Diepold handling the mastering. Album coordination fell to Arpena Spargo, with Harry Ringler as production coordinator, while Pete Spargo supplied the liner notes that set the scene for the music inside. It is the sort of careful, hands-on production that defined the best independent jazz dates of the era.

The physical presentation carries its own charm. The album design comes from Moskof-Morrison Inc., with typography by The Composing Room, Inc., giving the package a clean, purposeful look that matches the music's understated confidence. Pressings feature deep-groove red labels with all black print, a detail collectors of this period know to appreciate.

For anyone drawn to the piano trio format at its most conversational, or to the composing gifts of Sonny Clark and the endlessly resourceful drumming of Max Roach, this record earns its place on the shelf. Eight originals, three great players, and a single spring afternoon in New York captured with warmth and clarity. It is a document of musicians listening closely to one another, and it still rewards the same attention today.

Pressing Details:
Track Listing:
A1. Minor Meeting
A2. Nica
A3. Sonny's Crip
A4. Blues Mambo
B1. Blues Blue
B2. Junka
B3. My Conception
B4. Sonia

Credits:
Bob Shad - A&R [Artist & Repertoire]
George Duvivier - Bass (A1 to B2, B4)
Arpena Spargo - Coordinator [Album Coordination]
Harry Ringler - Coordinator [Production Coordinator]
Moskof-Morrison Inc. - Design [Album]
Max Roach - Drums (A1 to B2, B4)
John Cue - Engineer [Original Recording Engineer]
Pete Spargo - Liner Notes
Hal Diepold - Mastered By
Sonny Clark - Piano, Written-By
The Composing Room, Inc. - Typography

Notes:
Recorded in New York City, March 23rd, 1960.
Deep-groove red labels with all black print.

Artist: Max Roach

Supporting Artists: Sonny Clark, George Duvivier

Format: 1LP

Genre: Jazz

Label: Time Records (3)

Catalog Number: 52101

Release Year: 1962

Country: United States