Customer Reviews

Free Slave

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While top billing goes to the drummer, this CD could have been posted under the name of any of the participating musicians. The bass line alone could probably make it as a solo release. Hugh Lawson's piano work completes the triad of a more then capable rhythm section. Roy's patterns on the drums force the capable duo of Woody Shaw and George Coleman to bring to the front their arsenal of musical talents, their individual solos being unique but still reflecting a commonality of thought and approach to the rhythmn and melody of each tune. "Five for Max" is the marque piece of this work, but all four cuts are equally professional in their composition and presentation. While the recording sounds slightly "tinny" in the high registers (both on the LP and CD, probably due to the recording being live), this has not impeded the listening enjoyment I've derived from this work over the years.

One of the best albums I've picked up all year!

This is album has outrageous amounts of energy in every solo, with four catchy tunes. If you're looking for some fairly funky music, this is it...not just riffing on the same stuff, but quality playing.

And for $8, it's a steal

Picked this one up mostly on a whim not being real familiar with Brooks' work and was pleasantly surprised. Comprised mostly of straight ahead jazz pieces with a funky twist that showcase Brooks unique and often intense drumming. Also features trumpeter Woody Shaw and Bassist Cecil Mcbee. The cd is a good example of what was happening in early 70's jazz apart from the fusion movement. Standout tracks are Mcbee's "Will Pan's Walk" and Brooks' "Five For Max" the former utilizing some of Mcbee's most intese bass lines. Overall, a good buy.