Clifford Brown And Max Roach – Study In Brown (180g, QRP, EmArcy, Acoustic Sounds Series)

Study in Brown, released in 1955 on EmArcy Records, is a cornerstone of hard bop and one of the definitive recordings by the Clifford Brown and Max Roach Quintet. The album captures the ensemble’s telepathic interplay and technical brilliance, with Brown’s warm, lyrical trumpet tone and Roach’s dynamic drumming at the forefront. Joined by Harold Land on tenor saxophone, Richie Powell on piano, and George Morrow on bass, the group delivers performances that are both fiery and elegant. Standout tracks such as “Joy Spring,” “Daahoud,” and “Lands End” have become jazz standards, exemplifying the sophistication and soul that define mid-1950s modern jazz. In the broader context of jazz history, Study in Brown showcases the quintet at its creative peak before tragedy struck with Brown and Powell’s untimely deaths the following year. The album’s mix of drive, melody, and emotional warmth helped solidify the hard bop sound and influenced generations of players. The Acoustic Sounds 180g pressing brings new clarity and depth to the recording, emphasizing the organic balance between precision and spontaneity that makes this session timeless.

Reviews

“Study in Brown stands as one of the finest examples of hard bop, balancing virtuosity with accessible melody.” – AllMusic

“Brown’s tone is flawless, his ideas flowing with ease, while Roach propels the group with crisp, inventive rhythm—every note here matters.” – The Absolute Sound