The Max Roach Trio, Hasaan Ibn Ali – The Max Roach Trio Featuring The Legendary Hasaan (Speakers Corner)

The saxophonist Odean Pope, who had rehearsed with him often, speaks of a second recording session in 1965 for Atlantic, which was not published because Hasaan was admitted to a prison shortly after the recording, rumours have it that the tapes were burned - and even recordings with John Coltrane are said to exist.

Until then you should fully enjoy the Max Roach Trio with Art Davis on bass. Because then the astonished ear is offered originality and fascination. The first impression is reminiscent of Cecil Taylor or Herbie Nichols, Hasaan himself calls the pianist Elmo Hope, who made it possible for him to experience the 'mystery of music'. When asked how the recording session with master Max Roach had gone, Hasaan said: "They scared me to death".

According to Odean Pope, Hasaan doesn't seem to have been an easy contemporary, convinced to the point of arrogance of his ability. But nevertheless - or just because of it - one listens spellbound to these 40 minutes, legacy and never fulfilled promise of an exceedingly talented person. Thanks to Max Roach, the bosses of Atlantic-Records were persuaded to make these recordings. They had disappeared from the record market for many years, fortunately they can now be heard and admired in this audiophile new edition.

This Speakers Corner production was made using analog master tape and 100% pure analog mastering All licenses and GEMA contributions were paid.

Recorded: December 1964 in New York by Tom Dowd Production: Arif Mardin

Reviews

"Now in great sound quality back on top vinyl." (Audio, September 2019)