Clifford Brown & Max Roach

Clifford Brown was one of the most talented trumpeters of his generation. He had already made a reputation for himself and served in one of Art Blakey’s early bands before forming this quintet with drummer Max Roach, tenor saxophonist Harold Land, pianist Richie Powell (brother of Bud), and bassist George Morrow. This mid-1950s album is one of the most assured debuts in jazz, kicking off with a beautiful version of Victor Young’s simmering “Delilah,” fueled by brilliant interaction between trumpeter and drummer, before launching into a high-energy take on Bud Powell’s “Parisian Thoroughfare.” The band negotiates the intricate melodies at ripping speed, but eases back from the manic heights of hardcore bebop enough to let the music (and the listener) breathe. “The Blues Walk,” one of three Brown compositions on the record, is a burner, but his solo travels through multiple moods, remaining captivating throughout.