Max Roach unarguably sits at the throne of drum percussionists. A quintessential member of the Bebop artform ushered in by Charlie Parker, Dizzy Gillespie, Bud Powell, Thelonious Monk and Kenny Clarke, his inimitable style and innovations paved the way for generations of drummers.

Self-taught trumpet wizard and virtuoso composer, arranger, Grammy-nominated recipient Charles Tolliver has kept the faith with his artform’s African-American rhythms, and acclaimed large and small group recordings & performances throughout a career that spans six decades.

Earlier in his career he had the pleasure of being invited by Max Roach to join his group in 1967 and occupied the trumpet chair for some years forming a lifelong musical and personal relationship. More recently, in 2015, Tolliver appeared at London Barbican, as part of the highly acclaimed Gilles Peterson-curated Strata East Live concert, where he performed alongside labelmates Stanley Cowell, Billy Harper and Cecil McBee.

To honour Max Roach’s centenary, Tolliver stages renditions of quintessential songs from the iconic Max Roach / Clifford Brown quintet albums, and works from the Member’s Don’t Git Weary album he recorded with Max, Gary Bartz, Stanley Cowell, Jymie Merritt and Andy Bey in 1968.

Joining Tolliver at this special concert will be Darrell Green (drums), Camille Thurman (tenor sax and voice), Tony Kofi (alto sax), Danny Piers (piano) and Menelik Claffey (bass).

Brighton Dome Corn Exchange
Tue 19 Nov 2024, 8.30pm (doors 7.45pm)

Tickets are on sale now from Brighton Dome box office or online here.

Photo by Pete Gardner