Roy Brooks – The Free Slave (CD)

Originally released in 1972 on the iconic Muse label, The Free Slave captures Roy Brooks at the peak of his powers - a drummer of deep conviction and fire, blending soul-rooted swing with the outer reaches of post-bop and avant-garde expression. This landmark live session brims with energy, featuring extended improvisations and tight interplay between some of the most vital players in modern jazz; Woody Shaw (trumpet), George Coleman (tenor sax), Hugh Lawson (piano), and Cecil McBee (bass). Brooks and company dig deep into political and musical freedom, channeling the urgency of the early '70s Black liberation era. Each solo surges with emotion, particularly Woody Shaw's fearless trumpet work and George Coleman's muscular tenor tone. Vinyl re-release in October 2025 has sold out of 3,500 manufactured. Remastered directly from the original analog tapes by Matthew Lutthans at The Mastering Lab. Packaged in a 4-panel digipak with 8-page booklet with newly written liner notes by Shannon J. Effinger and Barney Fields with a rare photograph by Raymond Ross.