If the Detroit drummer Roy Brooks hadn't suffered from mental problems, he would today be mentioned in the same breath as the great and innovative jazz drummers of the last century. However, he died lonely and forgotten in 2005 in a nursing home after a troubled life. In 1970 Brooks, who in the 60s played in the bands of
Horace Silver and
Yusef Lateef, was still in top form. This can be heard on
… Understanding, which contains live recordings of a concert in Baltimore lasting over two hours. Brooks continually pushes his quintet to indefatigable, energetic and powerful playing. The 20 minutes long Prelude To Understanding is only a prelude to the equally long title track, but also the standard Billie's Bounce is played at the same length with unprecedented fire. These excellent recordings are a fine reflection of a highly driven concert. (MR)more
