Honorifying the groundbreaking ideology of Max Roach, Terri Lyne Carrington commemorates his legacy on "We Insist 2025!"
In the words of French philosopher Jean-Baptiste Alphonse Kerr, 'The more things change, the more they stay the same.' Fast forward to 2025, and that sentiment rings truer than ever, as protest songs from half a century ago continue to resonate and remain relevant. Grammy-winning jazz drummer Terri Lyne Carrington realized this when she decided to revive Max Roach's groundbreaking 1961 album, "We Insist!"
To pay homage to her idol, Carrington embarked on a journey that went beyond mere musical tribute. As she delved into the recording of "We Insist 2025!," she found herself reflecting on the pressing issues of inequality, racism, and more, which Roach had courageously taken on six decades ago.
"You can't fucking believe how relevant this stuff is even today," exclaimed Carrington. "It's depressing as hell, especially given the current state of affairs. When we started this project, the election hadn’t happened yet. I knew what was going to happen, but it still felt relevant. Now, it's more than ever," she admitted in a tone that crackled with anger and determination.
At the age of 59, veteran musician Carrington is prepared to pass on the mantle of social justice to the younger generation. She remembers vividly a conversation she had with her uncle in her twenties, urging her to take up the fight. Although she initially resented his indirect request, she now understands his exhaustion and realizes that it's her battle to wage now.
To highlight the new generation of jazz artists, Carrington enlisted their help in her project. Many of them were already signed to Candid Records, the jazz label for which she serves as an A&R. This move not only served as a tribute to Roach but also shone a spotlight on emerging talent within the jazz community.
Vocalist Christie Dashiell plays a significant role on the album, bringing her powerful voice to the forefront. Carrington believes her voice perfectly embodies various Black music traditions and was instrumental in providing the album with a strong message.
Having toured with legends like Herbie Hancock and collaborated with giants of jazz like Dizzy Gillespie and Stan Getz, Carrington is well- versed in the history and essence of jazz. As a bridge between past and future, she ensured that "We Insist 2025!" carried the spirit and essence of Roach's original work, while also adding her unique touch to make it feel fresh and contemporary.
The album serves as an urgent, enduring statement that channels anger, tenderness, and joy through protest music. It is dynamic, employing a blend of spoken word, jazz, and avant-garde elements to convey the urgency of Roach's original. The record concludes with "Joyful Noise," celebrating the concept of freedom with a symphony of voices, electronics, and acoustic elements that resonate with the hope and resilience of the original.
As one of the nation's primary ambassadors of jazz music today, Carrington envisions the album reintroducing audiences to Roach's legendary work while inspiring a new wave of protest music. She has discussed ambitious plans for a broader collaboration with Roach's family, looking forward to performing together to commemorate and honor his legacy further.
- Carrington's revival of Max Roach's "We Insist!" album in 2025, titled "We Insist 2025!", reflects the ongoing relevance of protest music, with themes of inequality and racism echoing just as strongly six decades later in California.
- As a woman deeply rooted in the tradition of jazz, Carrington, a resident of California, aims to inspire a new generation of jazz artists with her project, taking on the mantle of social justice that her uncle urged her to carry years ago.
- The upcoming collaboration between Carrington and Roach's family, envisioned as a broader tribute to his legacy, seeks to combine traditional jazz with modern avant-garde elements, ensuring that the spirit of Roach's pioneering work continues to resonate in entertainment and music in California and beyond.
