Roy-Alty

iTunes Review

Roy Haynes’ distinguished career stretches from the birth of bebop all the way into the 21st century. This legendary drummer has collaborated with numerous major artists and has played everything from old-school swing to free jazz. Haynes turned 86 in 2011, and Roy-alty, released the same year, is excellent. He’s accompanied by his Fountain of Youth Band: alto saxophonist Jaleel Shaw, pianist Martin Bejerano, and bassist David Wong. Pianist Chick Corea and trumpeter Roy Hargrove are special guests, while other musicians also contribute. The album kicks off with Sonny Rollins’ “Grand Street,” a track where Haynes provides thunderous statements in an exciting call-and-response exchange with the rest of the group. The drummer lends vocals and a little storytelling to Chano Pozo’s “Tin Tin Deo,” which pays homage to the great Cuban percussionist. Two of the best cuts, “Off Minor” (by Thelonious Monk) and “All the Bars Are Open,” are duets between Haynes and Corea. It’s fascinating to hear Monk filtered through Corea, and the latter track is an intriguing improvisation by two masters.