Broadcast on 20-Jul-2009

This recording was drummer/composer Max Roach's second album for the Impulse label and was one of his most innovative. It is unique in that it combined Mr. Roach's working band with a 16 voice choir. The themes, all composed and arranged by Roach reflected his ever growing involvement in America's civil rights struggle. The themes are defiant, militant and intense. Max's band included Clifford Jordan on tenor saxophone, Richard Williams on trumpet, Julian Priester on trombone,Mal Waldron on piano, Art Davis on bass plus a choir under the direction of Coleridge Perkinson. Roach's wife of the time, the wonderful singer, Abbey Lincoln appears on one tune. It's hard to believe that soon after this recording was made, Max Roach was boycotted from recording because of his political attitudes and commitment to racial equality. This recording was done in February of 1962 and Roach did not make any domestic recording until 1965, when he was signed to Atlantic Records. "It's Time!" is a rewarding and moving experience.