Roy Haynes

I wanted to be Roy Haynes but he wouldn't let me.  Everything about the man is splendid, from the way he plays to the way he dresses and lives his life. I first heard Roy on a recording in the early sixties and like many other drummers I was hooked.

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He made his first recordings in the mid-forties after playing in Big Bands, but it was clear that he was something new. Roy approached the drums musically not rhythmically. Rarely was his cymbal beat the traditional "Lang Spang a Lang". He contoured his ride beat to whatever was going on melodically. You can hear this on Charlie Parkers "Diverse".

In this tune, Roy is doubling the melody and playing small variations at the same time. This has always been his trademark. Roy's rhythmic conception is akin to shifting sands -- no matter where he places the beat, his snap, crackle and pop  is always evident. His multi level concept and ability to absorb new music made him the first call for several generations of composers and musicians.

Roy has worked with many innovators and Thelonious Monk is one of his favorites. He has and continues to record Monk's music. I can certainly understand the attraction. Monk's tunes have great rhythmic depth that present many opportunities for exploration. His performance of Monk's "Bright Mississippi" is considered by many to be one of his greatest performances.

Mel lewis stated in a radio interview that Roy Haynes is simply impeccable. The clarity and color of the Afro Cuban groove is... well, impeccable. Many drummers attempt to copy his artistry without ever addressing his mastery of the fundementals. Roy has worked with Lester Young, Ray Charles and Sarah Vaughn where he simply laid down the groove.

Roy Haynes is 88 years old and still prowling the stages and recording studios of the world. He is without a doubt the best.

                                            the groove continues...