Thanks for reminding us what a great drummer Roy was, and as a proud son of Baltimore I’m taken back to all those wonderful Sundays I spent at the Famous Ballroom (but sorry to say not at these performances).
Also I would mention that Roy was a drummer who Mingus would trust the kit to when Dannie Richmond wasn’t available.
Terrific piece about someone i've been aware of and heard but didn't know much about.
Thanks for the tip on those mid-'60s Baker albums! I love Brooks and pretty much ride or die with George Coleman!
Thanks for the Roy Brooks.... The live production on the Braxton sounds like a field recording, but amazing music.
Thanks for reminding us what a great drummer Roy was, and as a proud son of Baltimore I’m taken back to all those wonderful Sundays I spent at the Famous Ballroom (but sorry to say not at these performances).
Also I would mention that Roy was a drummer who Mingus would trust the kit to when Dannie Richmond wasn’t available.
Was coming into the comments to say that last part. I reviewed the great Mingus "Jazz in Detroit" set, and Roy's saw solo on "Noddin' Your Head" is AMAZING! https://pitchfork.com/reviews/albums/charles-mingus-jazz-in-detroit-strata-concert-gallery-46-selden/
Excellent article. Thank you for bringing attention to someone who gave us so much great music.
There's an interview with Cecil McBee in which he explains Wilpan was either a girlfriend or a crush at the time. I gotta find that.