New York – Acclaimed drummer and composer Tyshawn Sorey has released his latest album, "Members... Don't!", a profound reinterpretation of jazz legend Max Roach's seminal 1968 record, "Members, Don't Git Weary." The Wall Street Journal highlighted this significant musical event, stating, "The drummer and composer’s latest album extends and reinterprets a 1968 record by jazz legend Max Roach." This new work, released on May 29, 2026, aims to connect the original album's message of resilience and social commentary to contemporary struggles.
Sorey's "Members... Don't!" was recorded live at The Jazz Gallery in New York, featuring a formidable quintet. The ensemble includes trumpeter Adam O’Farrill, tenor saxophonist Mark Shim, pianist Lex Korten, bassist Tyrone Allen, and vocalist Fay Victor, who contributes to the title track. Critics have lauded the album as a "modern masterpiece," praising Sorey's virtuosic blend of composition and improvisation.
Max Roach's original 1968 album, "Members, Don't Git Weary," emerged during a turbulent period in American history, marked by civil rights movements and widespread social unrest. It served as a powerful call for perseverance and justice, reflecting the political and artistic ferment of its time. Sorey's reinterpretation is described not as a mere cover, but as a bold reimagining that reframes Roach's work through a contemporary lens.
The new album is noted for its expansive scope and searching intent, with Sorey approaching the music as "living material" to be reshaped for the current era. Reviewers emphasize the album's ability to build intensity over its ninety-minute runtime, culminating in an "ecstatic performance" by vocalist Fay Victor. This artistic endeavor underscores the enduring relevance of Roach's original message and Sorey's innovative approach to jazz.
