Roy Haynes
Fountain Of Youth
Dreyfus Records


Recorded live on December 4th and 5th 2002 at New York's Birdland, Fountain of Youth is the latest release by drummer Roy Haynes. Playing with an exceptional set of young musicians, the 79 year-old Haynes continues to impress with his brand of "hard swing." If the back story was not known, a listening of Fountain of Youth would make you believe everyone in the band had just gotten their driver's license, such is Haynes' youthful vigor on the album. Joining the drummer are the twenty-something band of Marcus Strickland on tenor saxophone, soprano saxophones and bass clarinet, Martin Bejerano on piano, and John Sullivan on bass. To best showcase their skills, the band performs a diverse set of tunes that includes Oliver Nelson's "Butch and Butch," Thelonius Monk's "Twinkle Trinkle," "Ask Me Now," and "Green Chimneys," along with Irving Berlin's "Remember," and Pat Metheny's "Question and Answer," among other selections. While clearly a defining presence on every track, Haynes provides ample space for the rest of his band mates. Marcus Strickland (drummer EJ Strickland's twin brother), in particular, makes the most of the opportunity to demonstrate his multi-reed abilities. Though relatively new to the jazz scene, Pianist Martin Bejerano and bassist John Sullivan have their moments as well, forming a strong foundation for this jazz edifice to rise. What impresses the most, though, is the leader of the crew. A participant in the works of Louis Armstrong, Dizzy Gillespie, Charlie Parker, Miles Davis, Thelonius Monk, among countless others, Roy Haynes forgot to fade away, deciding, instead, to keep time his way-exuberant, strong, and just right. Throughout the album, his pronouncements constantly propel the band and the audience towards excitement.

Fountain of Youth was recorded during a major snowstorm in New York, prompting fears of a dismal turnout at recording time. To prevent this, the album's producers offered free tickets to fans willing to make the trip to Birdland. While cynics may cite the free passes for the crowd's excitement, those in the know will recognize other, much better springs feeding their joy.


--Germaine Linares

Tracks: Greensleeves/Twinkle Trinkle/Summer Night/Ask Me Now/Butch and Butch/Inner Trust/Green Chimneys/Remember/Question and Answer


Personnel: Marcus Strickland-tenor, soprano saxophone, bass clarinet; Martin Bejerano-piano; John Sullivan-bass; Roy Haynes-drums.