Terri Lyne Carrington's 'We Insist 2025!' Honors Max Roach's Legacy

June 13, 2025
Terri Lyne Carrington's 'We Insist 2025!' Honors Max Roach's Legacy

In a poignant homage to jazz legend Max Roach, Grammy-winning drummer Terri Lyne Carrington has released 'We Insist 2025!', a reimagining of Roach's seminal 1961 album, 'We Insist!'. The album, set to debut on Juneteenth, reflects Carrington's deep engagement with the social issues of inequality and racism that Roach passionately addressed in his original work, which remain alarmingly relevant today.

Carrington, who holds the Zildjian Chair in Performance at Berklee College of Music, expressed her dismay at how persistent these societal challenges are. 'Wow, I can’t believe that this stuff is still relevant,' she remarked. As she prepared for the album's release, she felt a renewed urgency to address these issues, particularly in the wake of the recent election outcomes, which she initially thought would herald change.

The context of 'We Insist 2025!' stretches beyond a simple tribute; it signifies a call to action for the younger generation of musicians and advocates. Carrington acknowledges the mentorship she received from elder musicians and now sees it as her responsibility to pass the torch. 'This is your fight now,' she recalls her uncle telling her, emphasizing the necessity for the younger generation to engage with these ongoing struggles.

In her pursuit to honor Roach's legacy, Carrington involved younger artists in the project, particularly highlighting vocalist Christie Dashiell. 'Somebody like Christie Dashiell was really important to the project because I felt like the voice is so out front,' Carrington explained, acknowledging Dashiell's embodiment of diverse Black music traditions.

The album also features trombonist Julian Priester, the last living musician from Roach's original recording. Carrington described the album as a bridge between generations, maintaining continuity in jazz’s rich history while also pushing forward into contemporary interpretations. 'Jazz has always been about these kinds of bridges between generations,' she noted, emphasizing the importance of mentorship in this art form.

As Carrington reflects on the dual purpose of the album—honoring Roach and addressing the political climate—she has discussed collaborative performance opportunities with Roach's family, aiming to expand the celebration of his artistry. 'I’ve talked to Max’s son, Raul Roach, quite a bit about trying to collaborate by doing shows that would be expansive,' she shared.

Carrington’s 'We Insist 2025!' is not merely a musical endeavor; it serves as a cultural statement, aiming to introduce new audiences to Roach’s significant contributions while revitalizing the spirit of protest music. Through her work, Carrington hopes to inspire listeners and musicians alike to engage in the fight for social justice, reflecting the core of Roach's vision—a vision that remains as vital now as it was over sixty years ago.

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Max RoachTerri Lyne CarringtonWe Insist 2025Jazz musicSocial justiceRacismInequalityBerklee College of MusicChristie DashiellJulian PriesterMusic tributeCivil rightsProtest musicCandid RecordsZildjian ChairJazz historyMusic collaborationCultural legacyContemporary jazzMusical mentorshipPolitical relevance2025 music releasesBlack music traditionsJazz evolutionGenerational bridgeMax Roach centennialMusical activismMusic and politicsHistorical context in musicJazz artists

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