On January 17, 2024, Smoke Jazz Club hosted a special performance celebrating the centennial of Max Roach, featuring a dynamic sextet led by drummers Joe Farnsworth and Kenny Washington. This "drum battle" ensemble also included trumpeter Jeremy Pelt, tenor saxophonist Eric Alexander, pianist Mike LeDonne, and bassist Joe Ranieri. The New Yorker aptly described the event as a "mano-a-mano fight to the finish between two supremely accomplished drummers with a mutual taste for hard-bop intensity." (tickets.smokejazz.com)
At the time, Farnsworth was promoting his 2023 album, In What Direction Are You Headed?, which marked a significant evolution in his musical journey. Departing from collaborations with jazz legends, this project featured a younger generation of musicians, including guitarist Kurt Rosenwinkel, saxophonist Immanuel Wilkins, pianist Julius Rodriguez, and bassist Robert Hurst. The album received critical acclaim, with Chris Pearson of The Times awarding it five stars and noting Farnsworth's "wide talent" and "wisdom" in casting a vision for jazz's future. (joefarnsworth.bandcamp.com)
This performance at Smoke was particularly notable as it showcased Farnsworth's commitment to honoring jazz history while embracing contemporary sounds. The collaboration with Kenny Washington, a fellow drummer known for his hard-bop prowess, added a unique dimension to the event, reflecting Farnsworth's dedication to both tradition and innovation in the jazz world.
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