Artist page · 04/07/2026
About
16 vinyls catalogued, including landmark albums from the 1960s with evolving valuations and pressings worldwide.
Max Roach's career spans key innovations in jazz drumming and composition, moving from early bebop collaborations to modal and free jazz explorations. His discography includes influential albums from the 1950s through the 1980s, highlighting works released on labels like Mercury, EmArcy, United Artists, and Impulse!.
Roach's contributions range from pioneering rhythmic approaches to thematic albums with social and political messages. His catalog features 16 vinyls on Vinyles.com, offering audiophiles multiple pressings including original mono and stereo editions with tracked market prices.
Discography
Studio albums, EPs and notable live records, from newest to oldest. Drag the timeline to browse.
Enja Records · 1984
New Artists · 1982
Columbia · 1981
Hat Hut Records · 1980
Hat Hut Records · 1980
Columbia · 1980
Baystate · 1978
Black Saint · 1978
Baystate · 1978
Joker · 1977
Horo Records · 1977
Uniteledis · 1976
Sonet · 1975
Atlantic · 1971
BYG Records · 1971
Atlantic · 1968
Atlantic · 1966
Mercury · 1964
Fantasy · 1963
Mercury · 1963
United Artists Jazz · 1962
Impulse! · 1962
Impulse! · 1961
Candid · 1961
Candid · 1961
Time Records · 1960
United Artists Records · 1959
Mercury · 1959
Mercury · 1959
Emarcy · 1958
EmArcy · 1958
Mercury · 1958
Argo · 1958
Liberty · 1958
Riverside Records · 1958
EmArcy · 1957
EmArcy · 1957
Prestige · 1956
Mercury · 1956
Vogue Records · 1951Playlist
The tracks that sum up Max Roach's career.
The essentials
Our pick, validated by the editorial team.
Released on Impulse! in 1962, this album showcases Roach’s hard bop and modal jazz mastery over six tracks including "It's Time" and "Another Valley."
A landmark 1962 United Artists Jazz release, this album pairs Roach with Duke Ellington and Charles Mingus featuring seven tracks, blending hard bop with profound interplay.
This 1971 Atlantic album includes politically charged compositions running six tracks, reflecting Roach’s social engagement through jazz.
Go further
Artists who share part of Max Roach's musical DNA.
Collectors
The hidden side of the catalogue: rare pressings, sought-after matrices, Discogs values.
For each reference edition, these cards summarise the state of the global Discogs market. Market position places the average price of a copy between the observed min and max prices. Average price is the price seen for a mint-condition copy. Copies available counts listings currently for sale. Collectors who want it is the number of Discogs users who added it to their wantlist without owning it — a good signal of upcoming demand.
The “Why this rarity” column comes from our upstream sourcing work: for each album, we explain what makes this pressing sought after by collectors (limited run, specific matrix, withdrawn edition…).
Face B
Studio secrets, touring anecdotes and B-sides worth the whole album.
Max Roach transformed the role of drums in jazz, making it a solo and melodic instrument.— Jazz historians
The album 'It's Time' was recorded and released in 1962 on the Impulse! label featuring six tracks that highlight Roach’s hard bop and modal style.
The original mono pressing of 'Lift Every Voice And Sing' (1971, Atlantic, SD 1587) remains sought after with a want/have ratio showing collector interest.
The original mono pressing of 'Money Jungle' on United Artists Records (France, 1962, catno 38016) is rare and currently has no copies for sale, indicating higher collector demand.
Released by Impulse! in 1961, 'Percussion Bitter Sweet' blends post-bop and Afro-Cuban jazz influences across six tracks featuring compositions with rhythmic innovations.
FAQ
The most common questions about pressings, reissues and limited editions.
Max Roach was an influential American jazz drummer and composer known for his pioneering work in bebop and free jazz percussion.
'It's Time' (1962), 'Money Jungle' (1962), and 'Lift Every Voice And Sing' (1971) are essential Max Roach albums found on vinyl.
'It's Time' was originally released in 1962 on the Impulse! label, showcasing hard bop and modal jazz styles.
Original pressings can be found from labels such as Impulse!, Atlantic, United Artists Jazz, and Mercury with varying availability worldwide.
Yes, some releases like the French mono pressing of 'Money Jungle' exist but are rare and coveted by collectors in France.
The 1971 album reflects Max Roach's socially engaged compositions with powerful political themes expressed through jazz.
The 'It's Time' LP original mono pressing has prices ranging roughly between €52 and €116 depending on condition and seller offers.
Tracks like 'Lonesome Lover', 'Equipoise', and 'Freedom Day' are among the most played and streamed pieces by Max Roach.
Transparency
This page is compiled by the vinyles.com editorial team from public sources and our marketplace.
[title]
[message]Love it? Add to your wishlist
Your favorites, all in one place. Shop quickly and easily with the wishlist feature!
