Cherokee (Clifford Brown’s version)

Harold Land (tenor sax), Clifford Brown (trumpet), Richie Powell (piano), George Morrow (bass) and Max Roach (drums). From the album Study in Brown (1955).

The Cherokees are one of the indigenous peoples of North America. Prior to the 18th century they were primarily based in North Carolina and Tennesee. The Cherokee language is part of the Iroquoian languages. According to tradition, the tribe had migrated south in ancient times from the Great Lakes region.

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There are currently three Cherokee tribes. In the 19th century, the European settlers called the Cherokees as “The Five Civilized Tribes” because they cultivated agriculture and lived in stable villages. The Cherokees were the first Indians to be recognized as American citizens.

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In the introduction, Max Roach imitates the drumming of indigenous peoples and then the rest of the band joins in. The theme is played at medium-fast tempo. Brown plays the main tune and Land the bridge. Starts Brown his solo firing notes as if it were a machine gun and the phrases are long and forceful. Then Land comes in playing even faster and the phrases are shorter and more expressive. Next comes Powell with a quick and eloquent discourse. Now it’s the Roach’s turn, who hits the drums without any established rhythm. The group reexposes the theme, but in this case the main melody is played by Brown and Land, while the bridge is played by Roach.

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© EmArcy Records