Born in a suburb of the highly populated and musically innovative city of Toronto, Ontario, Max Roach has been able to make a name for himself wherever he lands his feet. Although being named after another originative percussionist, Max does not let that hold him back from creating his own unique sound on the drum kit. He has currently released his CD with the fusion/experimental quintet Threshold titled Stunt Car Legend and is continuing to do more studio recordings with local reggae artist Auresia and the Constellationites.
Max is not only acknowledged as a session musician, but he is also prominent in the live music scene. As well as being a freelance jazz musician, opening for famous artists such as ocalist Kurt Elling, he also stays true to his hip-hop roots and plays in an R&B band, Subtone Music. They are currently in the process of writing original material that has the smooth, down-tempo flavor of Jazzmatazz.
In addition to personal projects, Max has just completed a portion of his post- secondary education at Grant MacEwan College in Edmonton, Alberta and has been invited to be one of 55 students worldwide to attend the Liverpool Institution of Performing Arts in England.
I appreciate what school can do for me, but I know that there is so much more. School gives me the tools I need to be someone and I know that I, already having the momentum and motivation, can make my way in the music industry, no matter how harsh it may be.
Max has been performing on stage since the age of 7 in all different settings. He has played in musicals such as Joseph and the Technicolor Dreamcoat, Grease, and West Side Story among others. His musical experience and knowledge stems from the urban sounds of gospel church music to the aggressive and polyrhythmic themes of progressive metal. His ability to apply all musical concepts to any melodic instrument truly gives him an edge when placed into any situation as a drummer.
