Even into his nineties, Roy Haynes has remained in the spotlight. The Boston native is one of jazz's best-known drummers, boasting a career bridging seven decades. An early example of his meticulous rhythmic flair is 1954's “Hagnes”, on which he positively zings through the extended intro. A nod to his enduring nickname, “Snap Crackle” showcases both his stuttering grooves and ratatat rolls, while the marathon “Cymbalism” kicks off with his signature staccato jitter. But Haynes could play it smooth as well, slipping his usual serpentine ticks into “Equipoise” without overshadowing those sumptuous sax and keyboard lines.
