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Quote by Pete La Roca

“Free music is in a constant state of surprise and, consequently, presents no surprise at all. So, I'm not really a fan of Free music. Having said that, Jazz is based on individual expression and I'm compelled to respect the Free player's option to express himself as he chooses.”

Quote by Pete La Roca

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Pete La Roca
Pete La Roca

Pete La Roca, born Peter Michael LaRocca, was an outstanding jazz drummer. Born on April 7, 1938, in New York, USA, he passed away on November 20, 2012. La Roca is renowned for his unique playing style and contributions to jazz music, with a career filled with rich experiences and remarkable achievements. more

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“I was in New York, miserable because I was working supper clubs but I wasn't expressing myself. I was really unhappy with my life. I saw Max Roach again and he told me I didn't have to do things like that. He made me an honest woman on the stage. I have been performing in that tradition since. I feel that I'm a serious performer now whereas then I wanted to be but I didn't know how.”

“I, myself, came to enjoy the players who didn't only just swing but who invented new rhythmic patterns, along with new melodic concepts. And those people are: Art Tatum, Bud Powell, Max Roach, Sonny Rollins, Lester Young, Dizzy Gillespie and Charles Parker, who is the greatest genius of all to me because he changed the whole era around.”