Alto Genealogy

Rudy Williams, Charles Mingus’s cousin, with Tadd Dameron’s band at the Royal Roost in 1948 — a precursor to Eric Dolphy? 

Pete La Roca's (Old) Boom Bap

Every time I listen to John Coltrane Quartet's "Liberia," recorded live at the Jazz Gallery in (June of?) 1960, I am a bit surprised to hear what Pete La Roca plays from 4:55 to 5:09. It always strikes me as wonderfully anachronistic, not quite of its time. (Perhaps one could say the same thing about most of what is played here by Coltrane and the quartet generally.)

Those better versed in the musical history of the drumset are invited to comment and disabuse me of my misapprehension.