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Percussion Bitter Sweet is an album by jazz drummer Max Roach recorded in 1961, released on Impulse! Records.

Reception

AllMusic review by Scott Yanow awarded the album 5 stars and stated:”A classic album, and one of the finest of drummer Max Roach’s very productive career. The illustrious sidemen (trumpeter Booker Little; trombonist Julian Priester; Eric Dolphy on alto, bass clarinet, and flute; tenorman Clifford Jordan; pianist Mal Waldron, and bassist Art Davis, in addition to some guest percussionists) all have opportunities to make strong contributions. Dolphy’s pleading alto solo on “Mendacity” is particularly memorable. Abbey Lincoln has two emotional and very effective vocals, but it is the overall sound of the ensembles and the political nature of the music that make this set (along with Roach’s Freedom Now Suite) quite unique in jazz history.”

Track listing
All compositions by Max Roach, except where noted

“Garvey’s Ghost” – 7:53
“Mama” – 4:50
“Tender Warriors” – 6:52
“Praise for a Martyr” – 7:09
“Mendacity” (Chips Bayen, Max Roach) – 8:54
“Man From South Africa” – 5:12
Tracks 1 and 5 recorded on August 1, 1961; #2 and 3 on August 3; #4 on August 8 and #6 on August 9, 1961.

Personnel
Booker Little – trumpet
Julian Priester – trombone
Eric Dolphy – alto saxophone, flute, bass clarinet
Clifford Jordan – tenor saxophone
Mal Waldron – piano
Art Davis – double bass
Max Roach – drums, percussion
Carlos “Patato” Valdés – congas (1, 3, 6)
Eugenio “Totico” Arango (credited as Carlos Eugenio) – cowbell (1, 3, 6)
Abbey Lincoln – vocal (1, 5)

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Released: Late 1961
Recorded: August 1, 3, 8–9, 1961
Van Gelder Studio
Englewood Cliffs, NJ
Length: 40:50
Labels: Impulse!
A-8
Producer: Max Roach