"The free slave" was the second album as leader by American jazz drummer Roy Brooks from Detroit, Michigan, and was recorded live at the Left Bank Jazz Society, in Baltimore, Maryland on April 26, 1970. The album eschews the deep groove and abstract palette of electric post-modal Miles Davis, Herbie Hancock, Donald Byrd et al as well as deviating from the Blaxploitation holler of Archie Shepp. Four long track who's subtle and fuid sound slips between slinky and lyrical soul jazz, straight post-bop and impressionistic avant-garde style tighten together in and borrowing deep into a rarified mysticism.

Roy Brooks - drums.
Woody Shaw - trumpet.
George Coleman - tenor saxophone.
Hugh Lawson - piano.
Cecil McBee - bass.

The free slave.
Understanding.
Will pan's walk.
Five for Max.