Gene Krupa Drum Battle CD

This set was initially issued as the 15th instalment in Norman Grantz's Jazz at the Philharmonic series of LPs, EPs, and 45s. As that highly collectible compilation of performances has been out of print since the 1960s, many of the volumes were later issued under the respective artists' name. As the title would imply, Drum Battle: Jazz at the Philharmonic features the artistry of the Gene Krupa Trio with Buddy Rich (drums) sitting in on a few numbers as well as the inimitable jazz scat vocalizations of Ella Fitzgerald on a hot steppin' and definitive "Perdido." Opening the disc is Krupa's trio with Willie Smith (alto sax) and Hank Jones (piano) providing a solid and singularly swinging rhythm section. While Smith drives the band, Krupa is front and center with his antagonistic percussive prodding. "Idaho" is marked with Jones' rollicking post-bop mastery as he trades solos with Smith and can be heard quoting lines from Monk before yielding to Smith. The cover of Duke Ellington's "Sophisticated Lady" sparkles from beginning to end. Jones' opening flourish sets the tenure as Smith settles into a smoky lead, containing some nice syncopation and regal augmentation from Jones. Krupa primarily provides ample rhythm work on the emotive ballad. Smith's diversion into "Stormy Weather" is notable for exemplifying the lyrically improvisational nature of this combo. The tempo is significantly stepped up on a cover of Benny Goodman's "Flying Home," which is full of high-spirited playing and garners a sizable reaction from the audience. The lengthy "Drum Boogie" is one of Krupa's signature pieces and is greeted with tremendous enthusiasm. Buddy Rich climbs on board for a one-on-one duel with Krupa, whose styles mesh into a mile-a-minute wash of profound percussion. The duet segues into an inspired and free-form jam on "Perdido," with Fitzgerald belting out her lines with authority, class, and most of all, soul. ~ Lindsay Planer

Despite its title and the fact that Buddy Rich is billed as co-leader, this LP only features Rich on one song, a drum battle with Gene Krupa that must have been much more exciting in person than it is on record. Otherwise Krupa teams up with altoist Willie Smith and pianist Hank Jones for four standards (including "Flying Home" and "Drum Boogie"); one really misses the bass and gets a bit tired of Krupa pounding the bass drum. This set (all of which was recorded at a Jazz at the Philharmonic concert) concludes with tenor saxophonist Flip Phillips being featured on "Perdido." ~ Scott Yanow

Digitally remastered by Lesson 25 (PolyGram Studios).

This is part of the Verve By Request series.

Recorded at Carnegie Hall, New York, New York on September 13, 1952. Originally released as THE DRUM BATTLE AT JATP (8369). Includes liner notes by Leonard Feather.

Reissue producer: Bryan Koniarz.

Personnel: Gene Krupa (drums); Ella Fitzgerald (vocals); Barney Kessel (guitar); Benny Carter (alto saxophone); Flip Phillips, Lester Young (tenor saxophone); Roy Eldridge, Charlie Shavers (trumpet); Hank Jones , Oscar Peterson (piano); Buddy Rich (drums).

Liner Note Author: Leonard Feather.

Recording information: Carnegie Hall, New York, NY (09/13/1952).

Personnel: Gene Krupa, Buddy Rich (drums); Ella Fitzgerald (vocals); Benny Carter, Willie Smith (alto saxophone); Flip Phillips, Lester Young (tenor saxophone); Roy Eldridge, Charlie Shavers (trumpet); Hank Jones, Oscar Peterson (piano); Barney Kessel (guitar); Ray Brown (bass).

Producer: Norman Granz.