Buddy Rich No Funny Hats CD

 Time Warp: 1978
This is a joyous CD. On first listen, I was instantly transported back to any number of live concerts that I attended with Buddy Rich and The Killer Force. Every night was different, every night was superb. This recording captures the band, and Buddy, perfectly. It is the quintessential time capsule. Forget recording perfection, or 24 track overdubbing - this band delivered "as is" on this and every night, sans multiple takes or "fixing it in the mix". The band was, pardon me, full of kids. But could these "kids" play! I know of no other big band, including the fine Maynard Ferguson Band, that could sound like this. The tracks are a mix of familiar charts from the bands book, including performances that have been unavailable for years or never recorded. Grand Concourse is an arrangers dream, done by the bands pianist Bob Kay, switching from rock to funk to swing in a number of movements that show off the bands soloists, and Buddy. Bugle Call Rag starts with a killer drum intro and is a seasoned and spirited re-take of that venerable classic, with a solo by Buddy that is pure Rich. Tales of Rhoda Rat, originally issued on the LP Buddy Rich Plays and Plays, is here recorded more forcefully, still exhibiting the flute solos that made this chart, composed and arranged by Bob Mintzer, so unique. Mintzer also contributes a hip composition called Slo Funk, unavailable for years since being issued on the MSA label in the early 80's. This rendition of the track is not as pared down (the MCA release was seemingly recorded more with the idea of it being a single release, which it was) and, while being a trifle long, is a dramatic and interesting departure for Buddy and the band, who clearly know how to groove hard. Steve Marcus delivers on this with an impassioned and vivid soprano solo. Not since the electric sax solo on Three Day Sucker (Big Band Machine) have I heard him this good. The gem of this release is, surprisingly, not a big band chart, but a trio piece. I'm always amazed when critics say that Rich overpowered players in a small group environment. This unknown arrangement of the Miles Davis classic Someday My Prince Will Come clearly shows that not to be true in any way shape of form. Buddy , along with Bob Kay and Tom Warrington on bass, delivers a tour de force of small group cohesivness reminiscent of The Bill Evans Trio in the mid 60's. Buddy sounds like he invented post-bop. Enjoy! Lastly, we have West Side Story. This take has quickly become my favorite version of the Rich concert classic, after the original Pacific Jazz release. The tempo is absolutely correct, not as rushed as some recordings are, and the band and Buddy are tight, clearly enjoying themselves. Buddy solo is unique, technically superb, and unlike anything I'd heard before. The musicianship throughout this recording is superb. My one and only regret is that the recording isn't long enough. Kudos to Cathy Rich for releasing this fine heretofore unknown recording, and here's hoping she finds more gems in the closet. One last point: If you never saw BR in concert, buy this and try to imagine sitting right in front of the first chair sax. And if you're a jazz musician who wants to know more about big bands, it really doesn't get any better than this.
Submitted by rick (Arvada CO) 
Was This Review Helpful? Yes No  1 of 1 found this helpful.

 The "Greatest"
Anyone who is familiar with Buddy doesn't need to told anything new. For those who don't, then Buddy is simply the greatest drummer who ever lived. This cd exemplifies a typical night on the road with his "killer" band. They cook, and it is well worth having in anyone's collection.
Submitted by dreamat (Tokyo, Japan) 
Was This Review Helpful? Yes No

 Great CD
This is a very good CD. I enjoy this CD very much. It is Great!
Submitted by Drummingelaine (Philadelphia, PA, USA) 
Was This Review Helpful? Yes No

Have you heard this album?