Big Swing Face not only reissues the second recording by Buddy Rich & His Big Band but doubles the program with nine previously unissued performances from the same engagement at the Chez Club in Hollywood. Rich's orchestra was in its early prime, displaying a very impressive ensemble sound, charts by Bill Holman, Shorty Rogers, Bob Florence, Bill Potts and others, and such soloists as altoist Ernie Watts (a newcomer), trumpeter Bobby Shew, Jay Corre on tenor and the remarkable drummer/leader. Even with the presence of "Norwegian Wood" and "The Beat Goes On" (the latter features Rich's teenage daughter Cathe on a vocal), this is very much a swinging set. Rich has some outstanding solos and lots of drum breaks but does not hog the spotlight; he was justifiably proud of his band. ~ Scott Yanow
Live Recording
Recorded at United Recording and live at the Chez Club, Hollywood, California on February 22-25 and March 10, 1967. Includes liner notes by Dean Pratt.
Buddy Rich Big Band: Buddy Rich (drums); Quinn Davis (alto sax); Ernie Watts (alto sax, flute); Jay Corre, Robert Keller (tenor sax, flute); Marty Flax (baritone sax), Bobby Shew, Yoshito Murakami, Charles Findley, John Scottile (trumpet); Jim Trimble, Ron Meyers (trombone); Bill Wimberly (bass trombone); Ray Starling (piano); Richard Resnicoff (guitar); James Gannon (bass).
Reissue producers: Bob Belden, Dean Pratt.
Personnel: Buddy Rich (drums); Richie Resnicoff (guitar); Ernie Watts (flute, alto saxophone); Robert Keller , Jay Corre, Bob Keller (flute, tenor saxophone); Quinn Davis (alto saxophone); Marty Flax (baritone saxophone); Chuck Findley, John Scottile, Yoshito Murakami, Bobby Shew (trumpet); James Trimble (trombone); Bill Wimberly (bass trombone); Ray Starling (piano).
Liner Note Author: Dean Pratt.
Recording information: Chez Club, Hollywood, CA (02/22/1967-03/10/1967); The Chez Club, Hollywood, CA (02/22/1967-03/10/1967); United Recording Studios, Hollywood, CA (02/22/1967-03/10/1967); Untied Recording, Hollywood, CA (02/22/1967-03/10/1967).
Photographer: Fred Seligo.
Arrangers: Don Piestrup; Don Rader; Arthur M. Wiggins; Bill Reddy; Jay Corre; Harry Betts; Shorty Rogers; Bill Holman; Bill Potts; Bill Reddie; Bob Florence.
Additional personnel: Cathy Rich (vocals).Down Beat (10/96, p.46) - 4 Stars - Very Good - "...The real pleasure is the band. Here is overwhelming evidence of the difference a drummer can make in a mass of trumpets and saxes....Rich's mark remains no less evident here than it was a generation earlier in the Artie Shaw band."
The best drummer to have drawn breath has left the building Where do you start? It's all been said by better folk than I. When I was 15 I sat 6 feet away from him at Ronnie Scott's - my tongue hung from my mouth for over two hours. Walking home through dimly lit Soho streets all I could think of was that expression of pure concentration and how he yelled at the band throughout. "Shape up! Shape up!" And my god how they shaped up. They broke the swingometer! This album conveys that club atmosphere and every time I listen to it I travel back to those early hours in a packed Jazz club when as a young man I witnessed the greatest drummer that has ever lived. Go buy this CD and if you don't like it then perhaps music is not a leisure choice for you after all. Submitted by MrBlag (London, England) Was This Review Helpful? YesNo 1 of 1 found this helpful.
This is a Classic Buddy This album is really top notch Buddy. I especially like the Titile cut along with machine and Apples. If you like Buddy, this one is a great addition. Submitted by Phil (Oakland, TN) Was This Review Helpful? YesNo
Best drummer Good play for big band player Submitted by hyde (Peachtree City, GA, USA) Was This Review Helpful? YesNo
The best I'm 48 and was introduced to this album by my father. We had the vinyl back in the 70's. It's now an absolute favourite on my Ipod. The title song and Love for Sale are my favourites. The puncutation of Rich's drumming and the drive he generates is astounding. The amazing thing is, for a live album recorded 40 years ago, the energy of the perfomrance is palpable even now. I love the yelling when the numbers really heat up. A truly great album. Submitted by swilliams (Adelaide, SA, Autralia) Was This Review Helpful? YesNo
Desert Island Classic Norwegian Wood was an essential part of the Rich book until he left the scene, and this version is the classic, the best of them all. There simply is not a bad chart on the date, and the recording, engineered by Wally Heider, is best appreciated at high volume through very expensive speakers.
An absolutely essential jazz recording. Submitted by rick (Arvada CO) Was This Review Helpful? YesNo
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