Search - Buddy Rich :: The Greatest Drummer That Ever Lived... With 'The Best Band I Ever Had'

"The Greatest Drummer...." AKA "Buddy Rich 1978"

C. Law | Las Vegas, NV USA | 10/05/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This undeniably IS a GREAT album! It was originally issued on a direct-to-disc vinyl LP as "Buddy Rich 1978" on the Gryphon label (I still have a copy). The quality of the original was amazing and the remastering to digital was done very well here, resulting in a feel like you're sitting in the sax section when you crank it up! GREAT! The re-title on the CD came from Buddy's proclamation on the original record jacket. (It's also included as the first tracks on "Big Band Jazz," which combines Buddy with Woody Herman. Many Rich fans might argue that this WAS his "best band..." (The "Mercy,Mercy" band would be MY choice), but it was probably his best, most rock-solid RHYTHM SECTION ever. Tommy Warrington on bass and Barry Keiner on keys are excellent! In fact, one of the best tracks on the album is not an actual chart, but a head arrangement of Chick Corea's "La Fiesta," with just the two of them and Buddy! (Great all the way through). To be sure, there are great musicians here (as in ALL Rich bands): Steve Marcus & Greg Smith in the saxes, Chuck Schmidt, Dean Pratt & Danny Hayes in the trumpets and Dale Kirkland in the bone section stand out...but the charts and quality playing, combined with superb sound quality are what makes this a real treasure.Pianist Mike Abene's arrangemnt of "Birdland" inspired every high-school jazz band in the country to try it, too. And there are Bud Powell's classic, "Bouncin' With Bud" and Horace Silver's "Cape Verdean Blues," both done impeccably. Also former saxophonist with the band, Barry Mintzer, contributed an original, "Funk City Ola," which is just about everything its title implies...fun all the way!Just about the cleanest, best-sounding big-band jazz album you'll ever hear (and of COURSE some of the best big-band DRUMMING), I would include this in your MUST-HAVE collection!"

Live recording in the studio with no re-mixing

C. Law | 09/12/1998

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I have this album on vinyl and it was recorded direct to disc, no retakes, no re-mixing, no re-dubbing. What was recorded in the studio is what you get, mistakes and all. Thing of it is, there are no mistakes. An excellent example of how a big band truely sounds live with the World's Greatest Drummer at the helm. The only thing missing is the audience. You can even hear buddy talking between tunes. No drum soloing by Buddy but its not necessary here. A must buy not just for Buddy Rich fans but for any big band enthusiast."

Buddy Rich - The Best Band I Ever Had

Frank W. Mania | Jacksonville, Oregon | 12/13/1999

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This CD is an absolute treasure by the "Masters" of Big Band music. Having had the opportunity in the 70's to sit at a table next to Buddy in New York and listening to the band was an incredible thrill and experience. The re-release of Buddy's work on CD's is a must for the collection of every jazz fan and musician. Thanks."