Search - Buddy Rich :: Stick It

Not the Best -- But Not the Worst, Either

mj5 | Harrisburg, PA USA | 10/02/2001

(3 out of 5 stars)

""Stick It," although not one of Buddy's best efforts, does have some redeeming qualities to it. Material-wise, this is the best of the three RCA albums from the early-70's, and the only one of those so far to be released on CD. ("A Different Drummer" and "Rich In London" are not available on CD, although what worthwhile material there is on those two albums has been released on various collections.) John LaBarbera's high-energy "Space Shuttle" is the highlight of the album. Two standard ballads stick out: "God Bless The Child," featuring some nice alto work by Joe Romano, and a slow rendition of "Wave," with a great performance by Bill Reichenbach on bass trombone and also some nice trombone ensemble work. "Best Coast" hums along with a jaunty 70's waltz beat, and "Sassy Strut" is one of the better rock-beat charts the band played.A couple of things mar the perfomance. One is that this is not Buddy's best band. They suffer from sloppiness from time to time, particularly Lin Biviano's frequent insistance on screaming one final note out after the rest of the trumpet section has finished. To an 18-year-old in 1972, it sounded kinda cool, but to an old codger in 2001, it just sounds [bad]. The other problem is with the production. The folks at RCA just couldn't get the balance right. On "Stick It," the treble is way too high and there is no depth in the bass. When I first bought the vinyl, I thought that maybe it was my cheap equipment. But now that I hear the CD on decent equipment, I realize that it was RCA all along. Buddy was obviously none too pleased with RCA for whatever reasons, because when he went on Johnny Carson one night to promote the album, he announced the title and then added, "...and that's what RCA can do!"There are better Buddy Rich albums out there, but "Stick It" isn't bad. If you're adding to your BR collection, I'd recommend it."

Buddy Rich Greatest Drummer to ever draw breath

David Schneider | Hong Kong Hong Kong | 04/16/2003

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Having seen Buddy Rich many times (I lost count after 75 different events) I must say no drummer since until Dave Weckl ever approached the instrument with such mastery. The critics argue that Rich was technically a genius but could not swing. So much for critics. I played drums for 40 years and the only drummers or musicians who saw Rich as non-swinging musician were the ones who were jealous of his ability to swing them into the ground and drive and propel bands to greater heights better than any drummer in the history of the instrument.This contribution by the Rich Band features some excellent work by Pat Labrbara and a great brass section. The tunes are contemporary 70's and hold their own even now for jazz-rock lovers. We are fortunate to have a growing library of The Buddy Rich Orchestra and thanks to Cathy Rich people can have more access to the Master of the Drum set Buddy Rich. I remember seeing this band play this entire album in Candlewood Lake Summer Theater, Conn., and USA one
summer evening. Mr. Rich said he was coming off 250 one niters and was going to play a long concert before the band took a break for a month. 3 hours later Buddy Rich and company left us speechless. This album represents that evening in a studio setting. If there were a time machine that worked I would go back to that night again and again. Buy this and all the albums by Buddy you can find if you love drumming! -Hong Kong 2003"

Not usual for me

J. Hoffman | Des Plaines, IL United States | 02/06/2004

(1 out of 5 stars)

"I was of the firm mind that Their was no such thing as a weak BR release until I purchased this. Do yourself a favor and get "Wham!" or "Time Being" instead. Your money will be better spent.
Long live Buddy!!!!"