Search - Buddy Rich :: Time Out

4.5 stars - More Stunning Performances by Buddy and Killer F

John Tapscott | Canada | 11/09/2007

(4 out of 5 stars)

""Time Out" is the second CD from tapes of the Buddy Rich "Killer Force" made by band member Alan Gauvin. The first, "Wham", was issued in 2001, and was so good that it left even long-time Rich fans in awe. "Time Out" contains more stunning performances from Buddy's superb '77-'78 band, though it may not have quite the stunning initial impact of "Wham".



The Rich band book was very deep with superb arrangements and memorable originals. Among the outstanding charts heard on "Time Out" are Don Piestup's "Good-Bye Yesterday," Bill Reddie's "Machine"; Frank Perowski's swinging chart on "Bouncin' with Bud"; Tom Boras' rarely heard arrangement of "Joy Spring"; Bill Holman's originals "Loose" and "Ready Mix"; and the driving title track by Don Menza. One very noteworthy track is the lengthy blues jam on Ernie Wilkins' "Senator Sam" featuring fine solos by Bob Kaye on piano, Steve Marcus on tenor, altoist Chuck Wilson and trombonist John Mosca. The entry of the full brass section on this track will "knock your socks off." Other strong soloists on the CD include trumpeters Dean Pratt, Ross Konikoff and Jon Marshall, tenor saxophonists Bob Mintzer and Gary Pribeck, trombonist Rick Stepton, and pianst Bob Kaye. Three lead trumpeters are heard on these tracks (Dave Stahl, Joe Rodriquez and Chuck Schmidt), but the band is consistently tight and unified. Though there are no lengthy drum solos on "Time Out", Buddy, as always, is astonishing and drives the band powerfully in every groove and at every tempo.



The sound quality is certainly adequate, especially considering the hit-and-run conditions under which these recordings were made. The only significant issue is that the soloists (especially pianist Bob Kaye) are occasionally off-mike. But overall "Time Out" is a very listenable and highly enjoyable 70 minute set of performances by Buddy Rich and the Killer Force band. "Time Out" along with "Wham" are essential recordings for Rich fans."

More from the secret archives

R. Viehdorfer | Arvada CO | 12/26/2007

(4 out of 5 stars)

"This, the third in what will hopefully be a continuing series of releases of previously unknown recorded material from the 1970's, is arguably the most satisfying, first, because of the overall sonic quality, and second because of the choice of material. Several of my favorite charts by the Rich band are included, including Goodbye Yesterday, Readymix, Loose, and Joy Spring. Readymix, in particular, is simply astonishing to listen to again after the original that pre-dated this recorded version. The band sounds wonderful, just as I remembered it, and Buddy, who never needed to solo (as far as I was concerned, he was the greatest, and he didn't need to prove it - it was a joy just listening to him back the band and play fills) is clearly having a good time. Although sometimes Bob Kaye's piano gets lost (these recordings may have been done under some very primitive conditions), The Man Behind The Drums is featured and crystal-clear throughout. Lastly, we have another version of Chicago, and it isn't up to the recording quality of the rest of the release. A saving grace to this is the incomparable piano of Barry Keiner. Other negatives: the liner notes and song titles were thrown together, with typos and missing information, not to mention an incomplete format and nonexistent recording or production notes. But who cares? It's the music we are concerned with - and this is great stuff. Hats off to Alan Gauvin, both for his playing and his recordings, and I look forward to even more."

Great LIVE performance

M. Andy Mckinney | Brodhead, KY United States | 11/03/2009

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This CD contains a late '70s live performance of Buddy's band, which was recorded live by a member of the band, but don't let that put you off: the sound quality is quite nice. Several of Buddy's signature pieces are on here, as well as others I'd never heard recorded before. Worth adding to any '70s Big Band collection."