Search - Buddy Rich :: Wham

The book-end to Time Out

R. Viehdorfer | Arvada CO | 06/30/2009

(4 out of 5 stars)

"This release, produced by legendary and now departed record producer Joel Dorn, was the first of the Alan Gauvin recorded material from the late 70's, the famed Killer Force period. While the 2nd release (Time Out) mines a number of underappreciated Rich charts, this recording reflects material that Buddy was featuring and recording during this period, with a couple of evergreens thrown in - charts that actually stayed in the band until his passing.

Time Out, the Don Menza chart, is shorter and, to my ear, tighter than the aforementioned version; closer to the original album release (Buddy Rich Plays and Plays and Plays) and done at a breathtaking tempo. Similarly, Ya Gotta Try, with a peerless intro by Barry Keiner on piano, is straightforward and insistent. Time Check, another Menza chart, also features Keiner on the intro, with the trumpet and sax sections really coming ablaze with sectional choruses. Tight!

From the Pacific Jazz days come Willowcrest and Bugle Call Rag, the latter featuring an extended military-style intro with flams and press rolls before the band steps in joyously, finishing with the kind of solo only Rich could produce.

Little Train, a chart from from Rich in London, highlights this bands' sheer talent, executing a chart from a date that is universally recognized as one of Buddy's most difficult, with aplomb and skill. I think I actually prefer this version, since the band sounds a little looser. Likewise, Cape Verdean Blues, the Horace Silver composition from Class of '78, is even more swinging than the album release.

The ringer in the selections is a Miles tune, So What, which, between the tempo and the intensity of the ensemble passages, could only have been done by this band and this drummer, and finishes with a bass/drum duet before the ride out. I wonder if Miles ever heard this.

The surprise, after all that, is the 23 + minute Channel One Suite, which starts with several minutes of just brushes, at a tempo that would defy normal drummers (the liner notes aren't accurate; it isn't 18 minutes). Outside of the original release on Mercy Mercy, this is the best I've heard this chart done.

There are no ballads on this release - I think Joel Dorn knew who his audience was and what they would appreciate. Tales of Rhoda Rat is the closest one will come to anything less than overwhelming, and Keiners' piano is oh so lovely. If you are thinking of Time Out, this should be purchased at the same time. Overall, I think the sound quality is equal or better, as are the performances. The liner notes, photos, and packaging are superior, as well."