Search - Buddy Rich, Lionel Hampton :: Buddy's Rock

Rich and Hampton, the Dynamic Duo

Maurice V. Calis | Schenectady, NY USA | 10/22/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"A jazz lover's dream, perhaps a drummer's fantasy, this collection of tunes contains two of the best in the rythm making business. With a tight coffee house group of players, Buddy Rich, the master of time, on drums and Lionel Hampton, who's always in the pocket, on vibes, create a fabulous percussive compliment. There can never be any disappointments when these two play together.Though recorded in a studio, this jam session seems to have captured a group in the act of a prime performance, witnessed by only a few select patrons. Maintaining an upbeat ensemble, many sensational solos are featured, including the call and answer format between Rich and Hampton, heard in "Buddy's Cherokee", along with many other colorful contributions made by other players. Their version of the classic "Take the 'A' Train" should rank high on a list of instrumental standards. Though primarily a swing album, the taste of funk, in "Buddy's Rock", and bassanova, in "Latin Silk", add the cherry to this jubilee.Whether you are akin to jazz or just a casual observer of the art, this album will put you at ease and add nicely to a collection of great hits."