Record Reviews

BUDDY RICH BIG BAND ~ VERY ALIVE AT RONNIE SCOTT`S BGO 785 (Barcode: 5017261207852) ~ USA ~ Jazz Recorded: 1972 Released: 2008 Drummer / bandleader Buddy RichFind albums by this artist was for many years an iconic figure on the US Jazz scene, first as drummer in big bands led by Artie ShawFind albums by this artist and Tommy DorseyFind albums by this artist and later as a leader of his own Big Band. His incredible technique, speed, power and inventiveness as well as his personal charisma and a dry sense of humor soon awarded him the title of “the world’s greatest drummer”, which was largely true as far as mainstream / swing Big Band Jazz was concerned. His bands featured over the years some of the best players on the scene and the music was meticulously arranged to achieve the maximal effect as far as Big Band sound is concerned. This wonderful album, recorded live at the legendary Ronnie Scott’s club in London, is probably one of the best recordings Rich ever made. The club’s intimate atmosphere and sympathetic crowd, as well as the acoustics of the venue, contribute greatly to the music, which is performed with flair and vengeance. For Big Band enthusiasts this is an absolute must, and it serves as a great document of the era as well as the Big Band phenomenon, which is almost gone today. Wholeheartedly recommended!

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STEVE SMITH ~ BUDDY’S BUDDIES TONE CENTER 40062 (Barcode: 8712725400622) ~ USA ~ Jazz Recorded: 1999 Released: 1999 Legendary drummer Buddy RichFind albums by this artist is usually associated with soaring Big Bands, but he also made several recordings with small ensembles, using the members of his band to play in a much more intimate setting. This album is a tribute to these small ensemble recordings, initiated by ex-Buddy Rich alumni Steve MarcusFind albums by this artist and Andy FuscoFind albums by this artist (both sax players). They joined forces with two other alumni, who also played with Rich on his small group recordings: pianist Lee MusikerFind albums by this artist and the extraordinary bassist Anthony JacksonFind albums by this artist. To drive the quintet and fulfill the place of their legendary drummer / leader they invited one of the most respected and musical US drummers Steve SmithFind albums by this artist. Smith is not only a fantastic player, but also one of the most versatile musicians around. His illustrious career spans back to the 1970 when he played with the Rock group JourneyFind albums by this artist during their hay days and with the French violin virtuoso Jean-Luc PontyFind albums by this artist and his Fusion group. Later on he played in several jazz small groups, Big Bands and a myriad of Fusion ensembles (including Steps AheadFind albums by this artist), always being one of the most solid and sought after drummers around. Since the early 1980s Smith also leads his own Fusion group Vital InformationFind albums by this artist, recording several albums over the years. It’s no wonder therefore that Smith is up to the challenge set up by this album, leading the quintet with grace and elegance. The music includes a selection of standards mostly associated with Buddy Rich ensembles. The level of musicianship is outstanding, with Smith and Jackson providing rock-solid rhythm foundation for the other musicians to solo. Although the music is well framed within the swing genre, it is fascinating and beautifully played. This album deserves to be considered as one of the best jazz recordings of the 1990s. Definitely a must for all people who cherish the memory of Buddy Rich and hard swinging well played jazz.

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