Best Of Buddy Rich [Box set]

Buddy Rich | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (April 21, 2009)
• Original Release Date: 2006
• Number of Discs: 3
• Format: Box set
• Note on Boxed Sets: During shipping, discs in boxed sets occasionally become dislodged without damage. Please examine and play these discs. If you are not completely satisfied, we'll refund or replace your purchase.
• Label: LRC Ltd.
• ASIN: B000CSTKDS
• Also Available in: Audio CD  |  Vinyl
• Average Customer Review: 3.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #202,511 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Track Listings

Disc: 1

1. Nuttville

2. Kilimanjaro Cookout

3. Big Mac

4. Backwoods Sideman

5. Time Check

6. Prelude to a Kiss

See all 8 tracks on this disc

Disc: 2

1. Chameleon

2. Jumpin' at the Woodside

3. Sierra Lonely

4. Cardin Blue

5. Nica's Dream

6. Billie's Bounce

Disc: 3

1. Three Day Sucker

2. Tommy Medley

3. On Broadway

4. Pieces of Dreams

5. Ease on Down the Road

6. West Side Story Medley

See all 8 tracks on this disc

Editorial Reviews

The Best of Buddy Rich (whether or not it actually is the best of Rich's long career can be debated) is actually a three-disc box containing the mid-'70s albums The Roar of '74, Very Live at Buddy's Place, and Big Band Machine. Rich, for all his flashiness and bravado, was an incredible drummer, and he took a definite risk by forming a drummer-led big band in 1966, but he pulled it off and continued working in a big-band format the rest of his professional life. All three of these albums demonstrate the powerful and rhythmic swing Rich's big bands could generate, a sound that at times almost borders on a kind of urban jungle funk, and the three releases fit together amazingly well, like three interchangeable pieces in the same polyrhythmic quilt. Highlights include the funky and swinging "Nuttville" from Roar; the pounding "Nica's Dream" from Very Live; and a skipping, hopping version of Leiber & Stoller's "On Broadway" from Big Band Machine. This was the kind of sound Rich envisioned for big bands, and while it might not be everyone's cup of tea, there's no denying that he led a powerhouse band that was as versatile as it was energetic. ~ Steve Leggett, Rovi --This text refers to an alternate Audio CD edition.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars A misnomer of a title, April 5, 2010

By 

Timothy R. Neel "billybackpacker" (San Diego, Ca USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Best Of Buddy Rich (Audio CD)

This is a collection of three albums from 1973 and 1974. There's a lot of great music on these CDs, but I would not call this box set "the best" of Buddy. I will say it is a good representation of his musical style and well worth buying. If you've never heard Buddy before this is a good primer to the works of THE BEST drummer of all time.

5 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars An excellent value from the best Big Band drummer, August 18, 2007

By 

Gary W. Rice (Fenton, Michigan United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Best Of Buddy Rich (Audio CD)

Although a good value, this "best of" collection does not represent Buddy Rich's top recordings. Because of the various recording companies for whom he worked, it would most likely be impossible to compile.

At any rate, if you are relatively new to the "Drum Wonder" known as Buddy Rich, the following might be helpful as one person's opinion of his best recordings.

To start, I would purchase the DVD, "Jazz Legend", which is narrated by his good friend, Mel Torme. It is informative and has some great videos of Rich's early and late drumming exploits in his music career.

My favorite CD is "Wham!". I seem to listen all the way through rather than burning favorites to a compilation.

Finally, if I had the ability to produce a CD of his best, this is what I would choose:

Caravan, Cherokee and 2 O'Clock Jump - from "Jazz Legend" DVD, some incredible early Buddy with Harry James Orchestra.

Channel One Suite, Apples, Love for Sale, Diabolus - from "Best of the Pacific Jazz Years". Love for Sale gives me goosebumps every time. With Diabolus, the notes say that Rich played this cut after hearing the song just once....with all the time changes, this is simply incredible.

Playhouse from "Big Band Machine"; Bugle Call Rag, So What! - from "Wham!"
Straight No Chaser - "Time Being"; Away We Go - from "The New One"; Coming Home - from "Buddy and Soul"

From "Live in Montreal, 1982", I would add The Carioca, Green Dolphin Street (broken stick and all!) and close with Brush Strokes.

If I had room, I might also add West Side Story Medley, Greensleeves, Rotten Kid, Dancing Man and a very cute Beat Goes On with his daughter, Cathy singing from "Swing Face".

After listening to these cuts, you will know there was not a better big band drummer who existed.

0 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Flawless, February 8, 2007

By 

Adam A. Price "Touring drummer / musician" (INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Best Of Buddy Rich (Audio CD)

Great value for the money 3 cd's for the price of one. Superb playing from a master craftman. "The roar of '74" is the jewel of this set.