Big Band Machine [Import]

Buddy Rich | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (November 3, 2003)
• Number of Discs: 1
• Format: Import
• Label: P-Vine Japan
• ASIN: B0000CD84U
• Also Available in: Audio CD  |  Vinyl  |  MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 3.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (9 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,309,059 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Track Listings

1. Three Day Sucker

2. Tommy Medley: Eyesight to the Blind/Champagne/See Me, Feel ...

3. On Broadway

4. Pieces of Dreams

5. Ease on Down the Road

6. West Side Story Medley '75

7. Nik-Nik [*]

8. Layin' It Down [*]

Editorial Reviews

Recorded in 1975, this is the original Groove Merchant recording of a jazz-funk orchestra loaded with heavyweight soloists. Indeed, it is as fine a modern band as Rich ever dished out. The disc is not as good as the Japanese P-Vine version which has two bonus tracks and the original artwork. If this more in your budget range, get it, but be aware the import has the complete session. [LRC reissued the album in 2005.] ~ Michael G. Nastos, Rovi --This text refers to an alternate Audio CD edition.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Give it a try!, May 7, 2008

By 

Pat Nava "Patrick "The Lab Rat"" (San Francisco, CA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Big Band Machine (Audio CD)

No, really. Keep in mind that this was the band Rich put together to record (not counting the pickup big band with Sal Nistico in '74) after disbanding the "Roar Of '74" band (1973) and going to a small combo format (Nistico, Sonny Fortune, Jack Wilkins, etc.,) and a few albums with Zoot Sims and Lionel Hampton. This was our introduction to the late Steve Marcus, who turned out to be an outstanding jazz tenor for Rich until Buddy's death in 1987. Bob Minzter is also in the section on tenor - later to become a top arranger and big band leader, himself.

If you listen closely to the "Tommy Medley" you may not think of it as a "dated" or "cop-out" piece - From the opening bass line, congas and then Roger Rosenberg's bari (yeah, you can hear some wah-wah guitar), this chart really starts burning. The saxes state the theme, with the brass joining in. After a brief trombone solo in the second movement, Danny Hayes takes off on trumpet on a long, bopping solo. Then Rich and the congas help close it out.

"Pieces Of Dreams" is a beautiful, moody song with the saxes playing the melody with short, injected solos from the lead trumpet and trombone. A really nice, pleasant, easy-going big band arrangement (I've got it. And have played it with a big band).

"Lush Life" starts off with a very nice trumpet solo, before switching off to a trombone solo.

The bands rendition of "Ease On Down The Road" is not bad, with a tenor solo from Steve Marcus. Although the "fade" is kind of corny with Danny Hayes' trumpet in the background.

"West Side Story Medley '75" is really condensed. With only the tenor solo and then right into Buddy's solo along with the congas and a bass solo. Not one of the better editions of "West Side Story."

Still, not a bad album for a second comeback with his Big Band.

5.0 out of 5 stars Listen to Danny Hayes' hot trumpet solo on "Tommy Medley", April 22, 2009

By 

Pat Nava "Patrick "The Lab Rat"" (San Francisco, CA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Big Band Machine (Audio CD)

If you listen closely to the "Tommy Medley" you may not think of it as a "dated" or "cop-out" piece - From the opening bass line, congas and then Roger Rosenberg's bari (some wah-wah guitar), this chart really starts burning. The saxes state the theme, with the brass joining in. After a brief trombone solo in the second movement, Danny Hayes takes off on trumpet on a long, bopping solo. Then Rich and the congas help close it out.

"Pieces Of Dreams" is a beautiful, moody song with the saxes playing the melody with short, injected solos from the lead trumpet and trombone. A really nice, pleasant, easy-going big band arrangement (I've got it. And have played it with a big band).

"Lush Life" starts off with a very nice trumpet solo, before switching off to a trombone solo.

The bands rendition of "Ease On Down The Road" is not bad, with a tenor solo from Steve Marcus. Although the "fade" is kind of corny with Danny Hayes' trumpet in the background.

"West Side Story Medley '75" is really condensed. With only the tenor solo and then right into Buddy's solo along with the congas and a bass solo. Not one of the better editions of "West Side Story."

Still, not a bad album for a second comeback with his Big Band.

5.0 out of 5 stars big band machine, July 6, 2004

By A Customer

This review is from: Big Band Machine (Audio CD)

this album came out when i was in high school. i was blown away as i sat and listened to this album. the mix of songs still makes it my favorite buddy rich album. thank goodness for the cd. although i havent purchased this album in cd form yet, i salivate at the thought when i do and sit down to listen to this gem once again without the crackle.