Customer Reviews

Big Band Machine

5 star:		(4)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

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.

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.

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.

I always liked this recording and was gratified when it was reissued on CD. The chart for PIECES OF DREAMS is just wonderful - and the rest of the arrangments and playing are pretty much up to par with Buddy's usual big band recordings. This album isn't MERCY MERCY MERCY, but it's still quite worthwhile!

Those are not screeching guitars on the first track... that is a wonderful 3 1/2 minute saxaphone solo... one of the best solos in history of big bands.

You can't listen to this album and not feel the electricity of the music. It is as close as to playing it yourself as you'll ever get.

Although the Medley from "Tommy" may seem a bit dated and commercialized (as some would put it), it is still a very well put together arrangement. I really enjoyed the trumpet solo (Danny Hayes).

"Pieces Of Dreams" is another favorite of mine. Even though void of any solo work, still a very relaxing and introspective peace with marvelous voicings.

The condensed "West Side Story" Medley is not in the class of the original. Solo work is on the "lazy" side.

"Ease On Down The Road" sounds too commercial. And one of the sore points many have made of Rich's band taking on show pieces that's purpose was only to draw a newer (or broader)listening crowd for the band. Too contrived for my taste.

Definitely skip the first track; its a mess of screeching guitars . The disc doesn't really pick up steam until Buddy's first solo late in the Tommy Medley. You can skip that too. By all means proceed to track 3 and you'll get what you paid for:passable arrangements, solid section and solo work from the horns and the ever present precision drumming of a master.

I'm sorry. Maybe there's more to this album than what I hear on the online samples, but I'd be surprised. I've been a fan of Buddy Rich since I bought "The New One" on vinyl when it was first released. Buddy's drumming not withstanding, the charts on this, as near as I can tell, are insipid at best. Unison melody lines, heavy rock guitar licks and boomy bass peg this one as originating in the early 70's -- a collection of mediocre tracks that someone put together to cash in on the current interest in Buddy's music.

If you're just getting started with Buddy's music, try listening to the samples from "The New One," "Mercy Mercy", "Wham" or just about any other release and see what you think.