Product Details

• Actors: Buddy Rich
• Format: Closed-captioned, Color, DVD, NTSC
• Language: English
• Region: All Regions
• Aspect Ratio: 1.33:1
• Number of discs: 1
• Rated: NR (Not Rated)
• Studio: Hal Leonard
• DVD Release Date: August 15, 2002
• Run Time: 87 minutes
• Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (10 customer reviews)
• ASIN: B00006JBJ6
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #56,467 in Movies & TV (See Top 100 in Movies & TV)

Editorial Reviews

Recorded at the Top of the Plaza in Rochester, New York on February 6, 1973, and captures drum legend Buddy Rich in his absolute prime. Syndicated by PBS in that year, it was the first time thousands of drummers were exposed to Buddy in a full-length concert setting, and many drummers continue to name this program as a prime influence on their own playing. Not seen in its entirety since it was first broadcast, it remains one of the most sought-after shows ever recorded by Buddy. It includes definitive versions of Love for Sale, the odd time signature-laden Time Check, his famed Norwegian Wood, Basically Blues, and the astonishing closer West Side Story. Also features a rare bonus clip: an unbelievable unaccompanied drum solo, not seen since its broadcast in May of 1978! Special DVD Features: 3 rare bonus clips of Buddy, including his appearance as a mystery guest on What's My Line from 1974, a television performance on the Sid Mark Show, and a solo from one of his very last performances at Disneyland in 1984. DVD Running Time: 87 minutes.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

22 of 22 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Buddy Rich: At The Top, January 15, 2001

By A Customer

This review is from: Buddy Rich - At the Top [VHS] (VHS Tape)

Having seen the original video in 1973, I can say I was very excited to see this again. Especially watching and listening to Pat Labarbera's cooking solo on Don Menza's "Time Check".

Although one of the reviewers stated that the video showed more of the band than Buddy, a drummer would've heard everything Buddy played during the concert and not worried if it didn't show more of him on tape. I'm very sure that this tape was not edited from its original broadcast in 1973, as these images have been indelibly marked in my mind since then.

It's funny to see the hair styles of the band members compared to the ones in the 1986 PBS video taped here in San Francisco. Ahh, the more things change, the more they....well, you know. But the music, as always was first class.

Don't miss the solos of Greg Hopkins on flugelhorn. And especially Labarbera on tenor and Don Englert on flute in "Basically Blues". Brian Grivna gives a great alto performance on "What Are You Doing The Rest Of Your Life?". And Ray Ricker gives a credible solo shot in "Love For Sale". Labarbera cooks again on "Uncle Albert" Sorry, I'm a reedman, and am partial to all the sax section solos.

Closing out the set with West Side Story Medley was in true Buddy Rich fashion, showing off his monstrous skills on the drums. Much as he did on the other much requested "Channel 1 Suite". I remember many a jazz drummer trying to emulate that single stroke roll, of which I knew of only one who could do it. That is one of the most amazing feats of drumming I've ever witnessed (I also play drums, too).

If any of you remember seeing this video on PBS back in 1973, you won't be surprised at your memorizing each and every solo verbatim, from back then, like I did. A must for all Buddy Rich fans.

18 of 18 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A piece of history, April 11, 2001

By 

trigoe "trigoe" (Teaneck, NJ USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Buddy Rich - At the Top [VHS] (VHS Tape)

Simply put, this video gets you inside one of the most powerful big bands in history in a live performance in a relatively small room, which is the best place to see jazz. I saw this when I was about 7 years old and it remained a huge force on my playing throughout the next 30 years. The camera angles are not perfect, no, but to complain about camera angles at the expense of an absolutely unbeliveable performance by Buddy and his screaming band is missing the point. Great charts, great playing, a classic Buddy solo on West Side Story. The drive, determination and exceptance of nothing less than perfection that is signature Buddy is in full display. The snare drum comping work alone is a wonder. This is a piece of history that will be viewed over and over again. And don't get me started on Buddy's left hand... it's nuclear powered to be sure. I just can't find where he hides the reactor.

13 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Buddy is and always will be "AT THE TOP", July 7, 2002

By A Customer

This review is from: Buddy Rich - At the Top [VHS] (VHS Tape)

This video has the perfect title.(RICH AT THE TOP) Buddy Rich is without question the greatest drum technician the world has ever known ! I have seen this video hundreds of times, and every time I'm more amazed what a geniuses this man is. The West Side story solo is totally amazing. What singles, what style, what a left hand. If there is anyone out there that thinks that he could actually play(after watching this) should check himself into a psychiatric hospital. As for that reviewer who thinks that Philly Joe Jones and many other drummers could make the drums seeing better than Buddy Rich ? All I have to say is,You obviously don't play the drums and you never Understood the genius of Buddy Rich ! Guy.