Product Details

• Format: Import
• Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (12 customer reviews)
• ASIN: 0634040170
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #656,655 in Movies & TV (See Top 100 in Movies & TV)

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com

Superior production values, great playing, and a host of bonus features combine to make this arguably the best available audiovisual representation of the late Buddy Rich and his music. Recorded in 1985 in San Francisco, the hourlong concert by Rich and his 15-piece big band was thought to have been lost in a fire. The master tapes were "rediscovered" in 2000, leading to the meticulous preparation (a full 14 text pages are devoted to technical details) of this DVD release. As always, it's the powerhouse playing of "Mr. Drums" that's of prime interest, and to that end the producers have used bonus tracks to isolate Rich's solos (as well as those of the brilliant saxophonist Steve Marcus and five others), including two on the "West Side Story Medley." Add to that interview segments with Rich, his wife and daughter, and several others, and you've got a well-rounded look at one of jazz's most renowned percussionists in absolutely top form. --Sam Graham

From the Back Cover

This DVD is every Buddy Rich fan's dream come true-a brilliant concert coupled with state-of-the-art technology. Looking back on this event, it's incredible to think that Buddy was 67 years old at the time, and playing better than ever. To this day he continues to amaze and inspire. Enjoy! -Cathy Rich
Buddy Rich and His Band - The Lost West Side Story Tapes: Recorded in 1985, the master tapes were thought to have been lost in a fire. They were discovered in 2000, along with the original "surround sound" digital master, and extensive work was done to bring you this state-of-the-art audio mix. The concert includes Buddy Rich standards "Cottontail," "Mexicali Nose," and the unforgettable classic "West Side Story Medley."

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

16 of 17 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A MUST for Big Band Jazz Fans and ALL Drummers!, April 18, 2002

By 

Bill Larkin (Lyndhurst, NJ, United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Buddy Rich and His Band--The Lost West Side Story Tapes DVD (DVD)

It was thought these tapes were lost in a fire and have not been commercially available for 10 years or more. This is a wonder of current technology that these tapes have been recovered and restored. Originally released in 1985 on Cafe Records as a double-CD set (Mobile Fidelity Labs) and on Beta Hi-Fi, this is one-half of the recording session.... The West Side Story Set. The other, hopefully, (The Channel One Set) will be restored as well. I'll be first in line! This was "State of the Art" recording for its time. The recording was done on the SQ/Tate Surround System, which was left in 4-channel format when transferred to this DVD into DolbyDigital 4.0 and DTS 4.0. The producers, obviously, felt that going the 5.1 route would mess to much with the original sound. Not to worry. It's the best available recording yet of Rich and his mastery of the drums. The microphones are arrays set back to capture a live feel. Some may prefer the up-close technique, but that does produce a clinical studio sound. This sounds like you are sitting in the audience. The seven video cameras have slik-stockings stretched over the lenses to achieve a "soft film feel". I'm not crazy about that, but hey, I am so happy to have this on DVD I'll gladly forget about that. Eight tunes comprise the set, topped by West Side Story and 2 solos by Rich. Even at 67, Rich was a blaze of speed and played everything in front of him. Watch his second "West Side" solo as he sticks the bass drum, the rims, and even the sticks themselves! A legend and the best drummer of all time. Don't think about it..... BUY IT.

10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The Master at work !, July 28, 2002

By A Customer

This review is from: Buddy Rich and His Band--The Lost West Side Story Tapes DVD (DVD)

Buddy Rich is without question the greatest drum technician the world has ever known. His talent and the way he utilizes that talent is beyond superlative description. This DVD reflex the master at work. It's hard to believe that Buddy could play like this at 67 years old. I challenge anyone at any age to even come close to Buddy. No one on this earth can play like that. The picture quality is excellent, the sound quality is very good, the only drawback to this video is the camera angles. I think that they could have done a much better job especially on the West Side story solo. There's one segment when Buddy is doing an incredible single stroke role and the camera angle that they chose was from underneath the snare drum. How ridiculous. Aside from this, this is a very enjoyable DVD! Is it worth purchasing ? ABSOLUTELY !! There will never be another BUDDY RICH "GO BUDDY" Guy.

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A MUST HAVE, February 18, 2003

By A Customer

This review is from: Buddy Rich and His Band--The Lost West Side Story Tapes DVD (DVD)

This is much better than "At the Top" which has horrible audio and focuses too much on the band and doesn't show enough of Buddy. The Dolby surround sound on this DVD really gives clarity to Buddy's playing(and the rest of the band also). Good camera angles on this too; although a brief camera shot under the snare drum on one of the solos doesn't make any since - it is my only complaint.