Customer Reviews

Buddy Rich: Jazz Legend, Part 1 - 1917-1970 1 [VHS]

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

 

 

As an avid fan of Buddy Rich, I have seen him play some amazing drum solos both in live and on television performances. This video has some of the greatest vintage performances of Buddy ever seen. In many instances, not only was Buddy's left hand moving so fast that the cameras couldn't catch it, but Buddy's whole body is a blur during some of the most dynamic and entertaining performances. The video is expertly narrated by Buddy's longtime friend, Mel Torme. Mel certainly has the knowledge and class to comment on the World's Greatest Drummer. If you are a drummer, you must see this video.

What I liked most was that it included a lot of video of Buddy in the mid-60s, just as he was moving into mainstream prominence. Like a lot of teenagers at that time, I was blown away by Buddy and his sensational band, and this video takes me back to those exciting years when the band was frequently on TV. A highlight is a performance of the band on the "Away We Go" show, which I watched religiously back in 1967. Wish we'd had video recorders back then! In an published review of this video, the writer talks about Buddy playing a drum solo using two sticks in each hand. After watching the clip, it was probably the case that Buddy was just too fast for the film, and each stick blurred into two. But it is hard to tell! God bless those people responsible for this series--only by seeing Buddy, can one appreciate his true genius.

I must say, this video provides some of the best vintage Buddy Rich footage I have seen in any production. I am interested to know when the DVD will be coming out with Part 1 & 2 together. I hope there will be additional footage, pictures, etc. that we Buddy Rich lovers will be able to check out.

I have recently purchased this video. I heard it provides superb footage from the 30's-60's of the world's greatest drummer. I'm looking forward to viewing this film in the VERY near future.