Customer Reviews

Buddy Rich Jazz Legend

5 star:		(6)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

To see Buddy in all the phases of his musical life is not only "edge of your seat" thrilling but highly instructional. Here is a master at age 12 being honed before your eyes into a living legend--an iconic national treasure. Early on we see and hear Buddy's prolific chops and"rough and ready" style. Then slowly with age the roughness smooths out, and right before our eyes we see a metamorphosis--a transofrmation into a finely tuned technician with an impecable ear. We behold the Heifetz of drums. The sheer genius of his phrasing, his almost incomprehensible combinations and his outstanding wit makes this man stand out amoung giants. This video not only demonstrates that Buddy Rich is surely the greatest all-around druumer that has ever lived, but presents a man with the heart of a lion. Yes, Buddy was only human, but he was one of those rare persons whom literally millions of people young and old wish they could have touched, felt his power, and understood it while hoping that just a little rubbed off. Sadly Buddy is gone, and we cannot touch him physically but his spirit is surely in this video and alive and well in his legacy--his music.

It doesn't get any better than this, to coin a phrase. All the footage you could possibly want is here, from virtually every era of this giant's lifelong career. I am confused, however, as to why the Johnny Carson clips feature the familiar banter between the two masters of their respective crafts...yet cut away before Rich actually performed on the show! It's more than made up for by the gregarious amount of footage elsewhere, though. Even the menu for this set gets five stars.

Just finished watching this lengthy VCR and it was well worth the money. The video is divided into two sections - early and later years. I prefer his later years work when Bubby was in his prime. And, of course, the quality of the productions is better given advances in technology.

If you are looking for inspiration to excel, if you are a young drummer looking for a dedicated musician to model after, if you are interested in the life story of a man whose name lives on as the world's greatest drummer, then this collector's item is for you.

Buddy Rich was a complex and extremely talented, gifted man. He was driven to excellence, always gave 110%, and expected those around him to do the same. He is known as one of, if not THE, greatest drummer of all time. A legend. This excellent DVD covers Buddy's life from beginning to end, and does so very well. It does so in two parts - early years and later years. Even if you are not a Buddy Rich fan, but are interested in music, particlualry bid band and jazz, I think you will like this DVD. If you are interested in Buddy Rich at all, then this is a DVD you will want in your collection.

I've seen Buddy in many venues but I think I enjoyed him most when I would see him at Disneyland. I always wondered what it would be like to sit down with him and ask questions about his life as a jazz great. Seeing him sitting down and talking about times with the bands he'd been in and the things that happened to him along the way on this DVD was fantastic. Loved the second part on the later years too. This DVD is highly recommended
JIM

I currently own the 2 part VHS version of BUDDY RICH: JAZZ LEGEND, and I'm thrilled that it's finally out on DVD! Although I don't own it yet, it will definitely be a future addition to my DVD collection. This is a wonderful tribute to one of my all time favorite drummers--Buddy Rich!