Customer Reviews

Buddy Rich, Live at The 1982 Montreal Jazz Festival [VHS]

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

 

 

If you like Buddy (who wouldn't) you have to see him in this video. He is at the prime of his career and he burns. My favorite part is the blinding fast single stroke roll that starts soft and low, and then builds to a feverish pace that only Buddy could acheive. Ive watched it 3 times since Christmas and I am in amazment every time. No wonder the audience gives him a standing "O" after every piece. They were witnessing a drum god at work!

If you're a Buddy Rich fan, this video is a must-have. Not only do you get to witness his unbelieveable drumming, but there's a short episode of his temper as well. At the end of Bob Mintzer's "Good News", there is one short instant where the brass didn't quite play a note exactly together. Buddy smirks for a second, pauses before the last chord, and clearly says "what happened? ". He then cues the last chord, after which he continues to humiliate the trumpet section with more words and gestures. Aside from that distraction, the band is smokin' and the soloists (including saxists Andy Fusco, Walt Weiskopf, Steve Marcus) are especially strong.

The box say's "Buddy and his Band at the height of their popularity" This is a MUST see video for fans of Buddy and jazz. The sound on this is top notch and of course Buddy is at his best, he wouldn't allow any less. The highlight {if you can get any better than the best} has to be the extended solo in Buddy's signature piece "West Side Story " medly. Again the sound is right on, you can almost feel his intensity, and at the same time his grace.
This tape is flawless, almost 60 minutes of perfection
There is and was only one Buddy.

I really enjoyed this video. Having viewed the VHS performance "Rich At The Top", I eagerly awaited to view this version of West Side Story & Time Check. I wasn't disappointed.

What really got me was the solos by alto saxophonist, Andy Fusco. I had seen him with Buddy in the early eighties, "Live" in San Francisco and never really paid much attention to his blowing talents. Very impressive & imaginative on "Hookin' It" & Bob Mintzer's "Good News".

Steve Marcus gives his usual fluid sax solos. Check out his "note-slashing" solo on "Time Check" (although I've always considered Pat Labarbera's solos more fiery on this chart). The sax section really cooks on the soli!

Buddy is amazing on all charts (whether with brushes or sticks). Just effortlessly tearing those skins on all numbers. Great live performance with the usual strong brass section and admirable support from the bass and piano. I Highly Recommend this taped concert to any Buddy Rich Big Band fan.

I got tears in my eyes twice watching this--someone possessing Rich's unique skills should live forever at the peak of his powers. As it is, here the then 65 year-old Rich is seemingly undiminished as he spurs on his great big band in this 1982 concert. Visually, it appears to be a bunch of college kids in identical black tee-shirts ripping through a series of intricate, gripping, and entertaining arrangements with great precision and verve. Saxophonists Steve Marcus, Andy Fusco, and Walt Weiskopf are the featured soloists, but Rich himself commands attention throughout with his detailed support and astonishing solo spots. The camera work perfectly spotlights his drumming technique, as well as his energy and forcefulness. This tape is a compelling delight from beginning to end, and Rich in action was never captured any better than this on film.