Customer Reviews

Hampton Presents Buddy Rich

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This is an album that serves as a double reminder: 1. first, of the tastefulness and virtuosity of Buddy Rich who, in addition to being a "power" drummer, was practically the house percussionist for Norman Granz at Verve records, accompanying all of the jazz legends--Ella and Pops, Art Tatum, Oscar Peterson, Charlie Parker, Thelonious Monk, Dizzy Gillespie--with unfailing finesse. 2. above all, the session is a reminder that, although Hampton had largely fallen out of the public eye, he was indeed one of the all-time virtuosos, not a mere showman or "entertainer." If there were any doubts that he didn't belong in the same category as Art Tatum let alone Benny Goodman, his work-out on the daunting "Giant Steps" should put all such thoughts to a rest. Another overlooked diamond in the rough is the album he made with Bobby Scott circa 1990, "Mostly Blues," on which he drops the showmanship, slows down the rotators, exercises uncharacteristic restraint, and plays as deep in the blues as Bags (Milt Jackson). It's an inexhaustible "groove experience" easily recommended to all ages and "belonging to the ages."

I'd been a fan of him the 1st time since '97 or '98. That's how I got introduced to him like I others back then it's such a long list. I'd been hearin' alot of songs on this CD like from John Coltrane's "Giant Steps", Buddy's own "Buddy's Rock" (luv the rock effect 2 it or sumthin", "My Funny Valentine", among others. He was such a genius back in the big band days workin' along w/ Lionel Hampton (whom worked w/ him and still on this album), Gene Kupra, Count Basie, just to name a few. I 'member he died in 1987 from a uncertain brain tumor (read about it on the cover to the album), he's sure is missed and definitely lives on. Recommended as a must for Buddy Rich fans or non-fans alike. This is a good one. Must briefly pick it up ASAP.