Customer Reviews

New One

5 star:		(12)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I've been playng this album for nearly 30 years, first vinyl and now CD. I'd have to say that, as an album, this is the best one Buddy ever made in terms of the quality of the material, the band, and the production. This was the third of I believe six albums Buddy did for Pacific Jazz from 1966-70, and the folks there really knew how to capture a big band performance. What's remarkable here is that, unlike the other five PJ albums, this one was recorded entirely in the studio, where it can be difficult to capture the spontaneity and electricity more common during a live performance. Of course, a lot of that is attributable to the musicians themselves. This could be "the best band he ever had." Standout soloists include the great Ernie Watts on alto, Chuck Findley on trumpet, and Jay Corre, one of my favorite tenors. Jay not only had the technique, but played with such a depth of feeling, he could send chills down your spine. (According to the liner notes, Buddy actually cried during Jay's rendition of "I Can't Get Started.") A tremendous talent. I don't know whatever happened to him - he sort of disappeared after this date. And of course, there's the incomparable Buddy Rich. Save for "Diabolus," he doesn't take many extended solos, and that's fine because it showcases this wonderful band as a whole, spurred on by his relentless driving beat.

As for the tunes, there is not a bum in the lot. Buddy's band played a lot of charts equal to or greater than those here, but on his other albums, the quality is more hit-or-miss, particularly during the RCA years in the 70's when most of the bands were abandoning straight-ahead swing for rock and funk. I believe that this album marks the first appearance of Don Piestrup's charts ("New Blues" and "Group Shot"). I did a tiny bit of composing way back when, and Don was a big influence. He wrote great lush, sometimes dissonant chords and tight harmonies in most of his work.

Like a few other reviewers have said, the bonus tracks are always welcome. Most of them here are alternate takes, and you can see why. (They're all good - just not as good as the ones released.) One particular standout is the previously unreleased "Old Timey," which will leave you wondering why that one was left on the cutting room floor.

If you are just discovering Buddy Rich, this CD is a great place to start. If you could only have one Buddy Rich CD, this is definitely the one!

even the hard core be-bop critics like this one. they had complained of prior albums being pop-heavy and retro-swing. And those who thought Buddy couldn't handle odd time signatures, well, listen to Diabolus! The exchanges at the end defy description. Like many other drummers, I found myself slowing the turntable down to 16 rpms to find out what the heck was going on. He was inserting ruffs and frills in between the triplets! Unreal. Also notable for his only recording with Fibes brand drums

This is the Buddy Rich band at his peak. Excellent numbers from his 1967 "Away we go" TV series period with co-star Buddy Greco.
Great side-man like Jay Corre and Ernie Watts. I met Jay Corre in Amsterdam , he still blow off the roof!
My first choice for any Buddy Rich album!

Naptown Blues featuring the blistering alto of Ernie Watts is in itself worth the price of this CD.Buddy Rich has left us a legacy of screaming big band jazz that hasn't been duplicated since.

Buddy Rich was one of the finest jazz drummers that ever lived, but his drive and power also made him the prototypical rock drummer before rock had even taken its first steps. In his later years Rich would even incorperate rock and pop numbers into his act, something that gets mixed results from many fans.
On The New One Buddy seems to find just the right balance between power and swing and the result is one of his best, if not possibly the best album he released. From the opening track "Away We Go" the band takes off at full throttle, pausing breifly for a bit of slow groove on "New Blues" but not before having some serious fun on "The Rotten Kid".
By the time you get to the slightly funky Diabolus, complete with drum solo you know full well why Rich was so deeply respected and admired by drummers of all styles. It shows a master craftsman at the height of his trade, backed by a ferociously talented band, staying relevant and contemporary, while still holding on to big band tradition.
To be short and sweet about it--this is the one to buy if you want to get to know Buddy. If it's your first, I guarentee; It won't be your last.

This was a great album on vinyl...it is even better on cd! But check out the bonus tracks! The bonus cut of "Away we go" is stronger than the original! Same with "The Rotten Kid". Also enjoy the bonus cut of "Diabalous" Buddy would have been proud of this re-release! Bill Callahan- Glens Falls, N.Y.

I first bought this as an LP when it was released. Soon after I had the opportunity to see Buddy live and he never ceased to amaze you! Lightening fast hands and complex patterns all driving his hand-selected band of top jazz artists to musical realms you never though possible. I later frequented his NYC club whenever possible.
On this CD, you have a terrific selection of uptempo tunes like 'Chicago' and
'Away We Go', driving pieces like 'Machine' and complex jazz compositions like 'Diabolus', my favorite work of his band ever.
You will not want to stop this one once you get started. ENJOY!!!!

The actual title of this CD is Take It Away! I was lucky enough to find this album. From Away We Go all the way to Diabolus there isn't a bad track on this recording. Buddy during that time was competing with the Beatles and other artists. Buddy definitely held his own against the mainstream music that was out there at the time. Big bands at the time weren't too popular, but Buddy never underestimated his public and grabbed a lot of young fans (at the time). Buddy was a true master of the drums. Enough about Buddy, the rest of the band was also outstanding in the album as well. From Ernest Watts at tenor saxophone to Ray Starling at piano.... I don't have a complaint about this album. This album is definitely in the top 3 of Buddy Rich's music.

BUDDY RICH SIZZLES ON THE SKINS, AND HIS BAND IS TIGHT, BRASSY, AND SWINGIN'. FEATURES SOME GREAT HORN SOLOS, PARTICULARLY BY ERNIE "THE GRAND WAZOO" WATTS, ONE OF THE BEST WEST COAST STUDIO GUYS FROM THAT TIME. THE ARRANGEMENTS ARE FANTASTIC. I HAVE HAD THIS RECORDING FIRST ON LP (GOT IT AROUND 1972 OR 1973, AND ON CD EVER SINCE, I CAN NEVER GET TIRED OF HEARING THIS ALBUM. AND THE CD VERSION HAS BONUS TRACKS AS WELL! IF YOU LIKE JAZZ, BIG BAND, OR GREAT DRUMMING MUSIC, YOU WILL BE HAPPY TO HAVE THIS CD IN YOUR COLLECTION. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.

This is a hot cd and an excellent addition to the collection of any Buddy Rich lover.