Customer Reviews

Rich & Famous

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This will satisfy every Buddy fan! Actually recorded in 1983 (not 1986 as the cover says) and distributed (seriously!) through Amway, this title was only briefly commercially available as an LP and cassette through a one-time ad in DownBeat. Buddy was not happy with the distribution on this, as he said one night at the Bottom Line in NY, "We don't talk about that one!". But don't be misled! Although the original album is short on credits, this was Buddy's band in the Fall of 1983. An excellent collection of tunes, although "Time Will Tell" was shortened for some reason. "Dancing Men" was added as it popped up in the book as a surprise crowd favorite again around 1981. "Manhattan" is the chart discussed on the "bus tapes". Taken at a manageably bright tempo (this is slow compared to some live versions!), it's an excellent showcase for Lee Musiker's piano, and Dave Panichi's writing. "Cottontail" became a staple of the band's book for quite a while around the time of this release, and "Ballad of the Matador" is a beautiful ballad, beautifully performed. "Red Snapper" is the flag waver of the bunch, just goes along without actually going anyplace. Don't let that deter you! Although the sound quality lacks depth and a wide soundstage, this album is NOT to be missed if you're a fan of Buddy and his band! Grab it while it's available!

Being a Big Buddy Rich fan i thought i had discovered all the rae recordings , but this one was a great surprise. This cd , recorded in 1986, the last full year of his life, shows how he lost not 1 mph of speed or accuracy in his last years. Lots of tasty tunes and even some short solos. I highly recommend this cd

An excellent review of the history and contents of this album may be found elsewhere at this product description site (the review is titled "Finally Available Again"), but I would like to add a few notes. My CD, on the TKO/Magnum label (matching the description provided by Amazon), was evidently dubbed at least in part from an LP; there are audible scratch noises at the opening of "Cottontail" (but not noticeably elsewhere), creating some question about source materials used for this release.
The Magnum CD was produced in England, but a U.S. compact disc of this same music entitled "The Magic of Buddy Rich" exists on the UAV label, with a 1997 copyright. UAV specializes in audio and video releases of "public domain" material, and their products are often found in department store "bargain" sections. The UAV disc has strikingly superior sound to TKO/Magnum, but the intro to "Time Will Tell" (a bass solo) has been edited by something over half a minute, creating a choice for the consumer.
So what about the music? I am every bit as enthusiastic as other reviewers who have given this album high marks. I don't have severe criticisms of the sound quality, scratch noises and all (although UAV, again, beats this one), and Buddy's flawless playing is set off nicely by his wonderful band. Since obtaining a copy of this rarity, I find myself returning to it surprisingly often, sometimes preferring it to other BR albums in my collection.
It hardly needs to be said that "Rich and Famous" is a must for Buddy Rich fans. But anyone who enjoys jazz, big bands, or just fine musicianship will also enjoy this one.