Customer Reviews

Traps - The Drum Wonder: The Life of Buddy Rich

5 star:		(8)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(3)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Being a big fan of the late Buddy Rich, I was searching for a book that not only chronicled his life, but gave me insight into the legend. This book did it all. I could not put the book down. I recommend this book to anyone who enjoys drumming, jazz or just a good biography. Hats off to Mel Torme. His book is wonderful.

Mel Torme is not a genius of prose or of the biography genre, but he isn't unreadable either, and literary standards these days are low anyway. Besides, Mel Torme KNEW Rich for much of Rich's life. Buddy Rich asked Torme to write a fair biography, and that is what Torme has done. If you want to learn about the life of the greatest technical drum soloist of all time, this is the book to buy. I like the pictures, too. (How's that for genius in prose?)

I have been in awe of Buddy Rich's musicianship since hearing him live at "Lennie's on the Turnpike" in MA back in the sixties. He could 'suggest' a melody during his solo's better than any drummer I've ever heard (in 62 years). Mel Torme's biography is just fine at portraying Buddy Rich.
Read it and judge for yourselves!

A great story, but.... The Buddy Rich story had to be told, and on the whole Tormé does it with honesty and humour. His writing, however, suffers from a number of bad mixed metaphors, and there is a dreadful editing mistake when the lead in quote to one of the final chapters is dated as being at Rich's birthday party in 1988. He died in 1987. These qualms aside, the book is easy reading, with many funny anecdotes. The view of the jazz scene is predictably white and cronyish, but the main interest is Rich's extraordinary life and talent.

This book on drumming legend Buddy Rich, by his long time friend Mel Torme is excellent. It's a good read, written by a close friend who knew Buddy on stage and off, through good times and challenging times - and new Buddy's friends and family as well. Mr. Torme reveals Buddy as warm, kind, and funny - and edgy, biting, and tough. Mel Torme is not only a jazz singer, but is an accomplished drummer as well; so his insight into his friend Buddy Rich is sound and honest. If you have any interest in reading about the life of Buddy Rich, this is the book to pick up.

The author was a long-time friend of the drummer, and offers up a fairly detailed bio replete with personal insights. A few embarrassing typos and errors slightly mar an otherwise satisfying read, and since a comprehensive discography is available elsewhere, he chose not to provide one. The errors include spelling Tadd Dameron's first name twice with only one "d," calling Sonny Fortune "Kenny" Fortune, and describing events that happened in 1986 as having happened in 1988, a year after Rich had died.

If anyone here is considering buying this book, I highly recommend it!
I've seen Buddy Rich at least 6 times in my life and miss his playing and excellent talent.
The book can't be put down! I was saddened upon completion of reading this book as I realized, He is gone and the world that you were taken into, is also gone.
At least we have his music and videos to remember him!!!!
Get the book, you won't be disappointed!

I thought I knew something about Buddy but after reading this book I realized I didn't have a clue. The book is written honestly by his biggest fan.

Torme was a close friend of Buddy Rich, knew much of his life story at first hand, and as a musician himself had access to dozens of Riches colleagues. Mel was a professional writer as well as a musician and it shows in the clarity of his prose. If you've gone so far as to read this review then you will for sure like the book.

Mel Trome tells the whole story, as only he can. This is truly a labor of Love from one great musician to "the greatest drummer who ever lived." For a drummer (ex Air Force Band) and fan, who was blessed to have seen Buddy in concert several times, this book brings home the complete story . It is also an easy read. Thanks to Mel for a great book!