Artist: Lionel Hampton, Charles Mingus, Hank Jones, Dexter Gordon, Gerry Mulligan, Earl Hines, Osie Johnson, Candido, Bucky Pizzarelli, Grady Tate

Artist: Buddy Rich

Artist: Buddy Rich

Ample evidence of the world's best drummer ever!, 2002-02-28
Recorded live at Caesar's Palace, this album captures the essence of both Buddy's inimitable playing and the sheer talent of his band - who he drives HARD! Although arguably past the big band heyday, personally I prefer it to 'Big Swing Face' and any drummer should add it to their collection with scant regard for the bargain price tag: it has me tapping along on my thighs even if I know there's barely a note Buddy plays that I could match...!

Artist: Gene Krupa

Artist: Gene Krupa, Buddy Rich

Exciting outing for the Gene Krupa Trio, 2006-09-11
I can imagine that many people who buy this CD end up slightly disappointed. This is not, however, a reflection on the quality of this album's music, but rather the fault of Verve records for selling it purely on the strength of the 'drum battle' between Krupa and Rich - two of the greatest drummers to ever grace the jazz world - which itself is a little underwhelming. In fact, most of this CD is taken up by tracks from the Gene Krupa trio, which may leave Buddy Rich fans feeling somewhat left out. Nevertheless, these tracks are incredibly exciting to listen to, with Krupa driving the band along beautifuly, and both other musicians playing well structured and brilliant solos. 'Idaho' and 'Flying Home' are particular highlights, although the band does struggle to keep the nine minute version of 'Drum Boogie' interesting throughout.

As to the famous drum battle itself, it is very exciting, with the crowd providing an electric atmosphere. However, it really doesn't do either drummer full justice, and for that reason this CD can only get four stars.

In short, then, this is a great album for people interested in Krupa's small combos of the 1950's (of which there are relatively few recordings available) but for a Krupa-Rich duet, I'd have to recomend the 'Krupa and Rich' CD, a studio recording, also on the verve label.

Artist: Buddy Rich with Maynard Ferguson

Artist: Louis Bellson

Artist: The Buddy Rich Big Band

Yet another awesome Buddy Rich album!, 2008-12-24
My first Buddy Rich album was "Mercy, Mercy" and it got me hooked on the fabulous sound of the band. When I brough this album I was just shocked by just how good the band is! I never realised a band could be this good. There is times when the band is blowing your brains out across the back wall then seconds later it's down to nothing more than a whisper. This album has one of the best examples of that in the tune "Willowcrest". It builds up after another fabulous solo section into the biggest swing you've ever heard. It's swingin' like a dolce of salts on speed, then it just drops. Fabulous arranging! Half the style comes from the band itself but the rest comes from the arrangements it picks and Rich has nack of picking the best arrangers! The album starts out with a very powerful arrangement of the Beatle's tune "Norwegian Wood" which is one hell of a concert opener!

To show the versatility of the Rich family, he has his daughter Cathy sing "The Beat Goes On" which is bang on in the groove and makes Cathy sound awesome! It is a very long album (18 tracks - 70 mins) which will keep you entertained. The problem of this is it might get a bit samey for some (not for me mind). With this in mind the best tracks are definitely the first 18! My favourite on this one is "Big Swing Face". It promotes everything I love about the band, smooth but very powerful jazz!

Artist: Buddy Rich

jab, 2009-02-13
This cd just oozes class throughout. If you like quality and brilliant music buy it.

Artist: Lionel Hampton, Dexter Gordon, Coleman Hawkins, Charles Mingus, Clark Terry, Lucky Thompson, Buddy Rich, Teddy Wilson, Hank Jones, Thad Jones