Search - Jazz Icons: Buddy Rich Live in '78 on DVD

Legendary drummer, killer band, winning program, crack perfo

Samuel Chell | Kenosha,, WI United States | 10/16/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Unlike some listeners, I prefer the straightahead, swinging, Basie-indebted Rich ensemble of the late '70s to the somewhat ponderous, rock-heavy textures of the band assembled by Buddy during the late '60s. Even though this 1978 concert catches the band just after the departure of some key Rich players like trumpeter Dave Stahl and pianist Barry Kiener, it still features Buddy's right-hand man, tenor saxophonist Steve Marcus, along with a tight-knit ensemble of players with strong soloists in all sections.

The program is a crowd-pleaser, with Nestico swingers, a fusion pop chart ("Birdland"), and one of Rich's two major drum solo vehicles ("Channel One Suite"), on which he doesn't disappoint. Visually, the camera man and editors are right on top of the action, providing long shots, close-ups, and angled shots that moreover follow the musical action. Sonically, the DVD is a bit of a disappointment. The electric bass is frequently overly penetrating and "twangy," while Buddy's bass drum, snares, and toms are often muffled. The cymbals, moreover--both the crucial hi-hat and ride cymbal--are all but inaudible for much of the performance.

Even if the concert originally was not planned for commercial release, how could the crew responsible for recording a performance by the world's most legendary drummer fail to adequately mic the drums?"

There's no one better

T. Peterson | Jamestown, NY | 01/09/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"From the beginning to end, this 1978 concert clearly showcases the extraordinary skills that Buddy Rich had. As Louis Bellson, one of Rich's rivals and best friends said, "he was one of God's special children" and truer words were never spoken. I have watched literally hundreds of drummers perform in every venue possible and while there are some truly gifted folks among them, no one has ever comes close to matching Rich's power, speed, technique, timing and sense of being one with his kit and the music. This edition of his band, which began in 1966, is also first-rate, with the late Steve Marcus leading the charge with his exceptional talent on tenor sax. The band's handling of many Rich's complex charts is clean and nearly flawless, far better than some of his later bands, which were populated by younger, less experienced players such as those who performed with him in his final concerts from 1985 that are also available on DVD. As for Mr. Rich, there has never been a left hand that moved more swiftly or with such precision over a snare head. He is missed and still revered by almost every drummer and serious musician and this concert is a wonderful reminder of how greatness sometimes only comes around once. Enjoy this one. It's well worth the bucks!"

Better late, than never!

RC MCloud | 10/06/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Finally, a DVD release of Buddy and his band from the seventies that does them justice! "Buddy Rich - At the Top" was the previous DVD release from that decade, but it leaves viewers frustrated, because the audio quality is lacking, and the camera angles of Buddy range from fair to poor to missing altogether. Not the case with "Buddy Rich - Live in '78," a great performance of Buddy with his "Killer Force" band, taped in Holland. The sound quality is excellent and the visuals are excellent (drummers, watch Buddy's amazing left hand, supporting, augmenting, and driving his Killer Force - incredible! Truly, "one of a kind."). For those who remember seeing Buddy live in the seventies, I think you will agree this DVD captures the thunderous power, amazing precision and brilliant musicality of those times. For those who didn't see Buddy live you are in for a treat, and a lesson - in how a drummer can propel a Big Band into the stratosphere! Thank you to all who participated in the production of this fantastic DVD; special thanks to you Dean Pratt, and your brother Michael, for the informative and insightful liner notes included in the wonderful 20 page booklet."

Worth triple the Price!

Richard | Salem, VA United States | 02/08/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This is one of the very best filmed performances of Buddy and his great band I have ever seen--about as close to being there as it gets. A great musician tries to play something that moves him and touches his own emotions, knowing it will affect the audience as well. In this performance, you can see Buddy grooving to the sounds of Steve Marcus and others, as well as his own solos. The whole band is really into this performance, having as good a time with the hard-driving, slashing and soaring sounds as the audience is. Marcus' work is flawless and inspired jazz, and Buddy drives the tight ensemble with his precise and limitless variety of rhythms and force-of-nature beat. Audio and video are 5-star quality; this is a treasure, indeed!"