Search - The Making Of Burning For Buddy (A Tribute To The Music Of Buddy Rich) 2 DVD Set on DVD

Excellent insights into maybe the best drummer ever

J. M. Jacobs | East Helena, MT, USA | 12/26/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Wow! This 2-disc set will grab you and won't let you go. I received mine on a Saturday and I had some errands to run. The mailman came just as I was leaving, so I cranked open the box and there it was... laying there... like a bomb waiting to go off. I thought to myself, "Well, I'll just put it in and sample it a bit before I go."

Almost 3 hours later, I looked at the clock and went "Holy criminy! I gotta get goin'!"

I'm not a drummer, but I've always been a fan of Buddy Rich from watching him on the Tonight Show with Johnny Carson. Neil Peart does just an excellent job of narrating the approach to the project and the contributions of all the great drummers you will see and hear on these discs. It is an insight into how the drummer can drive the band. As the producer of this project (along with Buddy's daughter), Peart has dictated camera angles and mic placements to show off the drummer's technique and strong points, his equipment, and his style of attack in creating his signature sound. I must admit I was sort of stunned that first time through. These two DVD's easily comprise one of the richest musical experiences I've ever had and there have been many.

Buddy Rich's Big Band really puts the punch and steam into the melody behind these dynamite beats as laid down by the boys on the sticks. The beautiful thing happening here is that each drummer gets to interpret one of Buddy's songs (or one of their own choosing) and Buddy's playing using their own technique. They bring their own personality and style as part of their contribution to the project. The courtesy and respect that each drummer and the band exchange between themselves is a joy to witness.

Basically it breaks down into 4 segments - 2 segments on each disc. Each segment consists of several drummers doing their songs - these include narration prior to the cut by Peart who is an excellent professor and teacher in his role - and this is followed by a Buddy Rich exhibition. Just when you think you've seen some of the best drumming you've ever witnessed in your life as far as Big Band music is concerned... along comes Buddy's piece and he proceeds to blow your doors off... Big Time.

There are far too many highlights to mention here, and you are sure to find those little gems that you will love more than I did. With the various tempos and approaches you see and hear here, you can't help but find several you love.

If you are a drummer, you will be provided some pointed insights into your craft. These 2 discs are a marvelous exposition of what the drums as an instrument are capable of -- many rich and varied textures and styles of play shown here.

As for you Gearheads.... get ready for some sweet set-ups. I saw some parts of drum kits I'd never ever seen before. WARNING! You are gonna want some of what you are going to see!

If you like Big Band music or if you're a fan of drums, this is a Must Have for your collection. In my estimation, worth far more than what the price commands. After viewing these 2 discs, you will come away with a deeper appreciation of your favorite drummers regardless of what kind of music they play... and isn't that worth quite a bit when something makes your old, familiar music new again?"

Damn Good DVD

Aaron Austin | MPLS, MN | 05/09/2007

(4 out of 5 stars)

"If the music itself wasn't enough to make you wet your bed, then watching the performances will. Neil Peart has done a wonderful thing by bringing in the best names in modern drumming to celebrate one of the most renowned drummers in history, Buddy Rich. I've had the CD for well over 10 years and now I have a chance to watch the performances and get artist feedback on the song choice, views on the magnitude of Buddy Rich, PLUS a very down-to-earth commentary by Rush's legendary drummer, Neil Peart.

A wonderful addition to any musicphile's collection."

Burning for Buddy

sharmar007 | Villa Park, IL | 09/04/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Excellent video for observing drum technique from some of the best drummers around. Ed Shaunessy from the Johnny Carson Band puts on a great demonstration of making the complex arrangement look easy. The big band is all-pro too. You'll enjoy this!"

Burning For Buddy

Cmor | Brooklyn, NY | 01/01/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"How do you begin to describe the GREAT BUDDY RICH? What drummer hasn't been affected by Mr. Rich's thunderous snare drum roll. Neil Peart's and Cathy Rich's efforts in getting the great drummer's on the DVD in nothing but awarding!!! It's nice seeing "rock" drummers come to express their awe for one of the Jazz Greats!
Mr. Dave Weckl's Mercy, Mercy Mercy was funky. Mr. Omar Hakim was great as usual. And the others keep me up at night reviewing the DVD over and over. It's refreshing to see the combination of veteran drummers like Joe Morello and newer drummers like Marvin "Smitty" Smith and Manu Katche. A must have for all drummers."