Featured Artist: Buddy Rich

CD Title: Blues Caravan

Year: 2005

Record Label: Verve

Style: Big Band / Swing

Musicians: Buddy Rich (leader and drums), Sam Most (flute), Rolf Ericson (trumpet), Mike Mainieri (vibes), Wyatt Ruther (bass), Johnny Morris (piano).

Review:

For those looking for drummer, Buddy Rich, at his finest, this CD collection ranks among his best efforts, and is a classic for jazz drum performances.  These performances took place in New York City on August 14 and August 16, 1961.

Most critics and definitely the audience have said the late Buddy Rich is one of the greatest drummers to ever live.  His CDs are still selling to wide audiences twenty years after his death. That he also guest starred on numerous television programs and in movies reveals the appeal of a man who loved drums and the audiences he performed before.  His discography is available from many sources.

This CD collection contains six of the best songs ever recorded by Buddy Rich.  The songs are "Blowin' the Blues Away," "B.R. Blues," "Late Date," "Caravan," "Young Blood," and "I Remember Clifford."  Each song sparkles with electricity, verve, style, intimacy, and intricate performances.  The musicians performing with Buddy Rich on this unique CD collection reads like a roster of jazz stars from the early 1960s -- Rolf Ericson on trumpet, Sam Most on flute, Mike Mainieri on vibraphone, Wyatt Ruther on bass, and Johnny Morris on piano. The solo work on each song as well as the group work is excellent. There are no musical flaws in these performances, each one is a gem!

These songs deliver, and are songs the audience will greatly enjoy.  There is a certain style and speed to Buddy Rich performances that have never been copied or duplicated, which is a testimony to his enduring genius with drums.

If you like great drumming by a master, this is one of the tops.  It showcases the magic and creative imagination of the late Budy Rich. 

This is a classic.  It is classic Buddy Rich.  Highly recommended.

Record Label Website: http://www.ververecords.com

Reviewed by: Lee Prosser

Click here for printer-friendly version of review.

Send this page to a friend.