Search - Buddy Rich :: Live At Ronny Scott's

Buddy - LIVE - at his best! A must have!

jjmusic | Cape Cod, MA | 06/02/2002

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Originally released on LP in 1980, and only available in the UK, this album represents some of the best of what Buddy was about. Some of the jazz purists will discount it for the rock charts that predominate the session, but it was what Buddy was playing right there, right then. And to be honest, nobody played rock better than Buddy. The version of "Grand Concourse" is the shortened one, but possibly more effective than the long suite that the chart actually was. Obvious highlights are Bob Mintzer's writing, what I consider some of his absolute best, before he ventured out with his own big band. Just listen to the intricacy of "Saturday Night"! Solos are on fire, notably Steve Marcus, and Mintzer himself. Buddy declines any huge solos in this set, allowing the space for the duet with Wayne Pedziwatr (bass) that he featured in every show while Wayne was on the band. Why four stars, not five? Sound quality, while very good, lacks bottom end, there are some intonation problems here and there, and it's a bit dry. If I could give it four and a half, I would. Check it out, and keep your mind open. It's too bad Buddy didn't record a live album like this every year (that's why the Pacific Jazz releases are so essential) from about 1973 on. This - live Buddy and the Band - is what he's about. Having seen him play at least 40 times over a span of 15 years, this album is definitely a favorite showcase of one of the great bandleaders. Buddy attracted people as much because of the music he picked and the way he drove the band, as for his drumming!"

SMOKIN'!!!

BUDDY_FAN | Chicago, IL | 08/07/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Though no solos from Buddy this cd if you can find it is worth it!!! I spin this one at least every other day. Great solos from the other musicians as well. 5 stars*****"

This one takes pride of place!

Tom White | Exmouth, Devon, United Kingdom | 06/30/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Buddy Rich released many albums over the years, both with his own roaring steaming big band, (famous for other albums such as, 'Big Swing Face', and, 'Mercy Mercy'), and with other jazz legends such as Cuban bopper Dizzy Gillespie, jazz daddy Louis Armstrong, and drummer Gene Krupa. However, this album, recorded in what has to be my favourite period of Rich's big band, showcases the intricacy and open-minded approach of the man himself, playing music which you wouldn't associate with a man of his fame and, indeed, age.The charts are burnin from beginning to end, and are mainly jazz/rock fusion and funk, (although there is some straightahead, Basie-style swing in there), by far the best being the Mintzer suite, 'Good News', (based around Reddy's famed Rich suite, 'Time Being'). It took me ages to get hold of a copy, (eventually getting it from the US - a British Rich release, and I had to get it imported from Oregon, how ironic!). This album is well worth listening to, however what it does lack is the screaming trumpets, (people who have seen the, 'Rich at Montreaux', video will no doubt be expecting the frequent no-fuss 'up-octave', lead trumpets - however this is doubled out by the intricacy of the charts and incredible Jaco-style bass playing - truly superb!).Buy it today, and you WILL NOT be disappointed!"