The Grand Master Buddy Rich

mikejames said:
Often, Buddy performed tunes with just the trio portion of his band, featuring his favorite players. And... Often Buddy would feature one or more soloists in long stretches, with the rest of the band either just sitting, or playing percussion "toys". So even with his big bands, all the tunes were not "big band". But, to answer your question...

Buddy's early career included many small groups. "Blues Caravan", for example, is a remarkable album. You can find these by simply typing "Buddy Rich recording" into "Google". Later, Buddy recorded other small group albums, including a period in the 1970's when he briefly abandonded the big band and played in New York with a sextet at the club bearing his name, "Buddy's Place". The first of those albums was "Very Live at Buddy's Place". (available at Barnes & Noble, for example, at http://music.barnesandnoble.com/search/product.asp?z=y&EAN=046172410421

Buddy also recorded some European performances with musician friends, including Lionel Hampton. (Check Barnes & Noble, Amazon, etc..)

Thank You Mike, for ALL the information about Buddy. You're right on with what you say and the facts that you share. I've researched a TON of Buddy Rich facts and have seen most, if not all, of his videos. And have heard more of his recordings. There was, and still is, somethin' VERY special and unique about him. He was, and still is, "The Grand Master". Thanks so much! Play On!
 
My pleasure, guys...

In the aviation business, people say that "every generation rediscovers the P-51". In music, and related to drumming in particular. I'd say that every generation will "discover Buddy Rich".

He was certainly one of a kind, regardless of what you think of him. To me, he is the man whose music I most appreciate, when it comes to swing of any kind, and certainly in terms of longevity, and influence in this "business". I will miss him until the day I die.
 
A beautiful plane. It ruled the skies.

Fast forward to the year 2006. You're in a dogfight. Would you rather be in a P-51 or an F-15? Hmmmm...

mikejames said:
My pleasure, guys...

In the aviation business, people say that "every generation rediscovers the P-51". In music, and related to drumming in particular. I'd say that every generation will "discover Buddy Rich".
 
There are some great videos on youtube.com of Buddy, posted by Ludwig222. They include Buddys last tv interview with Parkinson on British tv from just before He died. Check 'em out??
 
Some nice/important points to look for (as I understand them) when watching to a Buddy Rich drum solo:

1. Observe the way (as much as how easy) he crosses his arms and execute all kinds of hand and arm movements so smoothly (sometimes they seem supernatural...);

2. Try to apreciate-and-understand Buddy's phrasings (sequences of drum notes and moves); dynamics over the snare drum and his calculated accents;

3. The more complex and admirable things are, sometimes, hidden from the more obvious/explicit observations (again, try to understand his moves, sometimes you just don't take notice, but impossible things are happening right before your eyes, you simply isn't paying the deserved attention);

4. There's always a brilliant sense of time through the solo (even when it seems all-messy, there's always a jazzistic broken time going on);

5. Observe his left-hand movements and try to understand the incredible dynamics of his left-hand alone (quite amazing);

6. Try to understand his constructions and how Buddy used to mix swing, technique, speed and hand/arms movements' control (or coordination), musicality and everything else in favor of a GREAT and memorable drum solo;

7. Pay attention to the pauses that Buddy would usually give to separate his phrasings into "sections" of chosen notes. Possibly the BEST use of silence ever on a drum solo;

8. Understand how his breathing techniques help him to achieve such an accurate hand movement control;

9. Try to see and hear the solos as a composition in the sense that every beat is featured as a violin note would in a real-world musical situation;

10. Try to vislumbrate (as Buddy said himself) his solos as "well told stories": there's a fine and interesting beginning, an exciting mid, and a phenomenal end, when everything reaches "it's top"). Also, in most of his solos, there's a so long sequence of exciting creative moments that not even one second is dispersed by a boring moment. Incredible. Very consistent phrasing quality through the whole solos.

In other words: try to THINK like Buddy in that particular "drummoment".

Just some advices in order to better understand why Buddy was so one-of-a-kind.

;)

Some (and just SOME) brilliant drum solos that I've cautiously chosen follow below:


http://www.drummerworld.com/Videos/buddyrichsticktrick.html

http://www.drummerworld.com/Videos/buddyrich1970.html

http://www.drummerworld.com/Videos/buddyrich1978.html

http://www.drummerworld.com/Videos/buddyrichsin.html

http://www.drummerworld.com/Videos/buddyrichchannel.html

http://www.drummerworld.com/Videos/buddyrichjames.html

http://www.drummerworld.com/Videos/edshaughnessy.html

http://www.drummerworld.com/Videos/buddyrichkrupabattle.html

Have fun!

:)

ps. Post (re)edited.

Thanks, michael drums! You're welcome.

Buddy is an obssession of mine (with good reason). I'm just trying to educate people in order to give them the tools for a better understanding of a masterpiece (what would be of Salvador Dali without some explanations in order to give your own perception the ability to provide to itself a "better and deeper picture" of such a piece of art?). :)
 
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Some nice/important points to look for (as I understand them) when watching to a Buddy Rich drum solo:

1. Observe the way (as much as how easy) he crosses his arms and execute all kinds of hand and arm movements so smoothly (sometimes they seem supernatural...);

2. Try to apreciate-and-understand Buddy's phrasings (sequences of drum notes and moves); dynamics over the snare drum and his calculated accents;

3. The more complex and admirable things are, sometimes, hidden from the more obvious/explicit observations (again, try to understand his moves, sometimes you just don't take notice, but impossible things are happening right before your eyes, you simply isn't paying the deserved attention);

4. There's always a brilliant sense of time through the solo (even when it seems all-messy, there's always a jazzistic broken time going on);

5. Observe his left-hand movements and try to understand the incredible dynamics of his left-hand alone (quite amazing);

6. Try to understand his constructions and how Buddy used to mix swing, technique, speed and hand/arms movements' control (or coordination), musicality and everything else in favor of a GREAT and memorable drum solo;

7. Try to vislumbrate (as Buddy said himself) his solos as "well told stories": there's a fine and interesting beginning, an exciting mid, and a phenomenal end, when everything reaches "it's top"). Also, in most of his solos, there's a so long sequence of exciting creative moments that not even one second is dispersed by a boring moment. Incredible. Very consistent phrasing quality through the whole solos.

In other words: try to THINK like Buddy in that particular "drummoment".

Just some advices in order to better understand why Buddy was so one-of-a-kind.

;)

Some (and just SOME) brilliant drum solos that I've cautiously chosen follow below:


http://www.drummerworld.com/Videos/buddyrichsticktrick.html

http://www.drummerworld.com/Videos/buddyrich1970.html

http://www.drummerworld.com/Videos/buddyrich1978.html

http://www.drummerworld.com/Videos/buddyrichsin.html

http://www.drummerworld.com/Videos/buddyrichchannel.html

http://www.drummerworld.com/Videos/buddyrichjames.html

http://www.drummerworld.com/Videos/edshaughnessy.html

http://www.drummerworld.com/Videos/buddyrichkrupabattle.html

Have fun!

:)

Thanks CadaveR (Ivo)! It's always a pleasure to see a post that is "from the heart" and right on target with honesty and clearity. Buddy is, and ALWAYS will be, one-of-a-kind. The most gifted drummer to ever pick up sticks. Period...Play on!
 
Again: thanks michael drums! For the kind words. See you around.

Long live Buddy Rich.

Anytime, CadaveR (Ivo)! It's my pleasure to read posts from honest and positive members, who have something decent to share with others. And your views on Buddy are what makes this thread worth reading. Thanks for your truthful contributions and insight. Peace...Play on! ;-)

Long live Buddy...INDEED!
 
The Grand Master advises practicing on a pillow...

Found this 1942 column on www.bopworks.net. If my math is correct he would have been 25 when he wrote this column...

Funny dude, even as a youngster:
"I would also suggest using your own pillow, so as not to antagonize any members of your family against your playing drums."

http://www.bopworks.net/ads/buddyRichColumn.jpg

Wow, murph! Great find. Talk about a vintage article. Yea, Buddy had a fantastic sense of humor when he wasn't so "serious". Funny guy, indeed...Thanks and Play On! ;-)
 
Buddy Rich is to drumming what Yoda was to the Jedi.

There is no better drummer alive. Musicality, chops, speed, creativity etc.. There is a reason that today's greatest drummers all have the same reaction to watching Buddy rich play.. They shake their heads in disbelief at his abilities.
 
Re: Buddy Rich and sheet music...

I would think he could read music, although he was self taught. My reasons for thinking he could read music is because he has a drum book out.


Edit-2100
 
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Re: Buddy Rich and sheet music...

He couldn't read at all. As an interesting side note, Philly Joe Jones used to read the charts with his band and Buddy would sit there and memorise the entire chart. He was only one of the drummers in the "warmup" position. I know there were a few more other than Philly but I'm at a loss for names, I'm not a BR fanatic (although I do like him).
Class A- as for the book, it's not actually written by Buddy. I bought a copy and it's collecting dust on a shelf on the other side of the continent. It's ghost written by another author, basically works you through some rudiments in the ways that Buddy used to utilise them.
 
Re: Buddy Rich and sheet music...

Not a lick. The popular rumor was that someone else would read the chart down, he'd listen and memorize, and then copy/embellish what was played.

Doh, theduke beat me to it.

Someone told me that Rich never actually learned how to read music. Is this true? I can believe it, but I'm just curious if anyone else has any knowledge of it.
 
Re: Buddy Rich and sheet music...

He couldn't read at all. As an interesting side note, Philly Joe Jones used to read the charts with his band and Buddy would sit there and memorise the entire chart. He was only one of the drummers in the "warmup" position. I know there were a few more other than Philly but I'm at a loss for names, I'm not a BR fanatic (although I do like him).
Class A- as for the book, it's not actually written by Buddy. I bought a copy and it's collecting dust on a shelf on the other side of the continent. It's ghost written by another author, basically works you through some rudiments in the ways that Buddy used to utilise them.

i understand. So do you think it helped your playing much if any? Or just keep you sharp on rudiments?
 
Re: Buddy Rich and sheet music...

He couldn't read at all. As an interesting side note, Philly Joe Jones used to read the charts with his band and Buddy would sit there and memorise the entire chart. He was only one of the drummers in the "warmup" position. I know there were a few more other than Philly but I'm at a loss for names, I'm not a BR fanatic (although I do like him).
Class A- as for the book, it's not actually written by Buddy. I bought a copy and it's collecting dust on a shelf on the other side of the continent. It's ghost written by another author, basically works you through some rudiments in the ways that Buddy used to utilise them.


not a BR fanatic either, but i'm assuming the book in question is the book written in conjucntion w/ henry adler (this is the only BR book i know of). according to henry adler, who got a reputation for being BR's instructor, buddy only came to him to learn to read. there was no technique discussed. adler stated this in an interview and i believe it was on the PASIC website. so, according to adler, he could read.

there is also a video out by ted something or other, who was an adler student, that works thru that book. basically adler's approach was the BR approach. i don't particularly agree w/ the approach that they take w/ the rudiments but the book in and of itself isn't bad.
 
Buddy Rich is to drumming what Yoda was to the Jedi.

There is no better drummer alive. Musicality, chops, speed, creativity etc.. There is a reason that today's greatest drummers all have the same reaction to watching Buddy rich play.. They shake their heads in disbelief at his abilities.


i know this is a BR thread and all, but i kinda' have to disagree on buddy's musicality being a benchmark for drummers to follow. his technical ability, especially since he was self taught, for sure. but his musicality i don't think was on par w/ tony williams. why? because buddy was a big band drummer, period. that was what he was good at. he approached everything he played as a big band drummer. nothing wrong with that, except that he did not want to move forward or away from that. tony, on the other hand, set a standard for jazz and set the standard for fusion. he was also open to playing music that was little more "outside". i think that this makes tony's musicality a better gauge to compare yourself to or to try to obtain.

having said that, i love buddy. great big band drummer, there are no big band drummers out there that could drive a band better. his 60's material was fantastic, his later material not quite as good (musically, arrangements and all). again, not meant to be a bust on buddy, i just don't regard his musicality as one of his more redeeming qualities as a musician or a drummer.
 
Re: Buddy Rich and sheet music...

i understand. So do you think it helped your playing much if any? Or just keep you sharp on rudiments?
Well, I mean, I didn't really get much out of it. I'm sure someone could get a lot of stuff out of it too, just like any book. I mean, with books, technical exercises don't really give you much to work with, it's your application of these book exercises that'll help your playing. So, check it out, I guess, you might like it.
 
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