The Grand Master Buddy Rich

Originally Posted by mikejames

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/sear...N=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!

[onemat]

Thanks too Mike. I was trying to think of stuff that wasn't big band.
Matt

[mikejames]

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...

Originally Posted by mikejames

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".

[Jon Cable]

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??

[CadaveR (Ivo)]

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/b...ticktrick.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/b...chchannel.html

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

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

http://www.drummerworld.com/Videos/b...upabattle.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?). :)

Originally Posted by CadaveR (Ivo)

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/b...ticktrick.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/b...chchannel.html

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

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

http://www.drummerworld.com/Videos/b...upabattle.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!

[CadaveR (Ivo)]

Again: thanks michael drums! For the kind words. See you around.

Long live Buddy Rich.

Originally Posted by CadaveR (Ivo)

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!

[murphinelli]

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

Originally Posted by murphinelli

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! ;-)

[Liquid_Drummer]

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.

[Kamikazee89]

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.

[Class A Drummer]

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

[theduke86]

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 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.

Originally Posted by Kamikazee89

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.

[Class A Drummer]

Originally Posted by theduke86

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?

[vadrum]

Originally Posted by theduke86

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.

[vadrum]

Originally Posted by Liquid_Drummer

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.

[theduke86]

Originally Posted by Class A Drummer

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.

[Hummada]

Every one can give there opinions all day long about who the best drummers are,and most will tell you it's Buddy-especailly the people who have experienced his show. I have not seen him live,but I can get somewhat of an experience through the videos and just to see the video is more than amazing!

The opinions on him about him just being a big band drummer or a repetitive drummer are out there because people are not learning more about what kind(s!) of music Buddy played. And people are not listening to what he said. He said that there is no style(or,there are no rock or jazz drummers-there are only drummers) and that if you can play,then you can play any type of music.

[murphinelli]

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
From a 1956 Voice of America Radio Interview w/Buddy Rich and Gene Krupa

Conover: Well, how do you feel about the idea of drums used almost as a melody instrument rather than just a rhythmic instrument?

Buddy: Well, it would be very nice if you could play a melody on it. But primarily, the drummer's supposed to sit back there and swing the band. Am I right?

Gene: Yeah. If you're going to start with melody you'll need some tympani, I think.

Buddy: (Laughs). And some tunable tom-toms.

Both: (Laugh).

Gene: That's right.

Buddy: I think the drummer should sit back there and play some drums, and never mind about the tunes. Just get up there and wail behind whoever is sitting up there playing the solo. And this is what is lacking, definitely lacking in music today.


Here's the whole thing for your reading pleasure:
http://www.drummerman.net/buddy.html
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

And also a recent find on YouTube....funny stuff....1980 Interview on Johnny Carson Show:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iFnDXBUaCQg

[Michael G]

I did not read through this whole thread but I thought I would throw in an short funny of him.

While Buddy Rich was being prepped for surgery, the nurse asked him if he had any allergies. He said no, but then quickly corrected himself and said "Oh yeah, I am allergic to one thing, country music."

Frank Zappa was the one who paid for his surgery, Rich at the time was in trouble from the IRS.

[cnw60]

I just happened to be viewing a couple of Buddy's videos from his DW page and it's amazing to me how much space there is between his floor tom and the snare drum / ride tom.

It never really struck me before when I watched him play, but it's crazy how far away it is, especially when he starts cross sticking over to the floor tom, working the left hand both over and under his right arm. It makes me wonder if he needed that much room to manuever or if he felt that it made the arm movements more impressive or showy because they're exaggerated by the distance he covers between the drums.

[TommyLee4Ever]

Wow, I just got finished watching some Buddy Rich videos on drummerworld.com......

[MikeMastropierro]

Can anyone fill me in on some info about Buddy's gear?

What heads did he like? (and what would be a a modern replacement if it didn't exist?)

What size were his drums?

What kind of cymbals he preferred?

Thanks!

Mike

[stevo]

Anyone know what he could have played as WFD?

[mikejames]

Basic stuff for fans of Buddy...

Caveat:
Like any drummer, Buddy occasionally used "other" equipment, for example when he flew in for an appearance on the "Tonight Show". So, the equipment I'll list is what he used personally in his bands, most of the time. Same goes for "tuning"... Buddy wasn't the type to sit at the drums for hours with a drum key, (and didn't need to) so of course, you may find some recordings with slightly different tunings than listed here.

----------------- Drums

Buddy played a variety of drums, of course, over his career of nearly 70 years. Typically though, they were what we'd think of as "vintage" today... meaning fewer or single plies of thicker maple. He mostly used a 14" X 24" bass drum, although both early and late in his career, he used a 26" bass drum. Mounted tom was a 9" X 13", along with two 16" X 16" floor toms.

----------------- "Tuning" or "Tensioning", as he liked to call it

Beginning in the 1950's until the end of his life, Buddy preferred Remo white-coated "Diplomat" heads on all of the drums. (and yes, they used to be available as bass drun heads too.) These heads are (thankfully!) still available today, so he would probably still use them. The nearest "equivalent" would be the Remo "Ambassodor" heads. Buddy was instrumental in many of Remo's developments, asking for thinner heads for example. (hence the "Diplomat" and "Diplomat M5"... even thinner) He also asked Remo Belli for a way to make his bass drum heads last a little longer, (He used a wood beater) and hence the "dot" was created.

Tom and bass drum tensioning was the same. "Bottom" or "reso"-side heads were tighter, (Musically, when the heads were new, the reso heads were nearly the same pitch, but as the top heads "sink in" (see below) they could be as much as a minor third higher in pitch) Snare drum bottom head was a Remo clear "Diplomat" snare side head, also tensioned tighter than the top head. (musically, a 4th to a 6th higher in pitch) The APPROXIMATE top head (or "batter" side) pitch of Buddy's drums was usually:

Snare: A to C (Bottom head E to F)
9" X 13" D
16" X 16" (#1) G
16" X 16" (#2) C (very loose)
Bass Drum A

In their "new head" configuration, the drums sound bright and crisp, with the large halls Buddy typically played in providing depth and natural "reverb". Buddy would sometimes let the drums "sink in", meaning that over a week or two, the pitches above would (uniformlly) go down in pitch from a step to a minor third. In this range, they start to sound "loose" and "papery". When using "Ambassodor" heads, they don't stretch as much, so the change isn't as extreme.

----------------- Cymbals

He preferred "A. Zildjian" cymbals, (thinner than most people would expect) and they nearly always included the same setup:

Ride cymbals in the 20" to 22" size, from light to medium (brief period in the 1980's when he used much thicker (higher-pitched) rides

Mostly 14" (Light "New Beat" type) hi-hats, but sometimes, 13"

One 18" thin crash (on his left side)

One 18" med-thin crash (on his right side)

Usually a 6" thin splash, but sometimes an 8" thin splash

At the end of his career, he added a (22" "Swish Knocker") China-type cymbal

Still a versatile setup today... Suitable for a wide range of styles.

[Dzionix]

is buddy rich still alive now?

[mikejames]

Buddy passed away April 2, 1987.

[Dzionix]

i wasnt born even... ;) its about 20 yrs we dont have him...

[Sirwill]

In Buddy Rich's DVD they show old black and white photos of Buddy playing just two bass drums! I'm dieing to hear a peace of this audio if it excised?

[Wavelength]

I don't know if any recordings exist, but I'm willing to bet it would sound just like Buddy Rich playing two bass drums.

[Michael G]

Originally Posted by Wavelength

I don't know if any recordings exist, but I'm willing to bet it would sound just like Buddy Rich playing two bass drums.

Really? I could've swore it would've sounded like Buddy Rich playing two bass drums.

[Old Doc Yak]

Interesting story behind this. As we all know, Louis Bellson, performs on a kit that features two kick drums. This was a new idea at the time and Louis was doing some really nice patterns on the double kick. Some of Louis fans irritated BR by bringing up how good he was. According to Mel Torme, who was friends with BR, Buddy commented that "Louis better learn to play one bass drum before he screws around with two". At that time Buddy and Mel were opening together at the (I think)Paramount Theater in NYC. Right before Torme was to go on Buddy kicked off a real flag waver, fast tempo tune. During the song, he left his kit and went to the front of the stage where he had just two bass drums - nothing else. Torme said that BR played " the damnedest drum solo" he'd ever heard. With just his feet!! Typical Buddy.

[Fur drummer]

Originally Posted by Old Doc Yak

Interesting story behind this. As we all know, Louis Bellson, performs on a kit that features two kick drums. This was a new idea at the time and Louis was doing some really nice patterns on the double kick. Some of Louis fans irritated BR by bringing up how good he was. According to Mel Torme, who was friends with BR, Buddy commented that "Louis better learn to play one bass drum before he screws around with two". At that time Buddy and Mel were opening together at the (I think)Paramount Theater in NYC. Right before Torme was to go on Buddy kicked off a real flag waver, fast tempo tune. During the song, he left his kit and went to the front of the stage where he had just two bass drums - nothing else. Torme said that BR played " the damnedest drum solo" he'd ever heard. With just his feet!! Typical Buddy.

Just his feet, no sticks? I would've liked to see that.

[somedrummer]

Yes, Old Doc has it right. It was at the Paramount, by the way. I would be highly doubtful that any recordings exist, or if they do, they are in someones private vault and will never make it out (although, if said person decided to let them out, they would undoubtedly make a good deal of money). That would have been quite a thing to see..

[Sirwill]

Thank you for the great replies. Very interesting info.

[aydee]

Originally Posted by Old Doc Yak

Interesting story behind this. As we all know, Louis Bellson, performs on a kit that features two kick drums. This was a new idea at the time and Louis was doing some really nice patterns on the double kick. Some of Louis fans irritated BR by bringing up how good he was. According to Mel Torme, who was friends with BR, Buddy commented that "Louis better learn to play one bass drum before he screws around with two". At that time Buddy and Mel were opening together at the (I think)Paramount Theater in NYC. Right before Torme was to go on Buddy kicked off a real flag waver, fast tempo tune. During the song, he left his kit and went to the front of the stage where he had just two bass drums - nothing else. Torme said that BR played " the damnedest drum solo" he'd ever heard. With just his feet!! Typical Buddy.

great story! I personally thought Buddys hands, not his feet were his greatness. If you were to isolate his footwork, it did'nt seem like anything special. Would I be right in saying that?

[wy yung]

Originally Posted by Old Doc Yak

Interesting story behind this. As we all know, Louis Bellson, performs on a kit that features two kick drums. This was a new idea at the time and Louis was doing some really nice patterns on the double kick. Some of Louis fans irritated BR by bringing up how good he was. According to Mel Torme, who was friends with BR, Buddy commented that "Louis better learn to play one bass drum before he screws around with two". At that time Buddy and Mel were opening together at the (I think)Paramount Theater in NYC. Right before Torme was to go on Buddy kicked off a real flag waver, fast tempo tune. During the song, he left his kit and went to the front of the stage where he had just two bass drums - nothing else. Torme said that BR played " the damnedest drum solo" he'd ever heard. With just his feet!! Typical Buddy.

Actually, I believe Buddy did this as a solo at a JATP gig. Blew the house down too.

"Take that Louis!" ;-)