Review Summary: Quintessential release from a legendary musician. A must have for any drummer and jazz fan.
Buddy Rich, born in September of 1917 and died in April of ‘87, was (and still is) a legendary jazz drummer. He is known for his speed and incredibly complex drum fills and solos. Deemed the world’s greatest drummer, he is impossible not to check out when starting your journey into jazz. If you’re looking for a first experience, 2015’s compilation LP
Birdland is the right place to start.
Birdland is the quintessential Buddy Rich record, being a collection of his greatest performances and songs. Every song on this record and instrument on here has its moment to shine. The saxophone section specifically has some tremendous solo features. On the track
Three Day Suckers,
Steve Marcus has a spectacular solo on the soprano sax, reaching insane pitches, and executing lightning speed runs reminiscent of ‘tapping’ on a guitar. The sheer force and length (about 4 minutes) of this solo make this track a huge standout. Again on the track
Milestones (originally composed by
Miles Davis), there is a soprano sax and a tenor sax solo which tear through to the end of the chart. The track
CTA (originally composed by Jimmy Heath), is short, but features some incredible saxophone melodies, backed by powerful squealing trumpets.
As far as the rhythm section goes, Rich and the gang give it their all. In the ballad track
Just Friends (originally composed by John Klenner) there is a fun bass solo. The piano is solid throughout the record having a standout on the standard
I Hear a Rhapsody. Buddy shines on the album, not laying down many tremendous fills or solos, but definitely keeping the rhythm in line and executing his unique jazz style.
Some stand out tracks are the title track
Birdland (originally by
Weather Report and famously done by
Maynard Ferguson), which features an incredible melody and intro bassline. Opening track
Mexicali Nose (a personal favorite all time Buddy song) has one of the greatest melodies on the album. This album is essential for any jazz fan, and especially drummers who want to admire a classic, untouchable artist.
Recommended Tracks: Birdland, Mexicali Nose, Three Day Suckers
Pros: Buddy himself, sax solos, melodies, squealing trumpets
Cons: Few boring moments (majority of Just Friends), nothing major
