Steve Smith as well as Buddy's Buddies is hardly the kickoff tribute to the legendary jazz drummer Buddy Rich, but it is perchance the kickoff to convey to life the small-group aspect of Rich's enormous legacy. While previous recorded tips of the chapeau to Rich need keep focused on his influential big-band work, Buddy's Buddies gathers about of Rich's old sidemen amongst superstar drummer Steve Smith for a rewarding shot of small-group jazz equally intense equally Rich's ain move inwards this context. Since this is a tribute to a drummer, much of the focus hither is on Smith, as well as given his cultlike condition inwards instrumentalist circles (earned through his varied playing amongst everyone from Journey to his ain jazz-fusion band Vital Information), it's no surprise that he doesn't disappoint--bursting out of the gate on "Nutville" amongst about ridiculously complex drum fills as well as going into hyerdrive on the super-uptempo "Airegin" for about telepathic interplay amongst saxophonists Steve Marcus as well as Andy Fusco. But it's the residue of the band that makes this far to a greater extent than than a drum hospital or otherwise empty nostalgia recording. Marcus's lyrical soprano solo lights upwards a beautifully arranged version of the Beatles' "Norwegian Wood," as well as the whole band swings amongst effortless remain on "New Blues," transforming what could need keep been a mere tribute album into a no-holds-barred session that stands but fine on its own--just the agency Rich undoubtedly would need keep wanted it.
Legendary drummer Buddy Rich is ordinarily associated amongst soaring Big Bands, but he besides made several recordings amongst modest ensembles, using the members of his band to play inwards a much to a greater extent than intimate setting. This album is a tribute to these modest ensemble recordings, initiated yesteryear ex-Buddy Rich alumni Steve Marcus as well as Andy Fusco (both sax players). They joined forces amongst 2 other alumni, who besides played amongst Rich on his modest grouping recordings: pianist Lee Musiker as well as the extraordinary bassist Anthony Jackson. To motility the quintet as well as fulfill the house of their legendary drummer / leader they invited 1 of the nearly respected as well as musical US drummers Steve Smith. Smith is non entirely a fantastic player, but besides 1 of the nearly versatile musicians around. His illustrious career spans dorsum to the 1970 when he played amongst the Rock grouping Journey during their hay days as well as amongst the French violin virtuoso Jean-Luc Ponty as well as his Fusion group. Later on he played inwards several jazz modest groups, Big Bands as well as a myriad of Fusion ensembles (including Steps Ahead), e'er beingness 1 of the nearly enterprise as well as sought afterward drummers around. Since the early on 1980s Smith besides leads his ain Fusion grouping Vital Information, recording several albums over the years. It’s no wonder thence that Smith is upwards to the challenge educate yesteryear this album, leading the quintet amongst grace as well as elegance. The music includes a selection of standards generally associated amongst Buddy Rich ensembles. The grade of musicianship is outstanding, amongst Smith as well as Jackson providing rock-solid musical rhythm foundation for the other musicians to solo. Although the music is good framed inside the swing genre, it is fascinating as well as beautifully played. This album deserves to move considered equally 1 of the best jazz recordings of the 1990s. Definitely a must for all people who cherish the retentiveness of Buddy Rich as well as hard swinging good played jazz.
Although in that place need keep been many tributes to the belatedly Buddy Rich, few need keep really captured the explosive liberate energy of the primary drummer. Steve Smith, 1 of the nearly gifted all-around drummers inwards the world, admirably accepts the challenge presented yesteryear Rich's repertoire. He is joined yesteryear diverse yesteryear members of Rich's band, including Anthony Jackson, Lee Musiker, as well as Steve Marcus inwards an intimate modest group, a setting inwards which Rich was a master. The final result is a powerful functioning that allows Smith to divulge his stunning technique as well as primary musicianship piece paying tribute to the greatest of them all.
The blistering opener, "Nutville" is a raucous Latin/swing romp that sets upwards jaw-dropping solo spots yesteryear Marcus, Musiker, as well as Smith, the terminal of whom plays a smoking cadenza. Other Rich cuts include the Lennon/McCartney masterpiece "Norwegian Wood," hither taken equally a loping waltz; a steaming Afro-Cuban/swing reading of "Airegin"; as well as an intricate organization of Berstein's "Cool." Throughout, Smith effectively drives as well as guides the music amongst his trademark ability as well as precision, producing 1 remarkable functioning afterward another. The closing barnburner, "Ya Gotta Try," a favorite amid Rich fans, is a plumbing equipment halt to 1 of the nearly successful tributes to Rich's spirit yet.
Track Listings
1. Nutville
2. Norwegian Wood
3. New Blues
4. Airegin
5. How Do You Keep The Music Playing?
6. You Stepped Out Of H5N1 Dream
7. Moments Notice
8. Cool
9. Ya Gotta Try
10. Norwegian Wood
Personnel:
Steve Smith (drums);
Steve Marcus (soprano & tenor saxophones);
Andy Fusco (alto saxophone);
Lee Musiker (piano);
Anthony Jackson (bass).
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