Bill Bruford - Willowcrest (A Tribute To Buddy Rich)

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I knew a lot less about Buddy’s music than you might think. I’d probably asked King Crimson bassist Tony Levin about Rich - interestingly Tony, in his previous life as a jazz musician in the early 1970s, had worked and recorded with the Great Man. I’d interviewed Buddy in London’s Dorchester Hotel and knew his classic West Side Story suite, but I didn’t own any of his albums for some reason, and there was no KZbin or Spotify.
Stupidly, I went into ‘Willowcrest’ alarmingly under-prepared. In the event, I didn’t make any horrendous mistakes but neither does this performance add to the pantheon of great interpretations of his music. Elsewhere, I’ve suggested that I did at least as well with the Buddy Rich Big Band as Buddy Rich would have done in King Crimson, a nightmare scenario that doesn’t bear thinking about!
I certainly learned a lot about working with big bands, doing this and ‘Lingo’. The sound of all those guys blowing at once is huge in the headphones. There was no sense on my side of having to push, or drive them; this was their milieu, this is what they do, and they would have swung effortlessly with or without me. The track starts calmly, but builds steadily through the trumpet solo and moves up several gears to the saxophone solo and subsequent drum action. I caught most of the hits with minimal interruption to the flow, but the fills in between the hits tell you I don’t do this for a living - I don’t live here. And that’s not gratuitous self-deprecation, it’s an accurate assessment of my performance.
For sure I was well out of my comfort zone on this unfamiliar big-band jazz, but how can you refuse an invitation from Neil Peart to play with one of the best big-bands in the world? I recommend that all musicians throw themselves, minimum twice a year, into any sort of music situation in which they know beyond all doubt that they’re out of their depth. Sink or swim! You’ll not only survive, you’ll be amazed how well you do.
BTW, if you're enjoying these descriptions and liking what you see and hear, please consider subscribing to my Channel
#billbruford
#buddyrich
#drums #billbrufordsearthworks

[@PeterJVogel]

I love the way he plays. So relaxed and deep in the pocket. What a fantastic talent.

[@Tudor_Rusan]

I've always found myself going back to this recording precisely because one could feel it wasn't a big band drummer playing. It's a very temperate take, and in my opinion proof that cross-contamination between musical cultures is valuable. The more people take themselves out of their comfort zone and into the abyss, the better they get, screw-ups be damned.

[@daryllcornier4509]

I'm a huge BB fan. But he's not a swinger. It's just a Completely different feel. He's reading the charts. Buddy never was a reader. Let it flow.

[@odaydrums]

This is how I would sound playing with a big band ( well not as good as Bil obviously). My senses just hear too much or something. I find playing with a big uncomfortable and I'm sure sound like it . BB sounds as good as he can. I would imagine if he just did it more he would sound more and more legit.

[@Ramshackled17]

I agree and I love Bill's playing.

[@wuckle]

@@daryllcornier4509 Bill swings pretty ok to me - He's not Buddy - but that's not what this project was all about.

[@daryllcornier4509]

@@wuckle hey, I'm a great fan of Bill's. I can't see many copying him. But drumming with the BR big band must be like grabbing a tiger by the tale. You'd better grab hold or it'll turn around and bite ya sorry ass. All those players are Alpha 's. It was the culture Buddy created in the band over decades. A formidable seat to fill. Gotta be intimidating to anyone, regardless of who they are.

[@lcoleman1961]

Heres to Neil Peart for gathering all of these great drummers to pay tribute to Buddy Rich. It's a fantastic, unexpected gem.

[@morbidmanmusic]

no, he helped, Buddy's daughter is the mastermind.

[@whistleblower3516]

This is an example of Bill being Bill and not trying to be someone else. Bill Bruford has been my favorite drummer since I was in HIgh School. I'm a 54 year old man now. I knew nothing about Bill Bruford until that one fabulous day when I heard "And you and I" on the radio. He does a cool little lick in that song and I've been hooked ever since. I've been pondering the question as to WHY is Bill my favorite drummer. And after years of pondering, I know the answer. Bill is the most innovative and creative drummer ever born. He plays things that no one else would even think of playing in a song. His creativity is through the roof. Who else could you play a random tune for and instantly recognize the drummer?

[@pacoside1092]

Indeed. Extremely creative, always has something that hooks you.

[@daryllcornier4509]

That's a great example of an open mind. BB is an exceptional musician. And groundbreaking in the electronic percussion field. I'm a huge fan. But a big band is a different beast. And the BR band is a wild bucking bronco. Impossible shoes for anyone to fill. Actually one of the worst is Carl palmer. Who's a great rock drummer but can't swing. His attempt with the buddy Rich band is truly awful

[@lucifersamslittertray]

I had an almost identical thing happen around 30 years ago at a similar age but it was heart of the sunrise and that 'tic' unique thing he does got under my skin and continues to 'irritate' me to this day brought out every time I tap on things I try and defy mathematics, it's like drum tourettes... Nick Mason got me playing the drums but any real progression was limited by an urge to try and work out how BB did it whilst playing with people who just wanted to do 'meat and veg' boring stuff.... With my limited ability I can appreciate the things Bill has been saying all these years about playing with bands that felt stale and then retiring due to having exhausted creativity.... Probably not the greatest drummer that ever lived but in a number of ways the greatest drummer for me... 72-74 you could have wired him up to the power grid and he would have lit up a whole city...

[@whistleblower3516]

@@lucifersamslittertray K now I am curious. What is this "tic" thing you are referring to? Where in the song? As I said, for me back in junior high, I heard "And you and I" on the radio. There is a part somewhere in the middle when the guitars are stumming up w/o drums getting ready to go into the next section. Bill comes in with this very subtle, hi-hat, snare, open-hi-hat and again hi-hat, snare, open-hi-hat move. It's not the most difficult thing to play at all. It is WHERE he places the beats that makes me get goosebumps. I remember just being blown freaking away by it. After that day, my love for Neil Peart started to subside, and my love for Bill increased so much so that I almost know everything about the dude.

[@lucifersamslittertray]

@@whistleblower3516 as you say with and you and I really ,.... somewhere in the opening intro build up of heart of the sunrise he just does these little hi hat-snare touches that catches the attention.... It's that first introduction to that unmistakable snare sound and a hi hat that could be used to set the Greenwich clocks right.... And also as you say where he plays the beat or the note..... Really difficult to put in to words other than to say that if you're into most of the stuff he's done through various bands then it's a style that's in the bloodstream.... I always loved the fact that he flies in the face of drummers who play up to the stereotype of flailing arms and grimacing whilst doing nothing worthwhile etc, BB just looked cool as a cucumber whilst playing some of the hardest of nails stuff looking effortless.... Luckily saw KC in shepherd's Bush 96 with the BB yellow kit....

[@ChollieD]

The bass player was pretty kick-ass in this session! Nice work all around, too.

[@BEEAye-qd7yj]

Bill is so relaxed.... Musical, Feel to burn..... Your performance at my Festival was breathtaking... A huge influence !!

[@rhythmfield]

Bill is a Master Drummer and I really enjoy his approach, completely his own and unique, functional, structural, strong, respecting the arrangement and not trying to sound like anybody else.

[@michaelshore2609]

Bill didn't even mention that he posted this on Buddy's birthday. Sweet!

[@BobRoss-gr9px]

Bill's self-assessment is wonderfully frank...and spot-on.

[@jolyonholloway483]

Jazz purists might have a problem with the drumming here but, to my untrained ear,it is superb.I always thought Bill was playing jazz even when he was with Yes.To me,The Yes Album is a jazz album.

[@Dan-zq5wt]

Mr. Bruford, are you rushing or dragging? (Throws cymbal at head). 😊 Seriously, you are one of my all time musical heroes. Love this number.

[@ElectricCelt56]

Glad Bill is back! Looking fit and trim for a "retired" musician. Nice horn arrangements.

[@guypiechoczek880]

Bill you are my biggest inspiration as a drummer and this is a fantastic performance! I simply cannot thank you enough for all that you have done to advance the art of drumming and music in a broader sense

[@smabass2913]

As a self taught Prog Rock drummer I, like so many, was influenced by Bill Bruford and would play along to Yes albums, and later, King Crimson in the hope that some his greatness might rub off on me somehow. Bill had a distinct sound back then, and that did "rub off", but the ease of playing complicated time changes was always a challenge, I'd get close but I was but the "Grasshopper to the Master", and a "Bull in the China shop"... Above my basement studio was my Grandson's bedroom, and as he grew, so did his love for music played with feeling and emotion. Fortunately he attended a school with a strong Band component and very quickly learned to read music (which I cannot) and mastered every Percussion instrument at the High School. While in High School he was farmed out to Atlanta area Orchestras and Youth Symphonies, playing various instruments including Marimbas, Xylophones and Timpani. He also spent a month at a local small Collage, with other previously unknown (to him) gifted young percussionists, and quickly learned very complicated duet and quartet passages they played in Concert from memory. Bruford is glancing at the chart here, and after seeing and hearing orchestras and symphonies my 'now at College' Grandson has played with, I no longer have Bill Bruford on a pedestal. He has a gift, but so do many others that never get the recognition and worship that Bill enjoys. My legacy will be that I influenced my musically gifted Grandson... I encourage you to support your local School Band program and to enjoy a Youth Symphony or Orchestra in your area, there are many brilliant young players out there that need your support!

[@whistleblower3516]

Bill is the only drummer I know who will change the time signature twice in an f-in tambourine solo! Check out Starless and Bible Black. Will always be my favorite drummer of all time.

[@michaeledwards2919]

🌿🌿WOW🌿The Quintessential Jazz Drummer. Mr. Bill Bruford, wow.

[@deanronson6331]

Rock and fusion drummer graduating to the pinnacles of complex,sophisticated jazz, both instrumentally and compositionally. Few rock drummers, if any, can do that.

[@rick3747]

Bruford played Jazz before he played Rock.

[@deanronson6331]

@@rick3747 How's the weather on Mars?

[@rick3747]

@@deanronson6331 Maybe go watch the new Bruford interview with old drum tech. He talks about playing Jazz before he jumped into Rock. Then come back......

[@AudioAtmos]

Top shelf all the way.

[@robertjannush4403]

When I was a little kid back in the (60s). I remember watching Buddy Rich playing the drums on TV 📺 and Absolutely Loved it. Later on in my life I started listening to John Bonham in Led Zeppelin and how he played the drums I wanted to become a drummer myself but it wasn’t meant to be. Bill Bruford is a Very Talented Drummer as well and is Up There with the Best of the Drummers in the World 🌎!!!

[@GabrielFreitas30]

The best part of this channel is the description on the videos. Keep 'em coming Mr. Bruford!

[@themandolinmaniac]

It must have been a blast playing this. Absolutely great!

[@patrickricord2120]

You re great great drummer thankssss👍👍👍🙏🙏🙏💛💛💛😘

[@MultiSkyman1]

Well stated Mr.Bruford!

[@crazy8sdrums]

I could tell that you were a bit nervous and timid here. Seeing that wall of badarses with horns right across from you? Petrified, I would have been! Still, sounded good and you made it happen!

[@MrSphinxster]

Going to get flamed for saying this, but having listened to several of Buddy Rich's versions of Willowcrest, I don't actually care for them that much. I actually like this version better. My reasons relate to the composition itself. It's a great flowing big band tune with a sort of "quick saunter" pace, lush chords, and a great melody. I want to HEAR that. And, while Buddy's playing on this tune is far more "freed up" and swingy than Bill's, Buddy overplays during the solos and seems to detract a bit from the band itself. I really admire Bill's restraint here in unfamiliar waters, and his decision to give the other players real space. It's a good lesson that goes well beyond drumming and music. The team knows what it's doing, your job is to support them the best you can, even it's not exactly your thing.

[@stevewilcock4767]

Bill Bruford,such a consummate professional. Perfect.

[@martinleicht5911]

I saw Bill at a clinic back in 93, it was enlightening !! ✌

[@nigel900]

Spot on… 👍🏻

[@artvandal2394]

Thanks for sharing! Really love your insights!

[@bobfitzpatrick8952]

So incredibly cool - I've seen both Bruford and Rich in concert. I've literally stood ten feet from Bruford as he tuned up his drums.

[@leftpastsaturn67]

An absolute joy to watch.

[@mybachhertzbaud3074]

That was so refreshing. Thanks for sharing😁🎶Play On🎶

[@jsullivan2112]

Awesome! One of my favourite tunes from the entire project.

[@pacoside1092]

Same here.

[@jamesgarcia1045]

Thanks for sharing your thoughts Bill and background information leading to your recording this tune with BR Band. I think you did an honorable job. I use to watch Buddy whenever he came to Florida to perform and was fortune enough to meet him. I use to play along with his albums (drums) and Willowcrest was one of my favorites. A swinging - driving with an underlying ease of momentum composition.

[@markcastillo2757]

Bill, you are simply a class act .I have followed you from your days with Yes ,Crimson,UK and beyond.You are simply untouchable. Saw you in 1991 with Yes,still thee best concert I have ever attended.

[@frk75]

I have both cd's of this wonderful project and I have to say, very few drummers in there were actually in their comfort zone at all,including the great late neil peart who created the project, despite that everyone though did a fantastic job. it didn't felt as a contest, and you could feel the deep respect for buddy out of each performances, including yours! you knew where to stand with your little knowledge and overall, still sounds wonderful

[@bencarter6702]

Twice a year try something you can't normally do. Got it! Thankyou sir!

[@bbacher95]

Beautiful

[@planetpjr]

I'm still amazed about you and Allan.

[@bobbysands6923]

Playing drums is very easy...at least when I watch him I think that...my God could he be more relaxed?

[@johnschaefer2238]

Bruford is so talented love his work and especially his contribution to David Torn’s 1987 love “Cloud About Mercury”! Still playing that CD after 36 years it never gets old and I encourage anyone who’s a Bruford fan to give that album a listen!

[@trilingual6725]

I'm not a drummer and not a jazz guy, but wow, this is very inspirational!

[@petedazer3381]

That was awesome, I love acoustic jazz, excellent performance!

[@BasicDrumming]

Great video.

[@Ds_Drums]

Thanks for posting this. I enjoyed it thoroughly and it fun to watch one of my heroes play.

[@MommyMags50]

This is WONDERFUL! I don't play drums, but you make it look effortless! Bravo!

[@pacoside1092]

Mr. Bruford! How amazing you upload these in better quality and then give us a little read to sink our teeth into! Quite honestly, I'm a professional drum teacher and this performance always had me hooked in a peculiar way. I thought you swung in your own special way that kinda made the song feel calm but strong. I've listened to this song in many different versions and this one is my favourite! Thank you again.

[@mr.wizard9785]

Bruford makes it seem almost effortless. He's so loose and relaxed. Did I hear some badass double bass triplets in there?

[@sonicart1808]

Awesome! Great playing Bill.... you're the consummate professional..

[@jublaim]

Can you tell us when this was, Bill? I'm amazed by the energy in this.

[@rob8482]

Bill Bruford is amazing! He is on it!

[@jimbizness3864]

You played better than several of the other drummers on those recordings. Better to be reserved than to screw it up.

[@MultiSkyman1]

I agree. Better than most.

[@hiltonbarcelos6527]

Wonderful! 😍

[@davidavery5114]

Nice song and top drummer and band!

[@cactus9362]

GRANDE BRUFORD, O MAIS VIRTUOSO DOS MAIS VIRTUOSOS, FODÃO MESMO, IMPROVISO, VERSÁTIL E POLIVALENTE. JOGA NAS 11. NÃO TEM TEMPO RUIM, COMPETENTE E SOLÍCITO. BATE COM TEMPO QUEBRADAÇO E VOLTA TRANQUILÃO.

[@udomatthiasdrums5322]

still love your work!!

[@Andrew_M_Ward]

That Kit sounds so damned good...

[@AlmostEthical]

Bill always helps to elevate the music.

[@charlied7571]

Are they recording this in Le Studio? Given the history of that place and Rush, plus the wood wall treatments, I wouldn't be surprised. Edit: Not Le Studio. It was recorded at The Power Station, in NYC.

[@Logan-Wolverine]

Grandissimo Bill!!!!Buddy da lassù ti avrà applaudito alla grande!!!

[@TsunamiBeefPies]

I liked it. Granted it wasn't as flashy as Buddy would have done it, but then nobody could play like Buddy. But I dunno, Dr. B, I think hearing Buddy Rich try to play with King Crimson would have been interesting. But he probably would have fired everyone in mid-gig, anyway.

[@jameshicks7125]

When I think of drummers whom I fantasizing matching in skill and musicality, the two that come to mind are Bill Bruford and Dave Weckl.

[@markburke3040]

Swing baby you're platinum

[@francisconeivafilhoneiva6413]

Bom dia a todos e todas seguidores! Esse batera é diferenciado nasceu para os tambores! ! !

[@SC515]

Awesome to say great stuff.

[@stevenpurdy2235]

Very nice! Well done Bill🥁

[@rickshearer]

Wow!

[@megasoid]

Fantastic!

[@TheSuccessfulHuman]

What year is this?

[@VIERTE]

Excelente .

[@carldybowski4338]

That's just great.

[@graemeyetts3465]

He's so good. I'd imagine he found the Yes material relatively easy to play 😂

[@abuelosotero648]

🥁so cool!!

[@NelsonMontana1234]

I love Bill's playing but I'm used to the Buddy version of this chart which has a certain swing that is missing here. The playing is a little too "dead center." It's cool, it's just not traditional big band jazz.

[@frankderrick3]

NICE! Is that Chuck Bergeron on bass?

[@gordonwellard1415]

Interesting to see him close the high hat on every down beat in what is a waltz or 6/8 metre...

[@MrThomas1958]

cool

[@elbosco8715]

Sólo los grandes han tenido la posibilidad de ocupar el lugar de Buddy.

[@pieroaycart785]

Incluso un grande , debe pegarse una repasadita, aún así bien

[@pascaltirapani840]

When was this filmed?

[@josephvonbulow1164]

BREWford 🍻⚒️⚒️⚒️

[@rumourhats]

Bill Bruford is the type of person to never revise for a exam, and still get a B+

[@chrispaquette7513]

Maybe a little nerves, but a lot of listening. Bill's presence contributes to the take in spite of him being an "outsider" (or maybe because of it).

[@teddroberts993]

love

[@gdkopinionator4356]

If memory serves, Dr. Bill, you cut another track during this session. Can you post that? Also, any thoughts/comments on the brief time you worked w/ Peart?

[@BillBruford]

The second track was called 'Lingo' and it's already posted on Bill's channel. Bill has described the sessions with Neil Peart over several pages in his 2009 autobiography. Thanks for your interest. Admin

[@gdkopinionator4356]

@@BillBruford Thank you. You have to search for it by name, because it does not come up under the videos/uploads section.

[@rodribk98]

@BillBruford tablature for play this?? Or tempo?

[@bigvrocks2480]

Bruf-ford is the name; drums is the game!

[@herb6677]

You know, out in the world there are some hungry guys who will eat whatever a certain Hr. Bruford throws down. Sometimes the diet is heavier, sometimes lighter. Sometimes it fills you up, and sometimes it could be a bit more. Who likes to change their chef if you are satisfied with him. However, chefs should not rest on their laurels, but also cook something new from time to time. You don't have to get on a tour bus for this, it's easy to do from home nowadays. Send some tapes to Mr. Torn, he will know what to do with 'em. I am still hungry for new BB compositions.

[@mikekelly9851]

Still, no one drives the band like Buddy did.

[@ThisTrainIsLost]

I wonder what Kerouac would have thought of this? Gone enough?

[@Daniel-um9ye]

WOW

[@paulbentley2709]

Not exactly guns blazing jazz drumming but nice enough and easy to listen to.

[@brettmarlar4154]

Was that Rich Charluce on tennor?

[@miphka66]

Steve Marcus

[@jimhardiman3836]

Sounds like Heart of The Sunrise set to jazz

[@paulbangash4317]

👍💫

[@timothydillow3160]

No one was quicker or knew their rudiments better than Buddy Rich.

[@TheRealRonMoses]

Buddy would have not have been happy about the matched grip. 😉

[@maeu59]

Buddy wouldn’t be happy about anything, more players are playing matched grip these day due to the fact there’s really no difference, maybe trad can be more subtle but for power and over playing matched grip is better.

[@stevenhart2824]

Two different worlds. Not a knock on Bill .

[@robertgoleniowski4188]

Not only a great drummer but a modest man as well 👏

[@biltoru.876]

Sorry, I met him after one his Earthworks concerts; NOT a modest man AT ALL… Nevertheless, I still like him as a drummer indeed.

[@J.-M.]

@@biltoru.876 I met him after one of his Earthworks concerts, too, and one thing that struck me and other people who were there was how "ordinary" and down to earth he was, very kind, polite and forthcoming to everyone.

[@prestwickpioneer3474]

I mean everyone could have gone in and played exactly like Buddy Rich and sounded the same. I like this tune. The one that swings the best on all these videos is Matt Sorum’s take. You can see the band are locked right into his groove and loving it. I think Bill should have been a bit wilder.

[@pacoside1092]

True! Sorum absolutely shined bright on this session. Willowcrest and Beula's Witch are my two favourite ones.

[@mellotronin54]

Never a fan of Bruford jazz but this is good stuff.