Buddy Rich Big Band - Praha 1984

[@mikekelly9851]

Thank you God for Buddy Rich and letting me be alive during his reign.

[@ttrumpetguy]

Thanks for posting!!! I played lead trumpet on this over 31 years ago and didn't know this was recorded with great video too! Special thanks to BariSax playerJay Craig, who taught us all how to tie a real bow tie, so we could look so James Bondish in this concert!

[@cloudview747]

+ttrumpetguy Thank you for being a big part of making this a great concert!

[@ttrumpetguy]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@nealbfinn]

+ttrumpetguy Are you Tony Garruso?

[@ttrumpetguy]

+nealbfinn Hi Neal, yes, I am Tony Gorruso.

[@jusprazem1]

+ttrumpetguy y'all sounded good. I was wondering if the band had bottled water to keep hydrated...lol.

[@alandale581]

He did one thing better than every one else in the world. We are privileged to have experienced his mastery.

[@pauljones2519]

Wishing that people were still playing this kind of music these days. Very hard to find.

[@ronaldunkel2681]

Paul Jones You won’t find anything that comes close Paul. Those years were the best of Jazz years! So Dig, Enjoy this incredible band & Cheers!

[@georgekilroy2670]

you have to look to the University to hear anything close to the original big bands that were amazingly still swinging…

[@seanlarge5716]

Even after 30 years of listening to Buddy, I still find myself laughing in disbelief at some of the things he did on drums. His dynamism, speed and creativity, kept him head and shoulders above his peers. Truly one of a kind!

[@MrHowie18]

I am an old timer! saw Buddy once and saw Sarah once, still the best!

[@robscheps7722]

Steve Marcus- tenor sax/ soprano sax; Mark Pinto, Bob Bowlby-alto saxes; Mike Davis, Dave Panichi -trombones. Brian Sjoerdinga- 2nd tenor sax. Tony Gorrusso- lead trumpet.

[@phmoffett]

Thanks for listing band personnel. Always an awesome sound. I'm afraid we've lost big bands forever.

[@vivatones66]

I'm 73 and played drums since age 10. Bought my first Rich LP at 13 and followed him ever since. This, in my opinion is the best and most incredibly clear example of his mastery, not just technically, but emotionally. The video is also a masterpiece of photojournalism, not just an artist playing great drums, but a connection between him and his musicians and the audience. It's the most amazing video I have seen of Buddy Rich and his band in concert. It should be a "bucket list" piece for any big band jazz lover.

[@pinball1970]

+vivatones66 great post, up vote.

[@bkrider19]

I wasn't going to watch this whole vid until I read your post. Thanks for convincing me! I agree with you. There is a strong "magic" in the BR band. I first encountered it when he performed at high school near me in 1973. The whole audience was captured in a different world. I can best describe it by saying that for nearly 3 hours we completely forgot the world outside the concert - even though there was an intermission of about 20 minutes. Fortunately, in videos such as this we can see the audience reacting to that magic, but it is still so mysterious, because I've never seen any other performer with this kind of charisma - and even Buddy himself could only demonstrate it with his modern (1965 and on) big band. I think part of it must be his musical taste, because he chose many superb compositions for his band that bridged the jazz and rock/funk worlds in a way that captivated people of all ages. Maynard Ferguson also was successful in that, but that only shows how unique BR was, because however great MF's band was, it did not have BR's charisma and magic. He would have been the best drummer no matter what group he played with, but in his modern big band all his artistry could shine with its most powerful effect, and he used that artistry to inspire his band and the audience.

[@vivatones66]

I agree wholeheartedly. BR drew the freshest talent out ouf of school and gave them depth and taught them respect for his direction. He had a blank canvass to work with. Your comments are interesting and substantive. Thanks for the reply.

[@PieInTheSky9]

He has the maturity and experience of age mixed with the sheer youthful talent. This is truly him at his best. A lifes work right here.

[@nadir6661]

bless ya for posting ! its surley is bur how i gonna get through it trying to copy that beast.......?????

[@pauljones2519]

This band is amazing! I'm not sure I ever heard the trumpets sound better than this....

[@Bluesman549]

I'm crying. I've seen all the Buddy videos a thousand times. I've watched him and listened to him all my life. I was a 16 year-old kid in 1962 when I knew I wanted to be a rock and roll drummer. So that's what I was. But from the first time I heard Buddy I knew he was different. You can hear him playing the SONGS, not just playing the DRUMS. It's what has always set him apart from all the others. And this ... I've never seen anything like this. Thank you.

[@Wiz1-i2w]

Exactly. The number starting at 27:16, No Exit. What a beautiful number, his playing, as you said, can bring tears. Jay Oliver could've written this tune with Weckl..Go, Buddy. No one compares..

[@polara01]

Roger, I have been watching these Buddy vids too for years, especially the Cloudview Channel he has really brought a lot of these out of the closet and shared them as well but this one is special and is a real standout especially since it is close to the end of his life and to be honest with you he played better in this concert than even what I consider his Peak Years Around 1970 this was just an absolute jaw dropper in every respect and his band was smoking here too you have to give them credit it's just that when you are watching the world's greatest drummer you forget that he's backed up by the world's greatest band! Peace, stay safe and God bless, Bob M.

[@Bob-nu3xe]

very emotional watching Buddy play here, he plays from the sole he tells a story through his hands, a rare sight is a genius at work giving their all.

[@ericdreizen1463]

@@Wiz1-i2w I believe Bill Ciunliffe wrote this while he was on the band. Buddy recorded it on Mr Drums Live on King Street.

[@MegaFount]

It is so wonderful to read all your comments. I don’t know you, but I feel like you’re my friends. I love all your thoughtful comments. And Tony it is so great to meet you hear. Thanks for sharing your talent with us and giving us so much great music. It still thrills!

[@gaspo2180]

Look at the faces in the crowd at the end, WE HAVE JUST SEEN THE BEST !! Brings tears to my eyes..........

[@BadBoyBoogie-ko6rj]

I seen this at Pennypack park in Philly and at AC. As a young drummer with many other drummers from the Philly area we were all blown away!

[@jamessomma8226]

Rising money for our high school band in Salem, NH and was lucky to get Buddy in the winter of 1986. What a show! My drummer friends and I watched from the side as Buddy and band rehearsed. His foot-hand coordination was amazing. We had a crown of over 1,000 in the gym. One of the ladies - not a drum fan = was on her as Buddy finished a solo all with brushes. "I never knew anyone could play like that just with brushes." Yes ma'am only Buddy. What a master! Sincerely, Jim Somma (retired in Florida).

[@GODTHESOOTHSAYER1]

No one understands that a perfectionist genius like Buddy will always be impatient and intolerant in personality, since someone of this caliber sees things differently than the average person. He was always light years ahead of his band; and he led the way for them each and every time, with a driving force that was incomparable. He had a photographic memory for musical charts, and he couldn't read a note of music. He was a one of a kind that will never ever exist ever again. Buddy was a true expert and professional that still can't be matched to this very day. RIP Oh Great One!

[@GODTHESOOTHSAYER1]

***** I couldn't have said it better myself...

[@bkrider19]

I read somewhere a profound statement by Cathy Rich. She said Buddy heard music differently from other people. I think that must be true of all great artists; they see, hear and feel the world in a way that is far more sensitive, and this enables them to open doors that fascinate the rest of us. I agree completely with you. Buddy was far more than a drummer. He could train and lead his band because, like a great conductor, he knew every detail of the charts they played. As for his memory, apparently Mozart and other prodigies had that ability to hear a piece once or twice and play it immediately. I think we will see that skill more frequently in the future, once we get our music and arts education fully and permanently established around the world.

[@GODTHESOOTHSAYER1]

Trek Ryder You're completely correct in everything that you had just said. And, I couldn't have described the meaning of the word: "genius" better than this myself.

[@joesantamaria5874]

I was lucky to have seen him live twice, nobody is worthy to shine the man’s shoes. Well said.

[@edman807]

Buddy Changed my 30 yr playing Carer ! I miss him Every Day Happy 101 Buddy ! Check out the solo/ stick work and syncopation ! Buddy was the MASTER !

[@michaelt4403]

blew me away. what musicianship. buddy let his players shine and only took the last solo. magnificent!

[@loucontino4804]

Buddy Rich...one of a kind! I miss him.

[@fluim0102]

At that age... Incredible.. I love the rock giants of those days like John Bonham but in terms of fluidity, speed, accuracy... He's not even close

[@cloudview747]

Yes an incredible gift indeed. Thank you very much!! And a word to viewers: BUDDY IS 67 YEARS OLD HERE!!!!

[@pinball1970]

+cloudview747 fancy meeting you here ha ha! Trumpet guy posted here too!

[@cloudview747]

+pinball1970 Yes I came to this post within days of it showing up. I just love this video of my man and his band!

[@polara01]

Cloudview, nice to see you pop in here. While I was watching this I actually thought about you and wondered if you had seen this one because I think this is one of his best, especially considering all the health challenges he was having at this point and sadly was close to the end but you would not know this by his stellar performance here it really was mesmerizing and I love the sound he was getting out of that old Radio King snare drum he was using here. Hope you're staying healthy and safe! Peace, Bob M.

[@cloudview747]

@@polara01 Such a fabulous concert video Bob. Glad that you have been enjoying it too!

[@HankFinkle11]

He improved as he aged.

[@brianchisnell1548]

Those drums are fresh out of restoration. So is Buddy's heart. Thanks for posting!

[@midlandsroylenfield]

thought i had seen all Buddy's videos but this is a new treat!!! at 67 he was still the greatest and i believe he always will be. thanks so much for sharing this with us.

[@medicicard]

Here we go again. Each time I see and hear a video by Buddy on West Side Story, I say.....that's the best solo....then another comes along, and that solo is better...It just keeps going on and on.

[@bobbydale1938]

Yep

[@bobbydale1938]

E

[@dennisstgermain442]

Absolutely the Best I have seen AND heard of Buddy and His Band ............THANK YOU !!! This video needs to be in the Library of Congress here in the US.

[@dylangatenby9928]

Excellent concert. Love Buddy and his band.

[@s_a_willi]

Amazing show!!! I was only a year old when this was done!

[@jonathanparker7551]

Thank you for posting this gem. I saw Buddy whenever he came to Boston between 1976 and the early 80’s. What a great band this is. Best Coast is one of my favorites. Love the John LaBarbara arrangements.

[@erzug]

Superb video and audio. You can hear every beat. I've never seen Buddy shot from so many different angles while playing before. Just incredible.

[@makpjazz57]

Beautiful throughout and Bob Bowlby's solo on "Sophisticated Lady" is a gem.

[@shannongriffith3493]

You will never see another BR ! He’s a one off

[@sticktrik]

Nice to see Buddy’s tap dancing influence come to play on that Rogers pedal with a wood beater!!!

[@loucontino4804]

And the mole skin patch on the bass drum head.

[@petebest22]

What a great drummer Buddy was👏 😊👏 I can't say anything than most on here about Buddy's playing 😊 just wish I could play drums as good as the master 👍 even as he got older & with heart troubles it never slowed him down , he just wanted to give it his all and boy did he do that 😊 bless u Buddy and have a good rest u deserve it 👏😊👏

[@MASHMU]

Buddy got better with age. His control and economy of motion were at their peak in his final years and performances. Nothing diminished in his playing at any time. He simply became a finer musician throughout his career.

[@billysnook]

Such an incredibly tight band!

[@bobbydale1938]

We need this remastered to Blu-ray !!!

[@raymondkarlsson9794]

Yeah! Great clip. An example of Buddy and his craft on top of things.

[@martyroth7829]

I met Buddy in 74 Berkeley California.Claremont Hotel .Got a picture of him and an autograph I made him laugh at me Sure Kid he said.He asked for a pen I said no I don't have one but I'll get one.He started grinning at me.

[@edellis515]

This is the most insane display of a soloist i have ever seen. Beyond!!!!!!!!!

[@bodgaard]

Notice the band has their jackets off after the first tune.....the heat had to been stifling. And there's Buddy, probably around 66 years old, a year after a quadruple bypass and still has the chops and musicianship to make those tight, dead sounding drums sound great. Actually it's nice hearing all the sticking....it illustrates the depth of his playing even more. The chops you hear from a lot of drummers today are absolutely phenomenal, but, no one puts their chops to use as well as Buddy did. His simply PLAYED at a level higher than all others. .....I know, I know, 'so-n-so' plays great, and I agree... but, I'm just sayin'........

[@HankFinkle11]

Dead sounding ? They sound great.

[@pebblenapkins]

@@HankFinkle11 dead means dampened or non-reverberating. Nothing negative

[@MegaFount]

I grew up loving Buddy Rich and he is definitely one of the men who turned me on to the exciting world of jazz music. I actually got to see him in concert a couple of times when I was a teenager. Let me tell you those concerts were spectacular and he loved his audience. It was a mutual appreciation society. This concert takes me back! Thanks so much for posting this dynamic concert . Buddy is unparalleled!

[@oneanddone7992]

The. Greatest. Drummer. Who. Ever. Drew. A. Breath.

[@vincentbuonora8477]

Buddy left i all of himself on that snare-all heart, muscles body and soul-most emotionally moving and I know he has done many if not all at this level-all that is..

[@rfa70]

An absolute masterpiece!!!!!!

[@gispel7058]

OMG This is amazing. The band never sounded better! Dont know where this has been hiding. I thought I had seen them all. See kids......this is what dedicated learned practiced studio musicians sound like. Yes !!!

[@arame29]

SET LIST 1. Machine (Reddie) 2. Cottontail (Ellington arr J Labarbera) 3. Best Coast (J Labarbera) 4. Bondi Blues (Cunliffe) 5. Sophisticated Lady? 6. Last Exit (Cunliffe) 7. West Side

[@rickdavenport9538]

6. No exit...

[@dylangatenby9928]

Yes the chart is titled No Exit and it’s a cooking chart at that!! Cheers!

[@dantheman3825]

After 7 years, did you ever find the proper number 5?

[@jazzpocalypse]

Dave Panichi on Trombone. Famous for "I won't shave the beard"

[@nealbfinn]

and "best chart in the book."

[@tonydir5673]

Thanks for this video of my drum hero, Buddy is spectacular as usual never disappoints the crowd as usual giving a 110 percent

[@mobrules29]

Mesmerizing. Nobody compares.

[@tunefultonyjohnson4100]

Czech this out!! -- Steve Marcus, on lead tenor saxophone, is still in Buddy's Big Band on this live recording in Prague in 1984.... Buddy himself looks like a 'changed man'-- after his quadruple heart bypass operation, and he was very sadly to die in April 1987, perhaps from 'complications' resulting from that very same heart bypass operation......

[@jameskirkbydrums]

buddy did indeed die from heart failure, but it was after an operation to remove a malignant brain tumour.

[@atomicrocker]

What a heroic performance! Lucerna Big Hall was then always known its bad airflow on stage, even the walls were crying!

[@viki6or]

The audience is awesome. I think best of what i saw of other concerts

[@dylangatenby9928]

Actually this is the first time I’ve watched this in a while, but it’s well worth viewing

[@harryd9782]

I’ve always been a big Steve Marcus fan and I miss seeing Andy Fusco in later concerts - but Bob Bowlby is just flat out a virtuoso!

[@karlbauhaus6919]

Great. Thanks for posting.

[@Houstonbluescenedavidsloan]

Great video! The sound is great as well. Good job.

[@roybeckerman9253]

Great to see Buddy play his favourite Slingerland Radio Kings , the last 4 years of his life, after having had so many various brands and endorsement deals during his career.

[@mjm5081]

Thank you so much for sharing!!! 🙏❤🌹 Buddy 🌹❤🙏

[@АнатолийШумейко-л4ы]

Это выстулпение мне посчастливипось видеть! Впечатление словами передать невозможно!

[@boriskhaykin4238]

Счастливчик, однако.

[@lipnip7746]

THE MASTER...

[@martindanicek6289]

Paráda, neměl jsem tušení, že Maestro zavítal i do naší vlasti🇨🇿.

[@JBPerraudindrummerOfficial]

INCREDIBLE GIFT!!! THANKS!!!

[@erzug]

A terrific video. Thanks for posting.

[@gaspo2180]

Never saw this. Superb camera angles (on his bass drum pedal work) and all the sweat coming down the faces of his band mates. Buddy sure worked these guys HARD. At this time they were making what $ 500 a week??

[@paulspeter9820]

thanks for posting; come on Cathy, license it or whatever for DVD please!

[@RafikMankariosDrumStudio]

Thank you for this amazing post! Finally, cameramen that know what they're doing!

[@bobbydale1938]

Yep lol

[@thomastallis8819]

this video editing was the worst I've ever seen. it was like an old fashioned MTV video: cutting to a new angle every few seconds.

[@robertoetojo5861]

each Individual musician is very2 amazing no rooms for mistake

[@rickrinner252]

Fantastic. Thank you

[@bkrider19]

Sophisticated Lady: Beautiful bari solo - super rare in BR's band. Outstanding piano and alto solos.

[@MikeJamesMedia]

Thank you for posting this!

[@roybeckerman9253]

Remember, Buddy is 67 here. Not a young man anymore. His speed and power is freakish. Others may believe there were better, as we all have our favourites, but most would agree with the great Gene Krupa, that Buddy was the best ever and still is.

[@journeyon1983]

Yep. Buddy turned 67 in September and this concert was in October. Less than three years later, he would die from heart failure after having a cancerous brain tumor removed. We will NEVER see a drummer like this ever again.

[@dylangatenby9928]

Buddy was a true virtuoso. He aged like a fine wine.

[@profhennig]

danke, super

[@mikeromano2219]

TONY GORRUSO LEAD TRUMPET RIGHT UP THEIR WITH BUDDYS BEST. UNDERATED.

[@tomborning4428]

Absolutely! Solid, could play straight and also know when to add some saucy-ness to it. Strong!

[@mikekelly9851]

If Buddy let you play in his band then you were absolutely a great player.

[@chevyimp5857]

Awesome lead playing..😊

[@andrewyka]

Buddy Rich!!!Great.

[@innashehter5178]

Рич бади

[@dylangatenby9928]

Haven't seen this video before. Buddy and his band shine though!!

[@rogerherman1487]

Unbelievable. For someone to play at this level a year after a heart attack is not believable.

[@tunefultonyjohnson4100]

According to Buddy's Doctor, it was also not advisable .... He said to him: "Buddy, why don't you take up another career??" -- :)

[@emmabenedek646]

ROGER JULIANS letter. Thats a nice sensitrive response. We dont usually suoort hero worship because vtheres so much crrptn in the film and sport worls but now n then we admit theres a value. BR was not a show off. He got on with the job. He didnt not have a massive ego so we have to admit hes worthwhile. Greetings to others too. Particularly to all US folks who are sincere.

[@krveprisednik472]

To je ale skvostná hudba,toto bych mohl poslouchat donekonečna,brilantní a skvělá. Stick it out and keep it greasey,on this road i wanna live!

[@monikabych2416]

Hej

[@janmartensson2107]

I saw this band in Stockholm October 6:th same year.

[@Joshualbm]

That drum stool/seat is super cool.

[@rick3747]

I was born in 1966. I have loved Jazz esp Swing I heard it when I can first remember in 1971. Buddy, Ray, Chick, Morello have been my favs for decades.

[@sticktrik]

I have to disagree with a lot of people here!!! Great solo as always!!....But, Not one of his best performances!!! My favourite (and I would encourage everyone to hear it, is one that was recorded but not filmed) Live at Caesar’s palace 1967 was Mercy,mercy ,mercy. His playing on that version of Channel one suite is absolutely incredible!! The buzz roll with accents is astonishing!!!! go check it out then let me know!!!!!😊

[@chesterfieldstorage1647]

Who is the LEAD trumpet player? That guy is burning!!

[@3rdsamdan]

ttrumpetguy...........You've got some great chops. As good a lead as I've heard over the years.

[@ttrumpetguy]

Thanks, I went on to play lead for Frank Sinatra, was a regular chairholder at 5 Broadway shows, and just reprised my role as lead trumpet. with Cathy Rich's All-Star UK Buddy Rich Band in London and NYC in May 2019 and at age 65 in London this past month again at Ronnie Scott's Jazz Club February 1st- the 4th in London doing 2 - 90 minutes shows a day, while at. age 26 with Buddy, we only played 2 - 45 minute shows a day!

[@chevyimp5857]

ttrumpetguy... Have you appeared on any podcasts . Awesome playing

[@ttrumpetguy]

At 1:59 the 8va was optional, but the previous lead player Doug Clarke always did it, so I felt I needed to do it too!

[@arame29]

You had Buddy smiling at the octave jump.You nailed it! Btw what does Bva stand for?

[@jpetes9046]

Yeah man

[@ttrumpetguy]

@@arame29 Play up an octave, 8vb(basso) Play down an octave.

[@dantheman3825]

Anyone know tune 5? Its listed as sophisticated lady but I don't think it is. It sounds very different to sophisticated ladyd

[@tadeuszkik5891]

Najlepszy perkusista na swiecie.

[@roybeckerman9253]

Buddy at home with Slingerland.

[@davidgusick9106]

1. Machine 2. Cottontail 3.Best Coast 4. Bondi Blues 5.Sophisticated Lady 6. No Exit 7. WSS

[@dantheman3825]

Are you sure about number 5? Or is it just a non vocal arrangement?

[@entrosinllamar8697]

Buddy Rich número uno 🥁 Paco de Lucía número uno 🎸 Camilo Sesto número uno 🎤

[@briantingle6512]

Does anyone know who did the very sophisticated arrangement of Ellington's "Sophisticated Lady"? It's so inventive harmonically but still true to the original tune. Thanks. What a great concert from Prague when it was still controlled by the Soviet Union. Jazz knows no boundaries or regimes.

[@ttrumpetguy]

I think pianist Bill Cunliffe wrote that while on the band in 1984.

[@roybeckerman9253]

These were Buddy's own Slingerland drums, he used from 1983-- 87, when he passed away. He didn't have any Slingerland logo on the bass drum, like he used to. No endorsement.

[@arame29]

They were good but for me, Rogers with Harry James 64 were the best drums he ever played. Rogers screwed it up by not offering him a recording contract (CBS owned Rogers)

[@sticktrik]

Roy Beckerman Again,Sir!! They are not generic Slingerland drums!!! They are Radio Kings from the 1940’s...Completely different wood, nickel plated metal and drum construction!!! Different sounding than the Slingerland generic massed produced drums Buddy was using in the late 60’s & early 70’s!! Hard to find a complete set of these Slingerland “Radio Kings”!!!! These drums were refurbished & given to buddy!!! No endorsement there my friend!!!!l 26’ bass drum that never had the logo on it!!!! You also must remember that there were real calfskin drumheads that originally came fitted on the Radio Kings!!!!

[@brianchisnell1548]

@@sticktrik in the 40's these were mass produced. Until sound kings 1955. Mahog, poplar, mahogany. Sound kings had that blend also in earlier years. Mostly a lug/hardware upgrade in '55

[@ajn465]

Vintage radio king shells were collected, restored and gifted by a gentleman whose name I forget but was founder of the Eames drum company. Solid shell snare with straight ‘stick chopper’ rims and a 26” Bass drum.. though he was on the lookout for a 28” at Buddy’s request. Buddy finally had an instrument that was uniquely his, and was thrilled with them. That kick drum was something to hear live, tuned to below 30 hz, it would demolish most stereos if it was ever accurately recorded. I was lucky enough to hear it from the front row of a lovely theatre.. it was astonishing. It levitated the band.

[@nicktambolero4698]

Incomparable

[@janmartensson2107]

Great!

[@janmartensson2107]

Second song is Cottontail.

[@majkizbajki8032]

Super 👌 👍 👏 🇵🇱

[@rickrinner252]

5 years before the wall fell

[@Baz63]

There are poor drummers, average drummers, good drummers, great drummers and then there is Buddy Rich

[@robertoetojo5861]

ALL BE BOP PLAYERS NO PICNIC SKILLS IMPROVISATION AMAZING

[@anthonythornton668]

World class '

[@ernestoriestra920]

Me recuérda la banda de mi o papá Ernesto Riestra (El Pelón) en México.

[@edellis7691]

Jazz master. PERIOD