Buddy Rich QUINTET - Sonny Stitt, Kenny Barron. Nov. 29, 1974

I recorded this 5 feet from BR's drums. Sonny Stitt, though discernible, is in the background. Others clearly heard. Kenny Barron: piano, Jack Wilkins: guitar, Chris White: bass. Tune: "Billie's Bounce". Recorded Etcetera Club, Washington, DC. November 29, 1974.

[@jazzfan1039]

I went to this show, but I think it was Sat or even Sunday. I remember it not being crowded at all which blew my mind. Great to see them in this informal setting but weird too, because they were the gods from Olympus. BR played great, but subdued; I remember thinking 'here was Superman having been exposed to kryptonite, and now playing more like us mere mortals'. Truly amazing that this tape exists, thank you JT!! But, if I owned a club, I would tape every performance from anybody that was somebody, and then some...you never know. I saw Wilkins at another show, what a great guitarist! BR is the epitome of a great dedicated jazz musician, jazz music personified! So glad to have been alive when he was playing. Actually, this time period was the best for jazz and drums...everybody was playing! Saw Philly Joe, Max, Elvin, Roy, Louie, Art, Billy H & C, Alphonse, Horacee, even Gene....in all these little clubs. Awesome!

[@ronaldunkel2681]

I’ve always preferred Buddy in small combo settings. Fantastic swingin’ live-session with the addition of my favourite altoist Sonny Stitt. This is a great gig folks. Enjoy this jammin’ session folks. G’day & Cheers!

[@rayszymarek2920]

Thank you John for letting us B R Fans hear our idol playing as great as ever. No doubt about it John. Buddy Always surrounded himself with great jazz players. This is very evident here. Always a treat to hear our Idol Buddy playing drums. Thanks John much appreciated

[@Braglemaster123]

Great

[@arame29]

what a great find! he broke up the big band, started Buddy's Place, reduced his travel by at least 50%, as well as his payroll. Big band-itis set in, as he reformed in 75, with a bigger Buddy's Place, across from MSG The Billie's Bounce on the record is a trio, with a very young Anthony Jackson on bass, Buddy on brushes, and Mr. Barron giving us the history of jazz, from stride to modal.

[@vova47]

Overabundance of the guitar at high volume spoils what promised to be a good swinging track. With a master such as Kenny Barron at the piano, who needs constant comping from a guitar? Great to hear Sonny and Buddy together, though.