Buddy Rich The Tonight Show 1966

[@skept99]

As a freshman in high school, I wanted badly to be the top drummer in our jazz ensemble. Since I had only been playing for about a year, it was way out of my league with a very high level of competition from other, more experienced drummers. Almost by fate it later seemed, my great aunt bought me this album when I turned 16. I spent the entire summer realizing just what is possible on the drums in a big band. Buddy made everything seem accessible to me. It wasn't just the chops and precision, it was the energy too - my god he could swing a band hard! And of course, he did it with such clarity and certainty that it immediately started leaking into my playing. That next September, I entered the jazz ensemble drum auditions with this album in my blood and fire in my belly. Like the dark horse I was, emerging out of nowhere, I played my heart out and just absolutely crushed the audition! Although i couldn't read a lick of music (like Buddy), the band leader couldn't believe how far I'd come in such a short time. When he asked me my secret, I simply said, "Buddy, Swingin' New Big Band." He smiled in approval and gave me the gig! This album changed my life. It gave me the opportunity to see the world, tour in Europe and make great friends. I'll forever be grateful for it. CV, thank you as always for all you've done to share Buddy's magic with the rest of the world.

[@cloudview747]

I love your story! When I was just a teenager the first two albums I heard of Buddy were Swingin' New Big Band and Blues Caravan. Life changing for me too.

[@tedmackenzie5728]

Same reaction!

[@hawkrider88]

I have never seen this one before with the entire band on the show. Incredible. BR was 49 here and the band was very new. His youthful energy, speed and those RIDICULOUS single strokes are off the charts. A freak, a total genius-freak!! PS: I saw the band for the first time later that year. I was 16 and going into the first break, someone introduced me to Buddy. He quickly went back to his set, grabbed the sticks he had just finished playing with and gave them to me. They were the custom sticks that Rogers made for him with the hand-sanded hour glass shape on the butt end. They smelled of Old Spice cologne and I sniffed them regularly for two years. :) Unfortunately, nothing rubbed off and I remain a mere mortal drummer.

[@cloudview747]

Glad you like the post, and great BR story!

[@raymondolsen2332]

That's Mr. Walter Battagello on solo trumpet to Buddy's left. I met him in 1991 at a Sunday afternoon tea dance at Zeo Fraedo's in Pleasant Hill, California. Thanks for the memories, y'all.

[@joecaroselli5858]

Wonderful story and humor and overall sentiment here.

[@KenAldrich1958]

i often say yeah speed chops sure but a lot of his genious was in placements of dynamics tone matching that never ending sort of shuffling left hand at times tracing the melody sometimes countering it i mean we all could spen one entire lifetime on one of these aspects and still sort of fall somewhat below what he had but to have ALL of these skills at the same time is just totally and seriously scary not to mention breath taking..sometimes? sometimes buddy could play a chart like best coast and i dunno, sometimes for whatever reason it could hit me so deeply ters would well up if only because he did something that triggered some emotional "thing inside me" this tells me buddy had a lot of humanity in him was much more sensitive than he ever got credit for (of course he did his best to hide that) but if you had the ability to look just past all of that (thankfully i did find it worthwhile to look deeper into this guy) and after a half decade of following prob every note shading dynamic prowess tone matching with himself and w the band ..i mean sure weve seen great drummer since buddy but has one drummer EVER hit you on so many different levels? i think my ears are pretty good but im sorry i cant hear all of that except in buddys case..and these rather nebulous concepts im bringing up really do make up what buddy truly was..a very VERY sensitive artist..sadly dumb bus tapes have furthered the micky macho bs facade he put on to cover it all has taken some away from further looking into this mans playing..sadly im partially to blame for those tapes getting out..i was playing in a pit band w one of buddys guys at the time who recorded some of those i quickly high speed dubbed it off..i promised not to spread it (this was when buddy was still here) i promised but my drummer friends also promised me not to give it to anyone well it got out the rest is history and i regret copying it now.. if not i certainly regret allowing anyone else to copy it..i felt at the time br might have been suffering from something..sadly? he was

[@edmarucci4992]

Classic. Bobby Shew playing lead trumpet. The Man!

[@rickdavenport9538]

Can you imagine seeing this in 1966? Amazing!!!

[@cloudview747]

:-)

[@robertbaron3242]

I saw him many times in the early to mid 70's when he played gigs in the Milwaukee area. My bandmates and I made certain we would see him play both "The Attic" in Milwaukee (which he played often) and then a few area high school concerts in the same week. The times at The Attic were magical as it was an older nightclub, lower ceiling, intimate with good acoustics when packed with people and the stage was lower. Sitting 30 or 40 feet from Buddy almost on the same level when he played was incredible and as a drummer still vivid in my memory. Buddy was fast, powerful, technically out of this World and one incredible showman.

[@davidgusick9106]

This is a dream come true. On the Tonight Show in NY with his band. Rogers drums.

[@cloudview747]

+David Gusick Glad you like it!

[@dherz108]

Camera men knew the arrangement. Actually SAW all the fills including single stroke. Great stuff. Thanks again.

[@cloudview747]

:-)

[@joecaroselli5858]

That is a great point.

[@TheChukklebunny]

Nobody does it better. Oh sure there may be some that are faster or more technical but nobody had his musicality his phrasing his…weight. Yes his weight. I believe every drummer has a natural weight with which he plays. It’s more than feel it is what creates the signature. Thankyou thankyou thankyou for finding and posting this. I bought the album second hand from a market stall and saw the man in Birmingham uk that same year. And at least once every uk tour after.

[@nealsausen4651]

@@TheChukklebunny: there is nobody then and now, who is more technical and faster than buddy. He was the pinnacle of speed technique that musicality he had it all, and he had more than anyone else…. rip BUDDY RICH!

[@erzug]

Nice. I saw this live back in '66. Stayed up late that night.

[@stuartdorsey1362]

+erzug Me, too! Thursday night. Right after Dean Martin

[@deanbrandl1987]

One of my personal favorites. keep in mind ..he was 50. and listening to this over and over..I really began to realize how well that was put together.. watch it at half speed so you can see the patterns develop. .such speed and power .that guy was something else. And he isn't JUST playing this. .. he's pounding.... playing it with such power ..for so long... that's unbelievable .I saw him 18 times ,... And to think he got Better ...the next 18 years of his life.. that's phenomenally amazing , outrageously astonishing.etc.. and .....that set up into the dead stop around 12:15 was brilliant.

[@ericdreizen1463]

His solo here is very much like on the record. Charging out of the gate at full speed. No one could turn up the heat like Buddy! He knew everybody was talking about him. A new generation was watching & listening, & he was saying, "This is how it's done!"

[@cloudview747]

Oh yeah!

[@johnsullivan2412]

My love for his playing has never diminished in the 50 years since I first saw him on the Tonight Show

[@cloudview747]

Ditto!!!!

[@johnfury6481]

How fortunate we are that somebody had the foresight to make a kinescope of this great performance.

[@rockyhill9965]

Yes yes!

[@KenAldrich1958]

according to the uploader this is a "screening" copy not kinescope but i must admit it sure looks kinescope to me regardless..anyway im just greatful i was able to see no matter what the pic/audio quality is.. wht a rare tape this is dont forget a LOT of buddy rich tonight shows were ruined in the nbc fire thats prob why we dont see many at all from this era (ps not sure when the fire happenned) but it was AROUND or just after this was made

[@musshwins412]

that snare control is astounding.

[@drumday]

My favorite arrangement, with the trombone solo of "Somewhere". This is a real gem. Thanks for posting it. -Jeff

[@cloudview747]

+drumday Glad you like it!

[@caroltrimble4608]

❤

[@daleproctor3723]

AWESOME is not a big enough word to describe this!!!

[@cloudview747]

I feel the same!

[@wheeleyguy]

@@cloudview747 The musicians in that band were first class. Buddy's talent was evident here,as a bandleader: Here sure could pick 'em! Marvelous!!

[@RalphSantiago-g6o]

Cloudview , can't say thanks enough for posting all these great Buddy performances !!!

[@erzug]

I can only imagine Johnny sitting there just shaking his head in amazement.

[@joecaroselli5858]

Terrific thought.

[@stevebullard685]

I remember seeing this when it first aired, i graduated high school in 1966. Up until about this time that i discovered Buddy and jazz my idol and favorite was Sandy Nelson, he was good for a rock type drummer but no comparison to Buddy. At this time Buddy's arm and hand movements were more pronounced than later and the solo's were mainly on the snare and didn't do many of the fancy crossovers between toms. Also the famous choo-choo single stroke slow down to build up i think came a little later. Thanks for this historic post.

[@roybeckerman9253]

Buddy’s last year using Rogers . 1960-66

[@joecaroselli5858]

Thank you again, Cloudview, for your unstoppable devotion to Buddy Rich. You are really something!!! As a kid, I was forced to watch the Lawrence Welk Show. Even though I was an aspiring drummer, I remember that the trombonist on that show really impressed me! Mr. Welk would often feature that tremendous trombonist and even single him out by name...Kenny Trimble. What a joy is was, years later, for me to find out that that same trombonist's son followed in his dad's footsteps, and was actually playing in Buddy's band! Hearing and actually SEEING Jim Trimble crush that solo on the section of "Somewhere" is positively soul stirring!!! His tone and intonation are quite remarkable, especially here, when the pressure to ace it was certainly on. God bless Jim and his dad. Thank you again, Cloudview for what YOU do so very, very well.

[@cloudview747]

I have always loved Jim Trimble too, but I never knew this about his father Kenny Trimble!! 🙂😊

[@thewelshwizard5869]

Buddy Rich was breath-takingly good pretty much all of the time, every now and again he went on to another stratospheric level, this might have been one of those occasions. Thank you Cloudview for posting 👌🙂🥁🥁

[@tomcarr4630]

Just when I thought I’d seen every amazing Buddy video. WOW!!! What a gem of music history this is. Thank You!!!

[@cloudview747]

My pleasure!

[@josephgiarraffa6379]

The worlds Greatest Drummer Nobody swings like Buddy and nobody has his hands even today

[@cloudview747]

😊 I once read somewhere that when Oscar Peterson was asked about Buddy Rich he said: "Buddy Rich swings SO hard."

[@34jazzman]

I have owned a slingerland radio king, Ludwig, and rogers. the rogers kit I still have, it just sounded the best of the 3.

[@DubhglasZaffa]

Thank you Thank you Thank you!

[@cloudview747]

No problem, glad you like it!

[@arame29]

several thank you's in order: --to the poster of this historical material --to Mr Carson, for letting Buddy perform the entire arrangement, giving up advertising revenue. Did you notice the toms were tuned to D and A, to match the final section?

[@erzug]

Not a hard sell for Johnny. After all, he worshiped Buddy. The banter alone between the two over the years was worth the price of admission.

[@sulladrum]

I've watched pretty much every buddy Rich clip on KZbin, and saw him live three times in the 70s. The more I watch however, the more I feel that his peak playing was in the 60s. His technique is almost flawless and his energy level amazing. I knew he became a bit more creative in the 70s, but the intensity of these 60s clips blows me away. Any thoughts?

[@cloudview747]

+john sullivan One thing interesting in this regard is that in Mel Torme's biography of Buddy he says that Buddy himself stated that his performance at Newport 1965 was the very best of his whole career.

[@stevemoore457]

I believe you are correct. The intensity (almost "anger") is just incredible. And yet and the same time it all happens right in front of him. No body contortions or excess movement....incredible, creative energy but almost relaxed at times. I think only other drummers can really appreciate what is seen here. Not to mention his incredible musicality and timing. He never gets lost in the arrangement, all of his hits with the band are truly accurate and of course....he memorizes every chart. Seriously, he is a freak and a genius in the VERY best way. And yes, physically he was probably at his strongest in the 60s but maybe e a bit more creative later on? Hey what do I know...I'm just a human watching someone who seems to be almost something more behind the drums.WOW!

[@dougmilesmedia]

Buddy may have been difficult to work for, but he knew how to put a band together and drive the best music out of them. The best drummer of all time.

[@danielgolus4600]

Buddy Rich with a classic big-band drum tuning.

[@buddyrichforever]

Quality of this recording is a serious upgrade from the one I've seen before. Thank you again. What a thrill!

[@cloudview747]

+graham sheridan My pleasure.

[@erzug]

One more time!

[@doctordrummerdude]

What a treasure - chills watching this - thanks for posting

[@cloudview747]

Glad you appreciate it.

[@ScottBliege60]

I played on Buddy's band from 1984-the end of 1985. I played the 2nd trombone chair. When Mike Davis decided to leave the band to play with Anka, we went through many lead players trying to find someone who could play the West Side Story solo without fracking the high D at the end. Who played the solo on this recording? It is almost flawless.

[@ScottBliege60]

Whoops! I just saw that it was Jim Trimble. That's who I thought was playing it, but I had never seen what he looked like. A truly great player!

[@cloudview747]

Yes, Jim is great. And thank you for your contributions to B's band 1984-85!! Greatly appreciated!

[@WayneDeBord]

Yep, Jim Trimble. RIP, along with Jay Corre, the tenor man. :(

[@andyweis5194]

49 years old...unless this was after his B-day in Sept.

[@cloudview747]

The date of this telecast was November 10th or 11th, 1966!

[@MIKEOMEARA-jm5hv]

What a treasure! I have seen him perform this so many times, but nothing compares to this performance. At his prime, faster than I've ever seen him during that solo. I saw buddy live eleven times, but I never saw him like this. This comes shining through even with the rough copy.

[@dylangatenby9928]

Awesome clip! Love the old Carson shows.

[@bigd-1-channel514]

Anyone catch Buddy Flipping his right brush during the trombone solo>

[@dylangatenby9928]

Buddy swings on West side story here. Johnny was a great host. Probably the best there ever was.

[@cloudview747]

I miss Johnny Carson too How about that single stroke roll at 12:39!

[@dylangatenby9928]

@@cloudview747 Oh of course, Buddy could play fast singles!!

[@rockyhill9965]

That this copy exists AT ALL in any form or quality is totally wonderful. Thanks Cloudview- From Los Angeles area. I am a chart writer and lover of all things big band. Especially the tbns!

[@cloudview747]

My pleasure!

[@rockyhill9965]

@@cloudview747 Is Jimmy Trimble still with us?

[@cloudview747]

@@rockyhill9965 No unfortunately. His wife actually wrote a Comment on one of my posts with Jimmy, and that's how I know.

[@rockyhill9965]

@@cloudview747 The old guard in Los Angeles are still here. Dick Nash, Jack Redmond, and Kenny Shroyer.

[@truebluesband]

Thanks for this post. Truly historic, and remarkable playing to boot, even with the technical tape flaws.

[@cloudview747]

You are more than welcome. Glad you fully appreciate this as I do.

[@monicaleahy-ld3nq]

We will never see his like again.Absolutley brilliant. He had a left hand that could do anything, you just can't discribe his brilliance.

[@cloudview747]

If you are interested I also posted an audio only version of West Side Story from this historic telecast, with better audio quality: kzbin.info/www/bejne/sHfKlKGkgdaSgqs

[@MARKMANIATT]

Buddy,I believe,was at his very best around this period.This for me was arguably his best band and I particularly like the double bass and guitar set at this time.Buddy used experienced old pros in the early days and in this posting it certainly shows.As for his drums.His Rogers kit at this time was,once again for me anyway,the best sounding of all the kits he played during his career.Buddy always claimed his later playing was his best and that may well be right,however,for sheer dynamic aggressive and hard driving brilliance,we will never see the likes of this genius again.A million thanks for making this available.You deserve a medal....

[@cloudview747]

This was only one year after Buddy played what he himself stated was the best performance of his career (1965 Newport Jazz Fest). So from that standpoint I can certainly understand anyone who believes that Buddy was at his very best in the mid 60s. If I personally had to pick just one decade of videos and audio that I could keep, it would be the 60s - and I would insist on 1970 and 1971 as a bonus, and I'd be happy!

[@bigswingface5847]

Agreed. My favorite Buddy era is from 1966 - 1971'ish. His prime.

[@edsable]

Big Swing Face p

[@charleswinokoor6023]

Really great stuff. Sometimes you can’t beat black and white!

[@geraldarena5983]

Thank you so much for posting this amazing performance of the "Master." I actually saw this show the night it was on when I was 16 years old. I couldn't sleep that night, and I remember talking to my drumming pals for months after this. I have been so blessed to have seen him in concert dozens of times over the decades. Carson must have had a coronary watching him.

[@cloudview747]

My pleasure! I also posted a better quality audio only of West Side Story from this Carson Show, plus an audio of the tune Sister Sadie that ended the show and isn't on this video. Here they are: kzbin.info/www/bejne/sHfKlKGkgdaSgqs kzbin.info/www/bejne/hoPZo5hrprtlfM0

[@geraldarena5983]

@@cloudview747 Thanks CV!

[@mrbuddyi]

Great clip! One of the best versions of West Side ive ever heard, if not the best!

[@cloudview747]

+mrbuddyi It is excellent seeing the whole thing as recorded on the album.

[@polara01]

Hi Cloudview, as usual I had to pick my jaw off the floor after this performance but what struck me while watching this very early performance of West Side Story is that as unbelievable as this performance was he only got better and better after this which to most mere mortals that would be impossible at his age at this time But Not Buddy... He kept improving for many years to come. Simply unbelievable the drum wonder he was and continues to be in the eyes of those who have newly discovered him in part thanks to your generosity in sharing these national treasures with us. The only bummer about Buddy Rich is that once you are exposed to his performances everything else isn't even a close second and only leaves you longing for more Buddy. Peace, Bob

[@cloudview747]

No doubt Bob, it does leave you longing for more Buddy! And as you say, it's because other drummers, as good as they are, just don't have that extra special, intensely musical, something, that is ALWAYS found in his drumming. And I know what you mean, about getting better and better in that regard also. The man NEVER stopped pushing himself to improve and perfect his craft. I recently watched (again), in its entirety, his last filmed full concert (Umbria Jazz Fest Perugia Italy 1986). The man was 68, almost 69 yrs old! And the beautiful musicality and nuances of his playing... it's just phenomenal. Buddy Rich will NEVER cease to amaze me, for as long as I live.

[@fennotheyounger]

Rogers went to CBS, CBS would not sign Buddy's band, Buddy dumped Rogers, went Vox until Bud Slingerland won the Luddy/Slingy Buddy battle promising a dozen kits spread around the world for Mr. Rich and instant parts, snares, more kits (when BR would happen to give one away). Don't get me started with the Fibes snare stories. Beyond his fabulous, never met skills BR mastered the endorsement schemes to a "T" and played the Ludwig and Slingerland families like Big Swing Face. Got to love him.

[@arame29]

very interesting, never knew that CBS was responsible for the fall-out. Personally, I think the best drums he ever played, IMHO. Listen to Cubana Chant with Harry James. Tom-toms deeper than Tympani. The Fibes snare story is well-known, thanks to Mel Torme's bio of Buddy, when Mr. Slingerland came to the Plugged Nickel, saw the scab drum, and blew a gasket.

[@KenLoomer]

Buddy is playing the Fibes snare with this Rogers kit on this video. I knew Bob Grauso who made this Fibes snare for Buddy and he liked it much better than the Rogers Dynasonic snare.

[@arame29]

Buddy changed drum mfrs in the 60's more frequently than George Steinbrenner changed managers of the NY Yankees. Ludwig, Vox, Fibes, Rogers, Slingerland The Fibes snare drum story is hilarious, when Mr. Slingerland attended a show and saw the scab snare drum. all hell broke loose

[@KenLoomer]

In the book "Tales from The Cymbal Bag " by Lennie DiMuzio, he told of the story back in 1966 when Ben Strauss(Rogers man who helped make the Dynasonic snare) saw Buddy tuning up the Fibes snare. He was very up-set and asked Buddy why the Fibes. He said to Ben your Dynasonic snare has too many damm gadgets on it to tension it up.So he had Buddy get the Dynasonic snare and I`ll tune it for you. But of course later that year Buddy was still playing the Fibes snare with his Rogers drum. Great view of the Fibes snare with his Rogers drum on the Mike Douglas Show from March of 1967.

[@arame29]

great information, Ken! I was quoting from Torme's bio on Buddy when he said Mr. Slingerland saw Buddy playing the Fibes snare with a Slingerland set at a c;lub called The Plugged NIckel Also, on the album "The New One" aka "Take It Away", there's obviously 2 kits as there were two sessions a few months apart. On the song, Away We Go, two versions, original and bonus track, which was Rogers and which was Fibes? Its definitely not the same snare on both tracks.

[@bigd-1-channel514]

Johnny Carson REAL late night TV Buddy and his band - Wow. To be honest, I have no idea what that 1st song was, never heard it before. Westside was brilliant. Rogers drums. The quality of this is excellent. Thank you for posting such a gem.

[@DickCullyTheDrummersDrummer]

+Mr DDD3az - The title is Apples, Harry James had the chart.

[@MarkR1957]

+Mr DDD3az "Apples" aka "Gino".

[@bigd-1-channel514]

Dick Cully Thank you sir.

[@MarkR1957]

george nolte Cool story. Thanks!

[@arame29]

Also Louie liked sardines and apple juice. Very health concious!

[@JoeNocella]

It's performances like this that leave no doubt that he was the best ever. Period..end of story.

[@cloudview747]

I certainly agree! The second half of 1966 was a great time for Buddy. Against all odds he was making it - big - with his own band. He was happy and it shows.

[@JoeNocella]

During this time frame I discovered Buddy as a young kid of about 7 yrs old. Shortly after, I went to the record store and bought "The New One". Great stuff! Cool to hear them do "Apples aka Gino" live. I never heard this before. Thank God for guys like you and KZbin!

[@cloudview747]

My pleasure Joe. I too remember going to the store and being excited about every one of those classic Pacific Jazz albums.

[@JoeNocella]

You might like this..kzbin.info/www/bejne/kKGYamCMfrF9fKc

[@cloudview747]

Love it! BR style left hand action!

[@garytoro2]

Never saw that clip. Thank You. Loved it. Met Buddy and have seen him play numerous times in the 70s. Once from about 20 ft. away on his left side. Incredible! Sweat pours off him all over the snare drum. He always gave 110%. Best I’ve ever seen to this day. But there are many great ones out there.

[@cloudview747]

I agree on all the things you said.

[@spercoco]

Back when Buddy played Rogers drums. He played everything just how he did on the original recording; even the fill using the cowbell before the first sax solo.

[@fcontitwo]

✨🇺🇸🌹Buddy Rich truly worked his ass off !!?!🇺🇸✨🤔🌹✨😎🙏🏼✨👍🏽👍🏻👍🏿✨🌷

[@cloudview747]

Believe it or not, Buddy played his very last concert with his band at my high school, Orange High School, in December of 1986. My school later erected a plaque to commemorate the occasion. The plaque quotes Buddy as saying: "There is no magic; only hard work."

[@larrysmith6797]

I was hoping for, "You're nothing but a bunch of bullshit high school jive artists and you've jived me for the last time." Oh well, you can't have everything!

[@63Baggies]

A great privilege indeed.

[@JoeNocella]

I think Buddy meant superb talent doesn't come magically. You have to work for it.

[@arthurparker7705]

the greatest jazz bone player of the all the Rich bands

[@m.j.mcilroy5470]

No one after Jim Trimble left the band could do justice to that trombone solo. Jim Trimble owned it.Buddy later took "Somewhere" out as he couldn't find any bone player that could play it to his satisfaction. This band circa 1966 was probably Buddy's best all round band of all.

[@smctrout4423]

@@m.j.mcilroy5470 Chuck Findley and Bobby Shew on trumpets, Ernie Watts on alto, all of whom went on to become great LA studio players.

[@drumsport]

As a 17-year old, I recall rushing to the record store to buy this album. Then I went to DiFiore's music store and bought the Rogers White Marine Pearl drums he's playing, less the second floor tom. That Dynasonic Chrome Snare was the cat's meow. Too bad I couldn't buy Buddy's left hand. Greatest drum solo of all time IMHO.......beyond Gene's Sing, Sing, Sing, and Bellson's Skin Deep. There will never be another! RIP BR.

[@cloudview747]

I also bought a white marine pearl set like Buddy's. But like you I say "Too bad I couldn't buy Buddy's left hand!"

[@drumsport]

What was cool about Rogers Marine Pearl was that it had a blueish tint that was supposed to resist yellowing from cigarette smoke, etc. Of course I didn't play any of those hard core clubs that had smoke filled rooms. Didn't keep them long enough to see if they yellowed over time. Sold them and bought a jet black set in '72. Did your set eventually yellow?

[@cloudview747]

I purchased my white pearl set in the late 70s so they are Ludwig (the brand B was playing at the time). I still have them and there's no yellowing. I was able to get the toms and bass drum to sound pretty good, but I am sure there's no way my snare sounds as good as that Dynasonic.

[@OlesonMD]

Biggest mistake was editing "Somewhere" out of this chart. Killer lead trumpet! Awesome band...of grown men. In later years most of his band members were college age kids. No one has a faster left hand than Buddy.

[@rockyhill9965]

At 4:55 the trombones keep the air stream going on that note. Then Jimmy Trimble nods when to stop the air and cleanly stop the note. I dig that trombone section. Phil Teale? And who else?

[@cloudview747]

I just checked the Buddy Rich discography by Doug Meriwether to see personnel listed around the time of this performance. In addition to Trimble there's John Boice, Dennis Allan Good, Mike Waverley. Then shortly after this date there's Ron Myers and Bill Wimberley.

[@rockyhill9965]

@@cloudview747 Wasn't Carl Saunders in the trpts around then?

[@erzug]

This rendition is almost identical to the "Swingin' New Big Band" version...and, IMO, the best WSS. Even most of BR's breaks are the same. The only obvious difference in his playing is the longer press roll leading into the finale (Something's Coming) and that final drum solo where he lays it all out (longer than the album solo), perhaps knowing the great advertising for the future this will afford him and his band.

[@edellis7691]

I love his comeback album...the rich tones

[@kk3jst]

Thank you so much for posting.

[@cloudview747]

Sure!

[@3rdsamdan]

Jim Trimble = magnificent solo

[@wheeleyguy]

He steals the show...R.I.P. James Trimble

[@brianchisnell1548]

That Trombone is the best. Chills.

[@caroltrimble4608]

He, Jim Trimble had perfect pitch

[@paulrodberg]

Mythical beautiful strong

[@johnmcilroy6874]

Nobody nailed that bone solo like Jim Trimble with the possible exception of Vince Diaz. Magnificent!!!

[@joecaroselli5858]

I really loved the sound of Buddy on Rogers drums. Yep-- mid to late 60's was my favorite BR BIG Band period. I think that Louie Bellson was also endorsing Rogers at this time. Don't you love at 12:38 when they go into a medium swing at the time signature change.... Buddy's astounding single stroke roll?!!!! Just like he did on the album at The Chez! Cloudview787 is so cool to post this (and so many other great videos). What a dedicated person Cloudview787 is. Thank you.

[@cloudview747]

My pleasure Joe. Mid to late 60s Pacific Jazz years were very special indeed. And yes, that astounding single stroke roll at 12:38!

[@jamescpotter]

I love Jay Corre´s tenor sax sound. The whole band sounds great. Not bad for Buddy´s first outing in ´66!! The incredible thing about BR was he could play what he imagined.

[@cloudview747]

I absolutely love Jay Corre's sound also. And of course I agree with you about B.

[@wheeleyguy]

@@cloudview747 Jay Corre had such a splendid sound...Lyrical and swinging.. Absolutely Beautiful..

[@xavbs1]

Thanks for all of this !!! )))))

[@cloudview747]

+Xavier Bluhm Soubira You are very welcome!

[@arabjazz]

Jay Corre and I were good friends and we played together a lot from 1987 or so until he died, I miss him greatly a unique and funny man. RIP Jay

[@cloudview747]

I am a drummer, but I must tell you, I absolutely love everything about Jay's playing - tone, phrasing, etc - EVERYTHING! How wonderful that you were friends and played together.

[@arame29]

Did jay play with Harry James?

[@arabjazz]

@@arame29 Yes uin the 60's I think.

[@smctrout4423]

@@arame29 I think that Buddy poached Jay when he (Buddy) left Harry James to form his own band.

[@tomlandrigan1346]

Wow! What thrill! This is like the Holy Grail!!! Thank you so much for posting!

[@cloudview747]

+Tom Landrigan This is a sort of Holy Grail, and you are welcome.

[@MikeJamesMedia]

Wonderful to hear and see this again. Thank you!

[@cloudview747]

+Mike James Indeed it is wonderful! You are welcome.

[@jeffreyfranco6411]

Great performance. I believe 1966 was the same year Bill Reddy arranged this for the Band. It's great to watch this early version having watched the later versions of Buddy's solos on WSS, noting the changes and mainstays regarding the techniques he used over the decades.

[@cloudview747]

Yes. Very unfortunate that the original high quality color videotape of this show is destroyed.

[@WayneDeBord]

As an addendum, Bill Reddie (proper spelling) also wrote Channel One Suite. A major Las Vegas composer/arranger.

[@Rob_Kates]

This is rare since most of Johnny's shows from 1962-1972 (the New York years) were not saved. There are just 13 full shows from that period that exist.

[@cloudview747]

+Rob Kates And for this particular show the BR portion, thank goodness, survives in the form of a b&w film transfer. The original color videotape is gone as you say.

[@Rob_Kates]

cloudview747 Yes, thanks for all of the Buddy Rich videos that you post. I am always amazed at his stunning talent. Starting with the 1972 shows, Johnny Carson made sure they were archived. It is cool now since the shows are back on the air, on Antenna TV, 7 nights per week. Johnny was a drummer himself, and good friends with Buddy. Buddy gave Johnny one of his drum kits.

[@cloudview747]

+Rob Kates You are welcome for the postings.

[@chuckcolson]

+Rob Kates there's about forty from the hollywood years. they were on this site until the carson group removed all of them. fuckin inbreds

[@aportugueserose]

That's my Papa Walter Battagello on Trumpet!

[@cloudview747]

It makes me very happy that you have this video to be able to see and enjoy him!

[@aportugueserose]

cloudview787 Thank you so much

[@MIKIEEYEZ1975]

I need proof that thus is your Pops!

[@gaspo2180]

Never saw this. I see a metal DynaSonic, dual bass drum spurs, an 18" ride cymbal. Anything else ? This is an important video for a lot of reasons, thank you for showing this. Made my day. Buddy said later in the 80's that his playing got better. After seeing this, I agree. He was a bit on the sloppy side, he got much tighter as he got older.

[@MARKMANIATT]

gaspo2180 On the sloppy side?Are you watching the same posting???

[@arame29]

ride cymbal only 18"? thats the same size as a crash cymbal

[@nealsausen4651]

Nothing sloppy about that or any of his playing for that matter

[@erzug]

The Rogers kit Buddy's playing is very similar to the one I purchased from Ellis Tollin, owner of Music City in Philly back in '65. However, I had no 2nd floor tom, 22 instead of 24 (or 26) inch bass drum, and the color was Blue Onyx Pearl. Since I started taking lessons there (first Friday afternoons and then Saturdays) shortly thereafter, I would see Ellis on a regular basis. He had a good sense of humor. About six months after I purchased my set, I remember (tongue in cheek) telling him that I was very happy with the set he sold me, but was kind of disappointed that it didn't play as fast as BR's. He picked up on the intended humor immediately and responded with something like "You noticed that, too? I have the same issue with mine also". Fun times.

[@speedoflite1]

+erzug lol, 1969-70, I bought my 1st (stolen) and 2nd Rogers kit - red ripple; 5 pc.; Music City, 1033 Chestnut Street, Philly; at 13 yo, my mom would hold my r-foot down 'til learning proper syncopation. time flies.never got super good but I'm still tappin' away...just bought new pair of vic firthsticks - marching band and 5Bs in Glenside

[@erzug]

1033 Chestnut? Not when I was there. The store was in the 1700 block. They had another store over in Cherry Hill, NJ. Don't remember a second center city location, however.

[@speedoflite1]

+erzug lol, I think we're both right. ... wish I'd kept my sales receipt for nostalgic purposes because things change, and, info from 1960s, 70s can be hard to find. Google: (online article) "Incubating Philly Jazz Talent At Music City" - to at least agree that Music City was the place to go [drums, guitars, band equipment, lessons] back in the day. ditto: "8th Street Music." Remember?

[@erzug]

So it appears the 1033 Chestnut St. location preceded the 17xx Chestnut street site? All I know is that in 1965, the store was at the 17xx location. I remember seeing Ellis and Bill Welsh at the store. Not so much when the Cherry Hill store opened, however.

[@speedoflite1]

+erzug No biggy. Music City and the former cc Philly music store scene disappeared long ago. Things change and memories fade away. lol, hardly anyone mentions Rogers - "Blue Onyx Pearl" anymore - which were very popular, very expensive back then. I suspect your parents treated you special. - indulgent, supportive of your interests, as much as mine. Who else would tolerate all the racket from drumming (neighborhood band, guitar/bass, buddies) playing badly in the home? lucky you, lol. I can relate.

[@Lewy3958]

Hi Cloudview hope this message finds you well , i was just thinking the other day after going through my pics with Buddy etc etc . Imagine what it must have been like on that opening night at the Chez in The shock , when he had reformed the Big Band against most peoples wishes . The shock , the disbelief of what members of the audience seen , heard & felt must have been jaw dropping ....my only ever regret even after seeing him over 160 times as you know .....i would just loved to have looked around the room and seen the first ever reaction

[@cloudview747]

I know exactly what you mean. That's why I always enjoy reading the liner notes for the original Swingin' New Big Band album on vinyl, because Johnny Carson talks about the first audience reactions at The Chez. I also enjoy reading what Benny Green says in some of the Souvenir Brochures. For instance, in the one with the red cover (from 1970 I think?) Benny writes: "But for all of Rich's popularity in this country today, the thought I shall always treasure is that early concert when almost nobody came. As far as I was able to confirm, there were at least thirty professional drummers in that audience. What was really priceless was their reaction. At the end of the show the house lights went up, and I had a chance to study their faces. There was on all the faces a dazed expression. One or two were ashen, and one man who accepted an offer from me for a cigarette could not control his trembling hands. I think those drummers constituted the most completely shattered audience I have ever seen. What those drummers had witnessed was, simply, the impossible."

[@nealsausen4651]

The CHEZ nightclub is now a dry cleaners. I think it’s run by Armenians!

[@erzug]

Back then he had that ride cymbal sitting lower than any other drummer I can recall.

[@edellis7691]

CLOUDVIEW RULES. I HAVE HIS CONCERT LIVE I RECORDED IN 69 AT A BALLROOM

[@mobrules29]

This solo is a tour de force, but in my opinion, his solos grew much more varied and interesting in the 70s and 80s. In the 60s solos seemed to often be an all out assault; rapid machine gun fire, 100 mph from start to finish, percussion pyrotechnics on a dizzying scale. I loved the phrasing, for lack of a better description, and the melodiousness of the later decades.

[@tolvarr]

More great stuff!

[@cloudview747]

+tolvarr Glad you like it.

[@tolvarr]

+cloudview747 Absolutely!!

[@arame29]

What an historic prrformance Unlike California, where he played with the House band, Carson let Buddy bring his entire band on the show Performed the entire WSS medley Note: The rhythm section had a guitar. Used the double bass. Later, when the guitar was dropped, switched to the fender bass Opening song was Apples aka Gino.

[@dleifmon]

So Crazy!... I love it. After the song Buddy looks like he's about to spit up blood... and have a smoke.. . wasn't this after his second heart attack? And he lived 20 more years... Cheers!

[@edellis515]

PLEASE GOD BRING HIM BACK!!!!!!!!!

[@cloudview747]

Oh man, do we ever need him BAD, and in more ways than one.

[@jazzsnare]

Look at that bass drum!!

[@m.j.mcilroy5470]

JIm Trimble owned "Somewhere" After he left Buddy couldn't find many trombone players who could play it to his satisfaction. This was probably Buddy's best all round band of all.

[@cloudview747]

I absolutely love Jim Trimble and Jay Corre! And like you say, the whole band is excellent.

[@jonyoungdahl2307]

I heard Buddy's band live a few times after Trimble left. Buddy eventually cut Somewhere out of the medley.

[@arame29]

I thought Rick Diaz played it admirably also

[@m.j.mcilroy5470]

@@arame29 I think you mean Vince Diaz. I agree! If Alan Kaplan, who was on the band as 2nd bone around 1973 had had a shot at it, it would have been a great version of that solo. Alan is one of the world's greatist players, and he was great way back then.

[@thoof2001]

I always wondered why, in later years, Buddy dropped 'Somewhere' out of the medley. It really is the soul of the piece, and your explanation sounds plausible. Buddy should have paid Jim what he wanted!

[@davidrutman6109]

Just incredible!

[@cloudview747]

+David Rutman Indeed it is.

[@jenko701]

Just amazing.

[@cloudview747]

😊

[@BigBillLucas]

WOW a very rare and amazing clip! Why you ask, because 66 was year Buddy formed his ultimate big band, i'm wondering if this was the first TV performance after the album release.

[@cloudview747]

First TV performance of WSS yes, but not the first TV performance. Hollywood Palace (October) and The Mike Douglas Show (early November) came before this.

[@waltgdrums1]

What snare drum is Buddy using here? Doesn’t look like a Rogers Dynasonic or Powertone and appears to be shallow perhaps 4-4.5” deep.

[@davidsaelens9168]

I didn't start "slicing" the cymbal on the left side until I saw Buddy do it. Whatever Buddy did is very o.k. with me. DAVID SAELENS, Rock Island, IL.

[@dylangatenby9928]

Buddy would often crash the ride cymbal too.

[@kyloken]

Thanks, this is fantastic!

[@cloudview747]

+Kenny Rhodes My pleasure.

[@arame29]

was that John Bunch on piano, before Tony Bennett offered him the conductor's baton?

[@bigswingface5847]

Yes.

[@raymondolsen2332]

Find the Gang of Four that don't like this ... put em' on cigarette butt detail. Then again ? Forget it, man. " NEVER run after a bus; there will ALWAYS be another. " - Mel Brooks Once in a lifetime performance. A measure of gratitude to Mr. Cloudview 747's benevolence.

[@eric_in_florida]

Hey I have that vinyl!

[@fredmarcin2453]

Such a genius.

[@cloudview747]

Definitely!

[@erzug]

While he was still playing Rogers, too.

[@bkrider19]

Even with the poor audio we can tell how tight this band was by about the 2:25 mark and the rest of the first piece. Arguably this was Buddy's best band; the players were all expert even though some were very young (lead trumpet was 17-year-old Chuck Findley), and the soloists were world class, first and foremost Jay Corre on tenor, Findley, Trimble and (if I'm not mistaken) John Bunch on piano.

[@mauriciohernandez7022]

Trek Ryder isn't that a young Bobby Shew? I know Bobby was in the band for 3 albums: West side story, Big Swing face and The Buddy rich and Frank Sinatra album.

[@bkrider19]

You're right! My error. Thanks for the correction. What was the Frank Sinatra album?

[@bernielove3019]

Godmnit. How do I get to sleep after that!!

[@roybeckerman9253]

Buddy's Rogers period. He went back to Slingerland around 1968 through to 1978. All the drums he played sounded great. It was Buddy, more than the kits. Gene Krupa ( Slingerland ) Ringo ( Ludwig ) were more loyal to their drums and didn't change companies for endorsements, once they had become famous.

[@arame29]

yes and Charlie Watts and Max Roach's loyalty to Gretsch

[@bigswingface5847]

Later on in his career, Roach went with Ludwig.

[@roybeckerman9253]

+Big Swing Face Charlie Watts briefly used Ludwig, before switching to Gretsch in 1968. Some of their biggest hits before then, were on Ludwigs. Joe Morello was Ludwig, before DW later in life. So many famous drummers today, have changed to DW.

[@cjgaddy]

JIM TRIMBLE playing the beautiful “SOMEWHERE” (West Side Story) Trombone solo beg. @8:35.

[@cloudview747]

Love it!

[@erzug]

One more time....

[@brianchisnell1548]

Dang Cloud. Where did you find this one? Fantastic!! Rogers era. Wow! Thanks again for sharing

[@cloudview747]

It's a shame there's missing footage at the beginning of the drum solo. But the audio only version is complete. Here's a link: kzbin.info/www/bejne/sHfKlKGkgdaSgqs

[@erzug]

He was so happy to be able to play his music with none of the restraints on him with Harry James and the obligatory dance tunes thrown in.

[@cloudview747]

+erzug Yes I have no doubt that is true.

[@joecaroselli5858]

erzug. That is a terrific point you make. Even though Harry James did feature Buddy, you are correct, it was a commercial dance orchestra centered around Harry's trumpet. Excellent thought.

[@TSTatum]

The solo starting around 13:30 or so I’m 64 I give up drumming just kidding Buddy makes me never want to quit. Love ya Buddy

[@johnastrup1549]

KING. DRUMMER 🌟

[@cloudview747]

👍