Buddy Rich: Up Close - "Dancing Men" 1982 Performance

Watch the full concert!
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See and Hear the Master at Work! Classic Buddy Rich tunes performed live in 1982. Never-before released, includes special audio tracks.
The technique, musicality, intensity, and dedication that Buddy brings to music he plays leave many saying, “He is the greatest drummer in the world - a genius - there will never be another Buddy Rich.” In 1982, Buddy did three shows over three days as a pilot for a jazz television series with guests Mel Tormé, Gerry Mulligan, Woody Herman, Ray Charles, Anita O’ Day, Stan Getz, and Lionel Hampton.
This VOD spotlights six of Buddy’s classic tunes that he played with the band during that show. We re-edited these tunes to focus every possible camera on Buddy throughout the entire tune, so you will see the master at work, at all times.
Not only do you get the standard audio mix, you get an additional two audio mixes: one with the band hot so you can play along, with Buddy in the background; the other with Buddy hot so you can hear the nuances in his time, feel, and technique. Buddy’s playing is unique. He plays not just with his hands and feet, but also with every fiber of his being.
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[@drumchannel]

We're taking a poll and want to hear from you! 😊 Who do YOU want to see next on Drum Channel? Reply to this comment🤘

[@PeterBrown-mz4nv]

Jack Dejohnette.

[@CurtisRoyArt]

Billy Cobham

[@whateva2830]

Rod Morgenstein, this guy is brilliant and soooo underrated !!!!!

[@tomcarr4630]

Jeff Hamilton

[@snivelinj7612]

Louis Belson.

[@maximetheo7180]

Keep in mind that buddy was 65 years old and still played like a warrior.

[@farshimelt]

Roy Haynes is in his 90s and still doing it, n doing it, n doing it.

[@maximetheo7180]

@@farshimelt Roy Haynes is a legend too, great cats

[@Calvin1985]

65 is not that old though.

[@maximusaviationchannel]

Didnt live much longer either. Had quite a few heartattacks along the way.

[@DannyGibsondgpix]

He never played the same tune the same way twice. Simply the greatest there ever was.

[@petegregory517]

He couldn't read or write music but had a fantastic "drumming" mentality.

[@garypugh1153]

I'm 71. Seen buddy rich twice... like seeing god with drumsticks 🇺🇸

[@glenbuttery8309]

I worked at Ronnie Scott's club in Soho in '82 and in March, Buddy played a week there playing two shows a night. I was the worst waiter that week cos all I wanted was to watch the band! I put myself on bandroom duty too so I could meet Mr Rich. We shook hands, talked a little and I shared a doob with him! I was incandescent with joy and letters home to NZ family and friends were ONLY about that week! Magical!

[@RC-gf8cs]

I puffed in bottom line nyc audience n bathroom.. staff cudnt find frm tables.. i was undercover

[@jasonwatson350]

Dude

[@inktime]

If you watch closely you can see him sing the horn solos. No one played with so much energy and speed and made it look so effortless. For a guy that couldn’t read music it is amazing that he didn’t miss one single nuance of any piece he performed on, and that included West Side Story. Johnny Carson once asked him if it was going to be difficult to perform with the London Philharmonic because he couldn’t read music. His response was”maybe for them”. What a drummer!

[@boomerguy9935]

When he was introduced to Tommy Dorsey by the previous drummer, Tommy didn't want to talk to him because he knew Buddy couldn't read music. Buddy told Tommy to let him hear a song all the way through before he played it. Tommy reluctantly agreed. Buddy played it perfectly. I think Buddy eventually learned to read, but didn't need to because of his amazing memory. Likewise, he was pressured by other drummers to try double-bass drums. One night, Buddy was playing with doubles and was complimented by a guy on how much better he sounded. Buddy showed him the back side of the basses and there was only one foot pedal. Buddy didn't need the second bass drum, so he proved it so people would stop bugging him.. Another true story is, Buddy was playing handball with his brother, tripped and fell against a wall and broke his arm in three placed. He continued playing with his band for three months with a sling on his arm, and playing with the other. Gifted, stubborn and tough. Buddy was indeed a prodigy and I respect his speed, timing and skills. However, all his songs sound alike to me. I much prefer someone like Joe Morello or Papa Jo Jones. But, that's just me. Yes, I'm a jazz drummer and I've done a lot of homework over the last 60 years.

[@Johnnycdrums]

@@boomerguy9935; I met him in Portland Maine, my father dropped me off and my mother picked me up. I stuck around and helped him pack up his cymbals, he couldn't have been nicer helping me with my nervous little small talk. I saw Buddy Buddy Rich twice, but I saw The Buddy Rich Big Band thrice (the ghost band, about six months after he died). I didn't meet Buddy this time, but the second time I saw him was even crazier. It was the Buddy Rich Big Band and this guy's orchestra', lol. I'll let you guys guess who had their full band onstage also. Woody Herman's full big band and an unbielievable upright bass monster, we don't know why his hands didn't fall off. They just rolled the concert grand back and fourth between sets (It was always on dolly wheel frame apparently). Amazing, nice wide stage for Gorham High School, Maine, USA.

[@markdavis5562]

Without A Doubt greatest drummer of all time

[@anthonysaponaro6318]

One of them for sure Greatest Jazz drummer of all times certainly.

[@csisalesbasics673]

Love the matched grip at the start. Buddy was the very best

[@Martin_Bernard]

Always this nonsense GOAT comment under every video of famous drummer

[@csisalesbasics673]

That is because Buddy was the best@@Martin_Bernard

[@Martin_Bernard]

@@csisalesbasics673 It sounds like a religion, there's no best

[@steveec9704]

Wearing a 3 piece suit and no blowing fan. Buddy was on another level never seen today

[@bigswingface5847]

A 3 piece suit is jacket, vest and pants.

[@whateva2830]

There are a lot of excellent drummers out there, but in my opinion, this guy is the "GOAT " WOW !!!

[@petegregory517]

My hero since mid '60's.

[@iainadam1005]

Mine as well, discovered Buddy on Big Swing Face when I was 15 years old, never look back since, the very best drummer ever, and believe me when I say there quite a few very brilliant drummers out there today.

[@lornestein7248]

The only show my Dad ever took me to see was Buddy, around '79-80. So happy he did. Not only that but it was the opening act that I truly remember more - Weather Report with Jaco!! Now that's a concert I will never forget. Thanks for the post.

[@MrFg1980]

Whoa !

[@InflatablePlane]

Shit. TWO Legends under one roof? How did the universe not explode?!!

[@paulpatrick1108]

I tell you what...Buddy Rich was a Show my Dad made DAMM sure I was at..

[@greatwhite61967]

Daaaaammmmmnnn... Your day truly knew his music & this was something up to my generation did & that was to take our kids to shows of festivals so they got to see the real deal one & onlys & a diverse group of solo acts & band's who got a chance to play at those shows but predominantly Festivals... Unfortunately being brought up in Europe it was difficult to see these great in shows of festivals & he had to hop the show or festivals were recorded so we can watch them at home & KZbin & a Big Thank You goes out to those who uploads many of these gems that were still recorded & you give us a chance to see these amazung musician's & i Thank You... In light of this still ongoing coronavirus & its variants stay safe and healthy wherever you are in this world... " Respect & Peace " Slainte .....

[@McMillanScottish]

If Weather Report ever needed any more credibility than they already had, then sharing that bill would’ve done it.

[@Bamainjc]

Seriously, who plays like that wearing a suit ? The GOAT.

[@superacesnare]

Truly amazing he often played ina suit when I saw him in the 80s he wore a jumper.

[@lfader]

Seriously I can't even walk and chew gum in a suit !!! 🤣🤣🤣🤸

[@mat4410]

I hated tux when I did shows! Thanks for the call out.

[@danielauger5724]

Buddy Rich 😁

[@bebobalula]

In his younger days he wore a black suit, white shirt and black tie, and so did Gene Krupa, Rufus Jones, Papa Jo etc. That was dress code back in the good old days. It must have been hot as hell.

[@monkofwar]

The. Greatest. Drummer. Of. ALL. TIME!

[@Denvalk]

My father was a professional drummer for over 65 years, playing his last gig at 85. I play for my own enjoyment for the last 60 years. My dad said, and I heartily agree, there was nobody that could touch Buddy Rich. That left hand is incredible.

[@stevecox1304]

I saw him in El Paso. Got to talk to him. You would not believe what an incredibly humble man he really was. Steve

[@Meme-zc4cw]

You are right, I wouldn't believe it. 😂 Seriously though, what an incredible experience. You are lucky!

[@stantomas]

I met him once, he was hanging w a bunch of other drummers before the outdoor show...it was such a cool vibe..not much talk....very humble, i felt he was focused on the gig coming. took a pic w/ him by his drums while he ate a hot dog. cool guy...

[@picklerick_91]

i would give anything to see buddy rich in ep 😅

[@DimIsHigh]

I don't think I've ever seen someone playing THIS bombastically while still PERFECTLY serving the music.

[@jgdmlw]

He was unbelievable. A good drummer can steal the show.

[@andyrichardson6188]

@@jgdmlw Yes, but... what most drummers don't get is they are there to make the band sound better. Buddy and Louie Bellson did this brilliantly. All their fill work was in the background and didn't overshadow the band.

[@kcjazzcat7822]

I was lucky enough to see Buddy and his band in person, 6 times. Dad was a drummer, so we went whenever we could. One time we watched him from stage right. We watched his left hand and his right foot. For years, when other bands/drummers would play the same charts, it never sounded the same. It was only about 30 years ago, I realized, it was the left hand and all the fills. The speed, precision and his ease of effort makes watching him all that more enjoyable. There are good drummers out there, but not sure I'll ever see another that comes close to Mr. Rich.

[@kevinkilduff2064]

Atop Mt. Olympus one finds the gods; prominently among them one will find Buddy Rich.

[@robertperrella4194]

buddy rich makes the impossible LOOK EASY !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@themole2024]

The rest of us could practice for 200 years and never come close to B Rich. A freak of Drumming nature for sure.

[@onemoremisfit]

Buddy was purpose-built.

[@kylewells6871]

Everytime is see footage of buddy that I haven't seen before im still in awe and he always does something that makes me rewind it over and over. That sweep on the crashes while doing the kick/snare double strokes, 👌

[@kearneydillon4803]

Actually the best sounding recording I've heard of his drums. They sound amazing. The kick is actually nice in the mix, the toms sing. The soundman knew his stuff.

[@kevp9601]

🥳🥳HAPPY "HEAVENLY" BIRTHDAY, BUDDY RICH IN HEAVEN🥳🥳

[@ianmorris5501]

If you close your eyes during that solo, your lost in a frenzy of rhythm. The governor.🥁♥️🥁

[@toddwalker4301]

The tenor and trombone solos were phenomenal. Wow!

[@VadimSax]

Yeah! Steve Marcus 🎷🎷🎷👏👏👏

[@harrymills2770]

Great performance all the way around.

[@aaronreeves8376]

He’s like a freight train, just killer!!!

[@kristaqkonomi8581]

I THINK this is the pinnacle of BUDDY's masterful execution, no one can reach it..

[@dissyduster]

Wow we ...Just got blown away with this,,,No i could afford a tickit but it must have been a main night out of a lifetime.

[@juanvillalobos4539]

El rey de la batería..... increíble....

[@duckman23]

I've been playing drums for about 28 years and this guy is always been my Michael Jordan of drums. The best!!!

[@kevp9601]

💛💛BEST KING OF "EVERY AMERICAN JAZZ DRUMMER MUSICIANS" WE HAVE EVER HAD. 💛💛

[@RoryVanucchi]

Great chart Saw Buddy about that time period One of a kind

[@MrFg1980]

I mouth breathed for most of that...

[@baldsdeep]

Had that all time great sounding kit absolutley submitting to the sticks!

[@michaelquillen2679]

I recognize that 4th trumpet player. I played with him for several years with the Yellowstone Big Band, the in-resident band of the Yellowstone Jazz Festival, where he played lead. John Harbaugh, currently, Professor of trumpet at Central Washington.

[@AlanTauber-DrumConnection]

2:53 - 3:2-Ah forget it. The whole thing is Buddy at his best! Amazing drumming! So glad I saw him so much in the late 60's, the 70's and into the mid 80's. This is one hell of a recording! Thank you!

[@polymorphing9195]

Im so jealous you actually got to see him live, such a legend

[@jonathanshirer2395]

The laws of probability state that there would inevitably be a drummer of Buddy Rich's caliber. And so there was. But ONLY one. We will not see his equal again.🙏

[@fredjeannieschultz1251]

It's kind of interesting that that song doesn't swing, and has more of a straight feel to it, and that Buddy used matched grip as much as he did. He started, and ended the song that way. Having said that; what a drummer! There will never be another Buddy Rich.

[@davidlanier7006]

If you watch a lot of drummers who use conventional grip they all seem to switch to match grip when the drumming gets hot and heavy in a song.

[@ghiblinerd6196]

He played about 99% of the song using traditional

[@superacesnare]

There is a good version of this on buddy rich live at Ronnie Scots.

[@gringochucha]

Well, it's like a weird swung disco feel (the only way I can think of how to describe it), but even when he's playing a straighter song, he's still swinging. I mean, come on. I don't think the man was capable of playing 100% straight, and that's fine by me.

[@andyrichardson6188]

@@superacesnare Probably the best version of that song. Except when I saw it live. I can't recall who they lead trumpet play was, but he was awesome on this song and Birdland. Maybe Chuck Schmidt?

[@janalkema9320]

It’s this simple: if you think there’s someone better, then you’re not a drummer. In a league of his own

[@janbergvil3598]

Buddy Rich is just brutal, Steve Marcus was on fire, and the trombonist its bassicly a beast, only one question. WHY DOES THE TROMBONE NOT APEAR on all of the SOLO? This just got me so mad, as a brass player. But apart of that, a legend of theme and a legend drummer.

[@janbergvil3598]

si

[@PeterBrown-mz4nv]

I'm a drummer and that got mad, too.

[@justynhppdrummer98]

One of the Greatest Jazz Drummer that Inspired Me ❤ Bravo and Kudos Mr. Buddy Rich 👏🔥

[@StevieZero]

I wish I had paid more attention to all these guys when they were still alive and not so much on the Punk Rock and Rock Music I was into in the 70s&80s... Thank God for KZbin

[@JayGee-ti7oe]

I think he was in a world of his own . . .. just superb.

[@Neil-pv8pw]

I’ve sat up close to his drums twice and even got to touch his drum kit it’s was brillo

[@jckhammer]

Thankfully this exists with at least some more emphasis and care into mic'ng the drum kit . It allows us to hear so much of his drum playing. Just goes to show how much is missed in his earlier drum recordings. This guy can swing like no other drummer that I have ever watched . Nm his solos

[@jasonglasmann3734]

I was thinking the same thing. He sounded great. Man that dude can play... Utah Kid.......

[@SXI96]

Was thinking the exact same.. you can hear all the little ghost notes, the snare sounds so crisp, and the rest of kit sounds luscious, the cymbals sound so chocolately too

[@FranklinBabb-jl1nv]

There is only one Buddy Rich.

[@FranklinBabb-jl1nv]

If God played drums it would be Buddy Rich

[@keepthemetalflowing]

Excellent tune and Buddy as always is amazing. His time, as always, was stunning.

[@BlackRootsAcademyOfSoul]

One of the most 'melodic' Drum solos I've ever heard 👌🏿 Greetings from Uganda 🇺🇬👊🏿❤️

[@PeterBrown-mz4nv]

Yes, definitely one of his more melodic solos.

[@littlebubba6199]

I listen to music over and over again

[@luislola]

Who would have had the joy of seeing this gentleman Buddy Rich play the drums live? 

[@jojovlogs-shorts]

Even though I was born in the 2000's, this was my childhood 🥲😢😞 It will never be the same😩

[@paulmillard9942]

Incredible band, wonderful solo from Steve Marcus on Tenor, Buddy could light the city of LA with his energy 🥁🔥

[@JohnJohnson-rc6ci]

Totally awesome.

[@ssnoc]

This was an awesome performance - everyone was so energized and Buddy slightly ahead of it all - fantastic 🙏👏👍

[@misterfunnybones]

This is an astounding 177 BPM. That's insane. Great band.

[@stixpooper3704]

Buddy just went for it and so its was always exiting and breathtaking to see him play. The original ANIMAL on the drums!

[@benh2807]

Brilliant. Always pleased to see past students of mine starting to get the hang of the drums.

[@meh1943]

The best…..the absolutely best…….EVER………

[@richardclegg5853]

Neil Peart put together an amazing group of drummers for the album "Burning for Buddy" in which this song is covered just beautifully with Simon Phillips on the kit, an all time favorite song and record

[@wildmike951]

I actually like that version better. Simon Phillips does an amazing job. Nice to hear the song with that arrangement and his solo is incredible. Precision with his double bass work and just nailed it......no disrespect to Buddy but I pick Simon over him on this song. Cool to hear it o his huge drum kit.

[@richardclegg5853]

Yeah, gotta admit, think I agree with you, Buddys being live and other version produced in the studio may have given it a little advantage as well... sure can't go wrong with either

[@wildmike951]

@@richardclegg5853 you are 100% right. Both Amazing....

[@PeterBrown-mz4nv]

I saw Simon with Jeff Beck on the There And Back tour when Simon was only 19. Phenomenal.

[@ajjy1110]

Neil peart 😂

[@avondaledyer8837]

most amazing!!!!

[@rimshot2952]

Got to see Buddy Rich in the 70’s. Epic Drummer.

[@jojovlogs-shorts]

Thank goodness they had cameras or else we would never have known of his greatness!

[@sspradley]

Love it. You got the Toms right and in the quiet bam bam bam bam. Most drummers just does the foot thing but you added the drums like Guerin. Great job!

[@ralphthomas7868]

Simple kit is all a great drummer needs

[@scott9652]

Best drummer ever.

[@mattdelany6799]

The drums sound great

[@lfader]

All together different cloth here !!! 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

[@ligneasim]

my favorite song, i love it! rest in peace, legend!

[@ortizmo]

Still my favorite BR song after first hearing it on Burning for Buddy Vol 1 in 93.

[@polymorphing9195]

One of my favourite performances ever.

[@crazysteve9390]

Great trombone solo. Never saw the guy once during it.

[@stp8103]

Who played the most amazing trombone solo? Incredible! Not even a pan shot of this master.

[@golfnut033]

I know, right. You don't hear trombone solos much. I think Diana Ross has a song with a trombone solo but other than that only Big Band music. This guys solo almost sounded like he had one of those 3 valved trombones but I think he was tearing up the slide! LOL

[@Dana_Danarosana]

Most likely Minnesota's own Bruce Paulson!

[@HellsKitchenFunk]

It sounds like Conrad Herwig.

[@MarkEKozak]

@@HellsKitchenFunk Yes. DEFINITELY Conrad. You can also see him in the group shot.

[@MrFchank]

His footwork. OMG!!

[@winstonrodormer3580]

The quick tempo he plays here is just amazing! 60+ years at that point honing his craft and sounds tighter than tree bark! God bless Buddy!!

[@joaocarlos2352]

OBRIGADO DEUS por nos ter emprestado esse Gênio chamado Buddy Rich por 70 anos, é uma pena que teve de pegar de volta, mas deixou lições ETERNAS.

[@davidrobinson5122]

It's amazing how he goes from the traditional grip on the sticks to the match grip while in the middle of playing

[@VeryLargeCat]

Buddy's face at 2:10 when the sax player hits a sour note 😂😂😂

[@edellis515]

THE GOAT. PERIOD

[@herbertbryant5203]

Met him at the drum shoppe in las vegas !! God Bless the Mahoney Family !!’

[@audiehollon4292]

I have been told that when the Buddy Rich Big Band was performing Dancing Men, they were the only band that could play it due its complexity.

[@FlopFlap1]

This is like the opening music for a game show.

[@rhrh2025]

It's hard to believe that anyone who plays like that didn't read music. He would listen to the band play thru a tune one time, then he'd cut lose on it!

[@misterfunnybones]

This is an astounding 157 beats per minute.

[@josephsantanello3050]

I was thinking the same thing. wild. i thought maybe it was sped up. Original clocks in around 142 I think.

[@remygaron8311]

Awesome love buddy gene and papa joe thanks drum channel

[@jayfreedman9041]

Buddy Rich is the 8th wonder of the world!

[@PeterMosca-c5s]

Buddy Rich A natural, Best ever!

[@vincelucas5722]

Like the Beatles; this will never happen again. He was the best!

[@beatlejim64]

Saw him live...met him...best ever!!!

[@herbertbryant5203]

Seriously the GREATEST of ALL time!!!

[@TheSoulcraft]

We played a marching 'corps style' version of this in college that was the percussion feature. That along with 'Cherokee' as the opener & closed with the Blue Devil version of 'adios muchachos'!

[@lucianonicolasgarcia7311]

Thanks a lot for this document. My favourite Rich song.

[@richardarmogida9316]

The man is awesome, the best😂

[@ericwobschall8410]

You can learn from Buddy Rich but you can't play like him. No one ever has, and when they try it's just embarrassing. He's not only the GOAT for big band drumming, he's a true unicorn. Drummers everywhere, you might as well do your own thing because you're not doing this.

[@joemarquez4721]

Simply The Best...

[@dagostinoification]

EXTRAORDINAIRE BUDDY !

[@giacintolauretani9621]

Absolutely awesome fantastic great awesome wonderful talented gifted artist genius legend

[@Ihitthings3]

For someone who kinda dissed rock styling, I’d say this Buddy was rockin this tune. He lays into a backbeat pretty nicely. I do like this tune a lot. I think the recorded version was slightly more laid back tempo and grooves just a little better. Still killing it. Hope I can jam like this at 65

[@kenanexpress2760]

Maybe he didn’t read but the time was clearly etched in his brain. He’s so fast playing fills making all the changes and going in and out of his solo perfectly. I could watch hours of this. Ozzes talent

[@kenanexpress2760]

Blows me away

[@rockyhill9965]

2:13 Buddy adds triplets on the HH then at 2:19 Steve Markus joins in. That came from playing together so long.

[@jamesmorton7597]

Wow, and wow!