Artist: Buddy Rich Album: Lionel Hampton Presents: Buddy Rich

Year: 1977
Duration: 0:0-1

Reviewing Lionel Hampton Presents: Buddy Rich – A Critical Analysis of the Album

Buddy Rich was one of the most celebrated and recognized drummers, having played with legends like Frank Sinatra, Ella Fitzgerald, and Miles Davis. He was also an accomplished bandleader, leading his band for more than 50 years. In 1977, Lionel Hampton – another jazz master – produced the album Lionel Hampton Presents: Buddy Rich which showcased Buddy's exceptional drumming and his band's remarkable mix of big band jazz with funk and rock. In this blog post, we will take a critical view of the album, analyzing its genres, standout songs, innovative parts, and offer a critical opinion on the album.

The album is a mix of jazz, funk, and rock styles, showcasing the versatility of Buddy's band. The first track, The beat goes on, is an example of the mixing styles where a funky beat and soulful horn lines drive the song, mixed with Buddy's drumming that sets the theme for the entire album. Straight, No Chaser, on the other hand, is a classic jazz standard that shows Buddy's mastery of traditional jazz drumming.

One of the standout songs of the album is Greasy Sack Blues. This song stands out because of its bluesy feel, where a bluesy guitar riff sets the tone for Buddy's drum solo, delivering a perfectly balanced blend of blues, rock, and jazz. Tommy Medley is another standout track, where Buddy's drumming is fully on display. The song begins with a slow rhythm and gradually builds up into a frenzied tempo, displaying Buddy's technical drumming prowess.

The album's most innovative parts are the solos of each band member. Each musician gets a chance to shine, with solos taking place on their featured instruments. The horn section solos on Greasy Sack Blues, the pianist on Time Check, and Buddy, of course, has his drum solo on Greasy Sack Blues. This approach gives the listener an immersive experience, where each musician can demonstrate their individuality and collective skills.

Critically reviewing the album, it's impressive to note that there is no shortage of musical virtuosity on the record. Every musician displays their prowess, but the songs themselves sometimes feel like a collection of solos, rather than a complete album. While the fusion of rock, jazz, and funk is well executed, the album tends to feel like it’s borrowed too much from other genres, rather than forging a unique identity. Also, some of the tracks sound quite similar, with the same tempo and feel, making it hard to distinguish one song from another.

In conclusion, Lionel Hampton Presents: Buddy Rich is an album that perfectly captures the exceptional drumming skills of Buddy Rich and the musicianship of his band. The album showcases the versatility of jazz, funk, and rock genres and is littered with standout tracks that display the band's collective skills. However, the album lacks cohesion as a whole, with a sound that borrows from other genres, rather than setting its identity. Regardless of these criticisms, Lionel Hampton Presents: Buddy Rich merits repeated listening, providing a musical experience that showcases the exceptional talent of one of jazz's giants.