This is one of the best all-round sets by the Buddy Rich big band. The original Rich in London RCA LP, which contains nine selections, is augmented by four additional numbers from the same dates that were originally issued on a British RCA LP. The Rich orchestra at the time featured the great Pat La Barbera on tenor and soprano, trombonist Bruce Paulson, and lead trumpeter Lin Biviano along with many lesser-known but talented soloists. The arrangements of John La Barbera, Don Piestrup, Herbie Phillips, Oliver Nelson, Mike ...
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This is one of the best all-round sets by the Buddy Rich big band. The original Rich in London RCA LP, which contains nine selections, is augmented by four additional numbers from the same dates that were originally issued on a British RCA LP. The Rich orchestra at the time featured the great Pat La Barbera on tenor and soprano, trombonist Bruce Paulson, and lead trumpeter Lin Biviano along with many lesser-known but talented soloists. The arrangements of John La Barbera, Don Piestrup, Herbie Phillips, Oliver Nelson, Mike Gibbs and Bill Holman (the lengthy "Time Being") keep the musicians challenged and the music from ever being too predictable. Rich sounds inspired and really pushes the other musicians during these "Live from Ronnie Scott's" performances. While the Buddy Rich Orchestra sometimes played rock-influenced charts, this CD is an exception, featuring such jazz classics as "Moment's Notice," "In a Mellow Tone," "Milestones" and "Two Bass Hit." While "Time Being" is not as memorable as the "Channel One Suite" or the "West Side Story Medley" that Rich sometimes used as his showcase, and a couple of the ballads are forgettable, there is plenty of excitement to be heard throughout these performances. The date is rounded off by a humorous ad-lib monologue from the unique Buddy Rich. Highly recommended. ~ Scott Yanow, Rovi
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