I was extremely lucky to do a part two week stint with Don Menza at the Pizza Express in Soho London in 1988. He was very appreciative towards our trio with myself on drums. He called us all `Cats` which I remember with pride to this day.
I planned my Vegas trips around Don Menza Big Band - Jazz on the Strip @ the Riv for years. I got to talk to him after the show one night and he seemed more interested in what I played. Gotta love a monster player with a humble personality. ❤❤❤
He is referring to (@ 5:45) The Snape Maltings in Suffolk, England. It is "North of London" on the basis that England is a very small country. I live in Suffolk and I honestly didn't know that Buddy Rich had even been here, let alone played. That's an astounding fact. I really enjoyed this interview, thanks for posting
Great interview! Met Don Menza here in Montreal 28 years ago...great guy! Really praised both Louie and Buddy but he did say Buddy Rich was the greatest drummer and bandleader!
His son was the drummer in Megadeth during the 90s. One of the best in heavy metal/hard rock. It's cool to learn that his father is a musical legend as well.
Interview conducted by ("Monk") a retired music teacher and reed player from Central NY who played at my wedding, along with pianist Rick Montalbano of Rome, NY, father-in-law of Jane Monheit.
When I was in college jazz ensemble on bass, the instructor had Don Menza come over and sort of do a workshop with us. I was a little put off by his "cat" vibe but that was more a "me problem" than anything else; his vibe was clearly the real deal. But he worked with all of the sections including me personally and he was very gracious with his time and attention. I kept seeing his name pop up here and there in the years since, including on a live Louis Bellson CD.
I saw Buddy's band from a front table at the smallish Club Laurel in 1968. Buddy even said, "This is the first time I've played ina sewer..." It was a stage that I had played drums on many times. Menza BURNED his solos all night. Fantastic solos. At the end of the night, Buddy dressed you down in front of the audience for playing too many "birdies," and he told you "You're better than that." I remember how hurt you looked. But seeing this interview all these years later changes my perception of that night. He recognized your off-the-charts ability. BTW, Buddy had a good night behind the Slingerland kit (with Rogers Swiv-O-Matic pedal). You, Sir, had a GREAT night.
@@jazzsnare "Birdies" is the universal term for upper register bursts, usually on trumpet or sax. Some elites consider them tawdry and cheap. Rich's dressing down of Menza was inappropriate, especially from a drummer that often employed showy gimmicks in his solos. Greatest drummer of all time, but he crossed arms, played on the snare rim, play bass drum with a stick, etc. Showy, entertaining stuff. Menza did nothing wrong, and Rich"s harsh words destroyed him. He was in tears. Bullshit move from a superb drummer.
@@roccovaselino Thanks, I thought it was a golf term. I never got why Buddy used the stick on the bass drum, as if his foot couldn't have done it better. Yes, he knew how to wow the crowd. Yet, he had to since most listeners could not appreciate his ensemble playing as he made it so effortless; the showmanship had to be done. Maybe it was jealousy that made him lash out at Menza. I know a bass player that he kicked off the bus in the middle of nowhere, and that was uncalled for too, it seems, but he won't talk about it to this day. I could never have taken the pressure Buddy took so I cannot judge him.
I heard "Channel 1 Suite" for the first time many years ago.Menza played one of the greatest tenor sax solos I ever heard. On par with Coleman Hawkins' Body and Soul w/ Stan Kenton. Beautiful sound.!
I have always favored Don Menza'a fabulous solos. I met him and got an autograph in my Real book when he was a featured player on the S/S Norway floating jazz cruise ! That was in '87 or '88. There was a great soca / reggae band playing on the pool deck every day and 1 day Don Menza came out with his tenor to jam with the band ! It was a fabulous experience. I ran to my cabin to get my Real book and he was kind enough to give me a great autograph ! The reggae band was called Sunny Days they were great too.
Buddy like Sammy could dance, sing and play the traps Buddy was obviously the better drummer and Sammy probaly the better tap dancer but both extraordinarily talented individuals
You can find the studio recording that he references here on YT. It is unmixed and sounds a little rough. Menza's solo is short....much shorter than the live date.
Great stuff . There is a lot of bllsht out there about what a bad guy Buddy was . My research indicates the truth is more complex & important . “ He told the truth “ . Thx .
