▶ (circa) 1970 • Buddy Rich - [Sept. 30, 1917-April 2, 1987] was a virtuoso jazz drummer and bandleader who was known for his inventive technique, power, and speed.
I'm not an expert on drumming but I do study boxing and what Buddy is doing here is remarkable. His torso and head stay motionless throughout and his shoulders stay at the same height and that conserves energy and you also know your distances very well since you never move. His arms are only moving as much as needed and only the forearms if he can. He is so compact and efficient. He could have been an amazing boxer with that kind of discipline and hand speed.
Anyone who has ever played drums in any capacity knows this guy was the best, period. Plays on the most basic drum kit and sounds like an elite 20 member drum corps.
Bonham got me into drumming 12 years ago. Buddy rich has since took over as my aspiration. Idk how it's even possible to be as good as that, but I do know you need to have a reallyy sharp, quick thinking mind to be able to improv like that
Yes. He reveled in what his hands could do, and his good ears could hear. I mean he had fun with it. I worked on getting that much stick control with the left hand, which was key for him, but I didn't have the tenacity that he undoubtedly had to really develop it. That and hand speed and a good ear for rhythm as well as sound put him at the top of his class. You agree?
It's so antiquated that todays drummer still cannot do what buddy rich did decades ago. You have no clue, of what this man did for jazz as we know it today. So go ahead and be a smart ass petulant child. Because that is all you got really...0 argumentation just childish retorts.
@@BullToTheShit what makes it antiquated? because no one plays like this anymore? please explain yourself, im interested, personally I would get around this all day if he was still around. I watch jazz quite frequently and the drumming is what always captivates me. Something no other genre can emulate. Sorry, nothing comes close, you watch jazz for a level of quality above everything. Ive seen drummers trying to get to this level, it just isnt possible unless your predisposed. So, I can only imagine its 'antiquated' because no one will reach this again. I think his music and his drumming is still revered by most today.
@@BullToTheShit There's no such thing as "antiquated" music, whether it's on drums, guitar, bass, or any other instrument. Listen to music. Bands still use the same playing styles as what happened decades ago. Listen to Greta Van Fleet, for example. They sound like Led Zeppelin. Listen to Oasis. They sounded like The Beatles. Were either of those playing styles "antiquated" since they're decades old? Of course not. Music lives forever. There will always be bands and musicians influenced by older musical trends and the same can be said for Buddy Rich's drums. Maybe not every drummer will be influenced by him, but that doesn't mean that there aren't drummers who are. Plus, considering that Buddy Rich is often credited as being the greatest drummer ever, he definitely is a huge influence on any drummer who wants to be the best drummer he or she can be. Obviously, there is nothing antiquated about that.
he's not just beating out cool patterns like most drummers try. Listening to his playing is like listening to someone talking, telling you a well thought out and articulated story. It sounds so natural, spontaneous, effortless, and never repetitive
Alot of drum solos tend to sound like a drum lesson. Nothing truly bridges naturally but a master like buddy makes it sound natural. I got more out of the video if I closed my eyes and had a good listen and not let the video distract. I'm no drummer I play the bass but I appreciate a talented drummer.
Buddy must've been in a good mood this day because of how creative this solo is. It wasn't all loud and fast, he gets slow, fast, quiet, loud and lots more. He almost never repeats any licks. every 5 seconds you'll be hearing something new. this solo really tells a story. truly one of a kind
people that have never played drums couldn't understand how insane this is! It's just insane.. the virtuosity and the kinetic energy.. the economy of energy and motion.. etc etc. Not to mention the man is probably in his 50's at this point. There's so much technique going on throughout. Plus the last minute or more is blazing single sticking... A 20 year old would be spent after a minute of this.... BUT best of all.. he could swing his ass off, had incredible time and musicality
Absolutely! Even in my most lean and mean years, I'd be ready to collapse after a performance like that. And to comment on those singles, my goodness, it's one thing to be able to play singles at a normal volume for a few seconds. It's almost unthinkable to be able to play singles for as long as he does and at the incredibly soft dynamic level that he achieves. If I were to try that at this point in my drumming career, my singles wouldn't be nearly as fast, nor nearly as controlled. I would start "flamming up" after a very short period of time.
So agree with you. Also when he does the crossovers at stupid amazing speed and all the flash, the subdivisions are always perfect.. it blows my mind literally. It's a brilliance. not something that 99.9 percent have. But still.. the coolest thing to me is he could drive a big band and swing his ass off so hard with incredible time, stroke weight etc .. he was so musical. Miss you Buddy!
+Phil Robertson It's something I've noticed for a lot of instruments...I can't play drums worth a damn, can keep a basic 4/4 beat if asked to but beyond that I just never had the training, but I've played stringed instruments for about 25 years now and notice people do the exact same thing for that, they'll get on their knees because someone can solo passably but completely ignore someone playing completely insane progressions simply because it's not as in the forefront of the piece or fail to see how complex a bass piece is simply because it's not an instrument that someone who doesn't play it notices without it being in the forefront of the work... Honestly drums was always something that was kind of a magic instrument for me, you hand me a series of keys or a stringed instrument (save some bowed instruments) and usually I can work it out within an hour or so once I get the notes down, drums though I just always had a nightmare of a time working with, just not my instrument, so when I see someone who can rip drums up like this it just blows me away. There's other instruments too, I once tried fiddling around with an accordion, not something you see in modern music much, but playing it is deceptively difficult, if you don't have the technique just right the thing will bang and clunk around at the end of every pull and squeeze...great respect for people who can actually play it really well and actually keep their sound even...
Really? I think his solo "Buddy Rich Live at The Montreal Jazz Festival" was the best for me. But I agree with you this one is too. The man had the speed on drums like no other.
If you can answer this why does he hold the sticks almost straight up an down when he starts moving towards the rim of the snare or whatever you call it.
No body can argue that this man is the greatest drummer to ever walk the earth i have studied drums for 30 years n av yet to see this repeated. . BR you are my inspiration thank God for people like you
Buddy Rich in my opinion is the greatest drummer of all time. Look at how much he is able to do with just 2 toms and a snare. He also doesn't use double bass, unlike many drummers use today.
For me, it's also the ability to switch rhythms and fills and maintain attention, not being repetitive, Rich had chops but also the creative wisdom to seemingly never run out of different licks. Incredible
A lot of guys are technically proficient but would eventually run out of ideas or repeat themselves, Rich was able to keep it going fresh for what seems like forever.
+Jocosa Way You remind me of a certain teacher I use to have. I kind of got her well meaning, but she still had to kick ass, including mine, on final examination day.
P-tom Richi Ditto...I still watch the videos between Neil Pert and Buddy Rich...what a hard toss up but I think Buddy does more with less and a close call but I still give it to Buddy Rich. Both are amazing.
Buddy, the King of Kings when it comes to drumming. His dynamic control is deadly! Krupa, Blakey, Bellson, Jo Jones, Roach, etc. all the old greats had what is sorely missing today, STYLE. Speed ain't everything and never was. These masters played drums like a conversation. Syncopation was their language.
A master class in class and technique. In my college days and after I probably saw him 20-25 times. After each time I'd go home and want to (a) practice for a month straight or (b) burn my drums. He was made to play. As no one else ever has or will. We are all fortunate to have been around when he was. You wouldn't believe it otherwise. THANK YOU for posting this!
It's crazy that we are in 2017 and there is still no one that comes close to this man. If you were lucky enough to see him live, and I was (Disneyland, Carnation Plaza several times during the 80's) it was a hundred times more intense. The raw power, technique and composition of his solos are the things that I remember most. Also, the humor. Buddy was a hard ass, but also one of the funniest guys ever. RIP Traps.
I feel like if Toney Royster Jr were to recreate this drum solo with some practice then he could, most drummers would choose not to play like him but I see what you’re getting at
Dude those rolls he did on the rim towards the end were absolutely god tier. Never seen anyone do anything like that before. Just absolute precision. Wow.
I swear whenever I watch him play, Part of me, cant help to think that he sold his soul to the Devil. Buddy's a Natural obviously, but at times he'll do some stick work that blows our minds. That's where a magical influence steps inside of him and takes over.. Cause he is a wicked player.
Yeah, he surely did but the betting is that no way God if he has any taste in hot drums allowed him to go anywhere but the music hall of fame in the sky.
Maybe he just practiced all the time. to the point it was second nature. Who says humans aren't capable of this kind of talent and precision without selling their soul to the devil.
I have been a drummer for 30 years, aged 40. Seen every "best solo" video. Drumeo, Dave weckle, Greyson nekrutman, Neil peart. its been 54 years, and no one came close to this man. He is the greatest of all time.
Once in a life time talent. The greatest drummer of all time. I was a drummer for 15 years, saw Mr. Rich live many times. What he could do was from another planet. We truly miss you Buddy. Thank you for the memories.
+jonatron Xfuggah You`re right. I got to see him play at the Fillmore West in 69` or 70` & he was insane, not just the quickest, fastest but everything he did was clean. He never hit the rim unless he intended to.
Holy mother my entire mind is blown. He is a damn phenomenon. I have never seem a drummer of that level. The way he had the sticks lightly touching each other toward the end; what percise control. The greatest without a doubt.
The technique of his drumming, that snare is simply iconic, but that Slingerland bass drum. That tone, the echo that you hear is one in a million to be played. That bass drum was made once, and will never be duplicated or replicated again.
This is the most creative and "musical" of all the Buddy solos I've heard and that's saying a lot considering he was the greatest. It's like Mozart for the drums.
+Jumpin' JAKE Flash Ouch! feelin' older. Many years ago (1969), my drum teacher said Buddy was "the best." I later bought my first BR album (CD) "The BR Band/Very Live at Ronnie Scott's" - which totally blew me away. I'm still amazed, still in awe, still learning him anew. ...appreciating the man's unique style/musicality is never ending after all these years.
Yea . Unless you listen to big band jazz or swing jazz or jazz in general you won't know about him. Maybe people overlook Buddy because the genre he's in doesn't appeal to them but they find him and they say the same thing. Best ever
Ginger Baker once said Bonham isn't the "greatest drummer rock music has ever seen", and neither is Moon. He says this, not only because they have both copied his material en masse, but because "they swing like a sack of shit." Buddy Rich may be the greatest drummer that the world of music has ever seen because of his feel, his ingenuity with the kit, his speed, coordination, and his multi-faceted playing abilities, from skank and blast beats, to swing time, to straight beats, to polyrhythic and atypical type playing. But the ability to play what is needed or fit for a song, regardless of difficulty, truly defines a talented musician.
+D.J. McLaughlin Your right but Bonham was known for being pretty fast while being powerful and basically anally raping his drums. That's pretty hard. Although Buddy Rich right here (his speed and being clean at the same time) is probably better than both Moon and Bonham.
There was nothing like a great Buddy Rich drum solo for sheer musicianship, technique, speed, execution of ideas and pure virtuosity on the drums. He was one of a kind and I don't think we will ever see another like him.
It was his technique AND musicality that made him the best. He could swing hard, play soft and loud, everything. Won't be another like him for 100 years if ever.
Buddy had so much technical ability. It’s just incredible. His skills musically and technical skills are just hands down better than any other drummer I’ve seen. He just takes the cake. 😮
Love to the great, late Neil Peart who also loved the drumming of Buddy Rich. Both of them left such a great legacy. Thank you Neil. Thank you Buddy :)
Love it! My father was a jazz drummer. He even played with Oscar Peterson and Miles Davis. In jazz like this, they hold the drum sticks differently than rock drummers, who just sort of pound. His timing here is so perfect.
wow kewl sounds like a fun dad you say was a jazz drummer I hope he is still if he has passed I'm very sorry I am taking care of my father now he got killed in nam as he says his lil crude joke I'm glad he is able to deal wit it that well agent orange poisoning if your were wondering about his riddle anyway ur dad jamming with miles awesome story very few can say that
Michele Ellis traditional grip is pretty much just aesthetic they used to need it for how marching snares were made but traditional was never necessary on kits
6 years ago I gave up on playing drums because life forced me to go and study chemistry somewhere where it was impossible to play drums. Now I find myself on the verge of insanity because my studies don't work out and I forgot everything about drumming I ever knew. I just wanna play the drums until my problems are gone right now.
I wish I was alive to see Buddy play. What an amazing experience it would've been to see such a unique and talented drummer play right in front of you.
Well, I saw his band in Disneyland in the mid '70s. My friends thought I, a drummer since 12 yrs old, would enjoy seeing him. I did, but I was 19 then, and thought I was good. Hah! Surprise. I couldn't play in the same planet with him.
What a talent!!! Just love the sheer ferocity, violence and achingly natural virtuosity of his playing, together with his total immersion in his instrument.
I don't know if anybody already posted this but at 1:16 he drops his stick and picks it back up. You can't tell by listening. I personally rank him #1 all time drummer. I've never heard anyone with a faster single stroke.
Buddy had a faster so gle note roll all day with a fever or without...but Roy is an all time great regardless..I honestly wish you guys would try to hear the music these guys were playing rather than just the speed thing all of the time..it would be refreshing to read I can tell ya that
***** Again - - - no stick is dropped here at any time. He reaches his left hand down below the hi hat to play for a few seconds on his throne. I've seen him play on his throne many, many times. It was one of his classic, signature moves.
Buddy rich is a drummers drummer. I have been drumming for over forty years. And seen lots of different types of drummers, most very good, but none come up to the master .god bless you buddy in that big band up there. Fast eddie
I saw Buddy Rich a total about 5 times in my life he was unbelevable each time ,i met him in person and he was truly a great guy, Even showed me a few things .THE BEST OF ALL THE BEST!
As good as any drummer thinks he or she gets, a dose of Buddy Rich will always smash your ego right back down to ground level. What you are seeing here is the "impossible bar" that us drummers can never reach. Amen guys.
Buddy Rich, was the only person to master everything pertaining to playing the drums. He was the best, and will always be known as the best drummer in the world.
I know lots about drumming, been studying for 18 years. What I'm saying is it's too hard to judge who's the best drummer. That should be proof that I know a lot about drums, dude.
I surf various drum things; solos, instruction, etc and I keep coming back to this one. LIkely the most skilled player ever.. at the height of his abilities... on a good day. Just tremendous.
That cymbal fill he does at 0:56 to 1:02 is fucking out of this world. It took me years to figure it out but I did it recently without even realising it at first.
After seeing Buddy live way back in the late '70s and studying tons of other drummers, i have to say that Buddy reigns supreme even today there is no one to surpass him! Only other drummer I would put behind Buddy is Louie Bellson at a close second!
@@jonlangton100 agreed, in fact Gene was my very first influence, I loved his musicality and still do and I used to listen to LP vinyls of his solos and try to copy them note for note in my own early drumming days; he was after all, the man that put drumming on the map as they say and up there with Buddy on a musical level; of course we can’t forget Joe who was the drummer supreme for Dave Brubeck But for driving a big band, Louie came in a close second.
when he starts off real slow and gains speed until he's at maximum and it's insane and it gets better when he plays around with his sticks while maintaining that speed and it gets better when he still has the energy to go wild afterwards.
I've had that reaction for almost 50 years. I get this sort of stupid laugh of disbelief. NO other drummer does that to me. I'm so thankful I got to see him live.
Drummers let's keep in mind this is around 1970, nobody cound do this things back then. All of today's drummers have been influenced by Rich's technique.
disagree, jazz drummers have been soloing since the 30s...they may not have been as good as buddy, but there were plenty of great players back then all the same
beg your pardon? I only disagreed with him, not sure how that is being a douche bag. I disagreed with the statement "nobody could do this things back then" Rich didn't invent this kind of drumming, he too was taught by past drum masters of immeasurable skill and ability, and I'm sure a good number of his techniques and chops were passed on to him from the great swing band drummers of the previous era (30s and 40s). I mean no disrespect to Buddy Rich who is widely renown as one of the all time greats, but one must still pay respects to those who came before too. (whether you know who they were or not)
@Gerry Boy That is so true. And no one, even today, can play like he could when he was in his fifties and sixties. Buddy never faded away with age or could do the things he did on a simple 5 drum kit (he mostly just used only 4 drums).
Buddy just genius, one man band. He is not everyone's perfect drummer or ideal drummer, but it's hard to criticize his playing in any way. So clean, precise, dynamic.
This is the absolute top of the line for drumming. Impossible to copy! He's only using 4 drums with no double kick. Like I said impossible to copy or even better this performance.
when someone does a drum roll they put bounce in it so that every stroke has two hits on the drum head...the in-fucking-human thing that Buddy is doing does not include that extra bounce, that's all one hit right after another and sounds tighter than any normal drum roll i've ever done.
I miss my Slinger land silver sparkle kit almost as much as you Buddy Rich! Never saw you ( my uncle had the pleasure) but now I can hear the riffs with the tight snare and the Mighty Zildjians of old. Stick Control and Syncapation books here indeed.
Behold, a man with talent ahead of the technology of his time. His wrists and arms moving so fast that the camera frame rate couldn't keep up in the video.
Far from being jealous of my superiors I love to hear musicians far greater than myself. It's such a joy to hear musicians like buddy rich, Jimi Hendrix and jascha heifetz who will influence and inspire me til the day I die. They make life worth living.