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

[drumchannel]

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[maximetheo]

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

[Markroffe]

I saw Mr. Rich twice in the early 70's in Winter Park, Florida at a place called Monte's. I met him backstage both times and he autographed my tickets and gave me a pair of sticks. Nobody is, was or ever will be better!

[DannyGibsondgpix]

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

[glenbuttery]

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!

[kcjazzcat]

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.

[garypugh]

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

[janalkema]

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

[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!

[kearneydillon]

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.

[lornestein]

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.

[monkofwar]

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

[robertperrella]

buddy rich makes the impossible LOOK EASY

[themole]

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

[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.

[jeffsousa]

Didn’t know GOAT’s wore suits!!!! Stunning Drummer… always will be in the History Books of Percussionist for 100’s of years.. blessed to have grown up with him active!!

[creamus]

And that's what FIRE looks like on a drum set😊😊😊

[jonathanshirer]

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.🙏

[whateva]

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

[rickbusch]

I saw him in concert 3 times, he was the best ever.