What am I missing? I just picked up Harry James at the Hollywood Palladium with BR. One of the reviewers had this to say:
\quote:
the standout from this date is Sugar Foot Stomp, a swing era veteran rolled out in a medium tempo swing, which Buddy Rich promptly makes his own. This drum solo is noted by some as being one of the most interesting and technically challenging solos recorded by the famous drummer - his press rolls are astonishing.
\endquote

Am I the only one who doesn't get it? This solo has always puzzled me. Doesn't seem to go anywhere. Sure, there's a couple of neat bombs and stuff and then BANG, th bands back in and its over. To me, it's one of the most uninteresting solos I ever heard him play. But the drums sound great. Wonder what brand.

Any one else?

OTOH, I also bought Mosaic' Complete Capitol recordings of Gene Krupa and Harry James the latter which congains the complete Wild about Harry album---obviously remastered. BR is magnificrent on these and the drums sound great. What was he playing then? (1954 I think)

Buz- Charley Braun here...I'm pretty sure Buddy was on Ludwigs when that chart/album was recorded. As far as the solo, I out on a limb here but that solo was such a drastic difference to what Buddy was playing previously and I kind of think that Buddy playing up to Harry's trumpet. After 56 years, this is speculation of course, and the solo was not a traditional break and I believe Buddy was trying to stay in the context of the chart. I liked the solo in that it was kind of in your face, with short statements. Asd they say, less is more at times. Happy listening!

Hi Charky,

I think yoe right on. The palladium album is very good. BR is very loose, relaxed and obviously playing for the band and not himself. A collector's item for that alone!

Buz

Guys!...

This particular Harry James perfromance/recording with Buddy is from 1954, so... those are indeed his WFL's! I have researched Buddy's drum equipment endorsements/timelines to death and thought I would chime in. So YES Charley!... you are correct sir! WFL/Ludwig during this period.

Tommyp

WOW it's great to see you guys still posting here!!!!! I kind of gave up after the terrible admin job, until Mike James took over of course.

I was trading with a few guys here and would love to start that up again. My email has changed since so if anyone is up for continuing that let me know through the pm, old school, kenny t, mike, erzug etc.

Anywho to get back on topic I was wondering if anyone could upload the BR Sugarfoot Stomp to youtube or something.

cheers
BR_1

buy the album!support your profession and fellow musiciana it's only$14.97 durely yoy have that left in tour bottomlessBR memmoribilia slush fund. yo'll love the album.I promise

Hello!
Sorry to tell you guys,but the" Harry James at the Palladium" cd is a big YAWN ! Really dreary music other than the "Fash" number that makes Buddy stand out really well. The "Sugarfoot Stop" tract was not one of Buddy's best,as was previously mentioned.

Gentleman...May I remind those who are old enough to remember that the Palladium was a huge ballroom designed for DANCING! Therefore, you may be lucky enough to get at least one up tempo burner chart or maybe two for an entire evening. The James band, while totally able to play hot, especially with BR at the helm, featured dancing as a main stream of Harry's many bands of that that era and even into the 1960's. That's one of the big reasons BR left James to form his own in '65...to get out of the Don't Be That Way and Ciribiribin, You Made Me Love You band of HJ. So when buying music of Buddy with the James band, please keep that in mind. If you want exceptional BR with James, look into the Europa LPs for the killer Two O'Clock Jump and the Flying Home charts from the 1960's. Recorded at a small club and Buddy practically leading the band. PS. Has anyone heard or have the LP Double Dixie by Harry with BR. Talk about brave...Buddy plays his dixie heart out on period dixieland charts. As if we expected anything less!

All. . . Charlie is right. Buddy loved Harry personally and he left the band in part because of the commercial/dance direction of Harry's band.

But, I believe Buddy played some of his best big band drumming in Harry's band. As as a side man, though a star. Still, as a big band drummer.

GD