Buddy Rich - The Monster (2021)

This British import draws its material from three sessions led by drummer Buddy Rich during 1954-1955. The first three selections have Rich leading an intriguing octet in Los Angeles that is most notable for including trumpeter Harry "Sweets" Edison and altoist Willie Smith. "Sunday" and "The Monster" are from a 1955 session in which Rich is teamed with two trumpeters, two tenors, rhythm guitarist Freddie Green, bassist Ray Brown, and the amazing Oscar Peterson. "Sunday" swings hard but it is the lengthy "The Monster" that is most remarkable. Rich and Peterson trade off at length before the drummer launches into a lengthy and rather dazzling drum solo. The remainder of this CD completely reissues the album Buddy and Sweets. Rich and Edison are joined by pianist Jimmy Rowles, guitarist Barney Kessel, and bassist John Simmons for a set of standards and basic originals that swing, not too surprisingly, like Count Basie's band. Listeners who do not have this material elsewhere are advised to pick up this consistently satisfying CD. ~ Scott Yanow