Buddy Rich

This is the second of two live sets by Buddy Rich with his big band that were videotaped in 1985 at King Street in San Francisco (the audio portion of both sets was previously issued on LP and CD by the Cafe label). Once thought to be lost in a fire, the masters were discovered and issued on DVD. Near the end of a long career, Rich is in top form, leading a mostly youthful band that includes tenor saxophonist Steve Marcus (featured on a blistering "Cottontail"), pianist Bill Cunliffe, and trumpeter Paul Phillips among the notable soloists. The sound is extraordinary throughout the set, though the video portion would have benefited if the soloists had been more consistently spotlighted as the concert was filmed. Rich, always a showman, sets the club afire during his "West Side Story" medley. Interviews with some of the musicians and Rich's family, along with additional offstage footage are added bonuses to this exciting live set. ~ Ken Dryden, All Music Guide