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Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
17 of 17 people found the following review helpful
Format:Audio CD
I can imagine that many people who buy this CD end up slightly disappointed. This is not, however, a reflection on the quality of this album's music, but rather the fault of Verve records for selling it purely on the strength of the 'drum battle' between Krupa and Rich - two of the greatest drummers to ever grace the jazz world - which itself is a little underwhelming. In fact, most of this CD is taken up by tracks from the Gene Krupa trio, which may leave Buddy Rich fans feeling somewhat left out. Nevertheless, these tracks are incredibly exciting to listen to, with Krupa driving the band along beautifuly, and both other musicians playing well structured and brilliant solos. 'Idaho' and 'Flying Home' are particular highlights, although the band does struggle to keep the nine minute version of 'Drum Boogie' interesting throughout.
As to the famous drum battle itself, it is very exciting, with the crowd providing an electric atmosphere. However, it really doesn't do either drummer full justice, and for that reason this CD can only get four stars.
In short, then, this is a great album for people interested in Krupa's small combos of the 1950's (of which there are relatively few recordings available) but for a Krupa-Rich duet, I'd have to recomend the 'Krupa and Rich' CD, a studio recording, also on the verve label.
As to the famous drum battle itself, it is very exciting, with the crowd providing an electric atmosphere. However, it really doesn't do either drummer full justice, and for that reason this CD can only get four stars.
In short, then, this is a great album for people interested in Krupa's small combos of the 1950's (of which there are relatively few recordings available) but for a Krupa-Rich duet, I'd have to recomend the 'Krupa and Rich' CD, a studio recording, also on the verve label.
3 of 4 people found the following review helpful
Format:Audio CD
My grandad used to play this to my brother and I, being a semi-professional drummer himself during his youth, his appreciation of this classic work of art was infectious; my brother and I, now (nearly) middle aged, both with families and children had the opportunity to spend some time together recently. Driving down country roads of our youth, windows down and the Drum Battle at full volume in our rent-a-car was a moment of pure nostalgic pleasure.
Most Helpful Customer Reviews on Amazon.com (beta)
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10 reviews
17 of 18 people found the following review helpful
Krupa, Rich, and Ella Can't Be All Bad.
4 Aug 2002
Format:Audio CD
Here are the criticisms on this album, and my comments:
CRITIQUE #1: The album only 35 minutes long.
RESPONSE: LPs did not have the 80 minutes of playing time that a CD can hold, and this is just one LP w/ six songs. Put this into context with the times. It was made in 1952, for crying out loud.
CRITIQUE #2: "The Drum Battle" is only 3 1/2 minutes long.
RESPONSE: Once again, put this in perspective. Krupa and Rich had been tauted as the two heavyweights of big band/swing percussion. This mere 3 1/2 minute song is historic in that it was the first time the two had ever faced each other on the same stage. That alone makes it a historic recording.
CRITIQUE #3: Buy the Krupa-Rich studio CD because it's better value for the $$$.
RESPONSE: This album provides a historical document of the birth of the drum-battle albums to come, such as Rich-Versus-Roach, and it would be a great addition to anyone's jazz collection.
The bottom line is this: Viewed as a single work, it is not wholely remarkable, but it still swings. Ella Fitzgerald and Oscar Peterson are on one track that cooks, and on "The Drum Battle," you can sense the excitement in the air when Buddy Rich appears on the stage for the duel. As a historical marker for both Krupa's and Rich's careers in 1952, this album is indespensible.
4 of 4 people found the following review helpful
Fantastic Live Jazz Drum Album
8 Feb 2006
Format:Audio CD
This album is a staple of jazz and should be in the collection of anyone who likes jazz or drums. "Idaho and "Flying Home" have extremely tight compistions and the drums, of course, are perfect. "Sophisticated Lady" is a mellow piece with a smooth performance from Willie Smith. "The Drum Battle" is full of energy and the crowd sounds as though they are having the time of their life. While playing, you can hear a man yell "Go, Buddy, GO!" The closing is a redition of "Perdido" where everyone jumps in, including the wonderful Ella Fitzgerald doing some scat singing and bringing it to a close. Sure, it's just over 35 minutes, but the truth of quality over quantity proves itself in every second of this release. Also, the crowd can hurt a live record by too much cheering, but it is very nice to hear the zealous fans yelling at a solo and having a great time. Truly a classic and definitely worth a listen.
3 of 3 people found the following review helpful
RICH AND KRUPA ROUND ONE!
8 Mar 2005
Format:Audio CD
While I understand the critics who are unhappy with a 33 minute CD at full price, I prefer these unadulterated rereleases with original cover art and the digipacks over the twofers some here have requested. It would have been nice to get some unreleased bonus tracks from the shows but I'm glad Verve has chosen this format and would hope they will continue in this vein.
Having said that, this is not a incredible performance but a noteworthy one nonetheless. The presence of the two drum kings along with Oscar and Ella is a classic moment to be cherished .
Having said that, this is not a incredible performance but a noteworthy one nonetheless. The presence of the two drum kings along with Oscar and Ella is a classic moment to be cherished .
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