Buddy Rich Plays and Plays and Plays cover

Buddy Rich Plays and Plays and Plays

Buddy Rich · 1977

47 min · 9 tracks · jazz

A vibrant showcase of intricate drumming and dynamic jazz arrangements that celebrates the art of improvisation.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Ya Gotta Try Start here — This opening track sets the energetic tone for the album with lively rhythms and showcases Rich's skilled drumming paired with an engaging arrangement.
  • →
    'Round About Midnight — Rich's interpretation of this classic standard highlights his ability to blend complex rhythms with deep emotional expression, making it a standout performance on the album.
  • →
    Lush Life — In this track, Rich demonstrates his nuanced sensitivity while navigating through lush harmonies, providing a contrasting mood to the more upbeat selections.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

Instrumental
58 /100
Treeline
Higher than 49% of albums we've rated

Rich's intricate drumming and diverse arrangements create a vibrant jazz experience, though it may not fully resonate beyond its genre.

What we noticed

  • The album features extended improvisational solos, particularly highlighting Rich's drumming techniques across multiple tracks.
  • Each track showcases a different arrangement style, from swing to ballad, allowing for varied rhythmic explorations.
Composition 25% of the score
7/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
8/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
6/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
7/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
5/10

running order, pacing, length

Influence 4/10

Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

  • dynamic exploration of themes
  • vibrant showcase of drumming
  • wave-like pacing throughout album
  • engaging improvisational moments
  • for enthusiastic listening

Maybe skip if you

  • prefer instant gratification tracks
  • dislike intricate musical details

Where this album fits

Themes
big band energy· jazz improvisation mastery· explosive drumming showcases
Career context
Released in 1977, Buddy Rich Plays and Plays and Plays came during a prolific period for Buddy Rich, following his acclaimed big band recordings in the 1960s. This album solidified his reputation as a master drummer and bandleader, capturing live performances that highlighted his technical prowess and charisma on stage.
Stylistic neighbors
Gene Krupa· Art Blakey· Elvin Jones

Tracklist

  • 1 Ya Gotta Try Start here 3:36
  • 2 Tales of Rhoda Rat 5:44
  • 3 'Round About Midnight 6:48
  • 4 Time Out 7:59
  • 5 No Jive 5:57
  • 6 Lush Life 4:07
  • 7 Party Time 5:35
  • 8 Kong 5:00
  • 9 Mickey Mouse 2:39

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata