Rich in London
Buddy Rich · 1971
74 min · 13 tracks · jazz
A vibrant showcase of rich orchestration and intricate solos, blending big band energy with jazz improvisation.
Top tracks — play these first
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Dancing Men Start here — This track opens the album with infectious energy, featuring dynamic rhythms that highlight Rich's technical skill while setting the tone for the entire project.
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Milestones — A reinterpretation of Miles Davis' classic, this track showcases Rich's ability to blend intricate drumming with melodic improvisation from the ensemble, creating a fresh take on a well-known standard.
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Theme From "Love Story" — This piece exemplifies Rich’s capacity to infuse popular music themes with jazz sensibilities, transforming a cinematic melody into an engaging and rhythmic arrangement.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
InstrumentalThe album showcases intricate arrangements and strong solos, reflecting Rich's skill as a bandleader.
What we noticed
- The album features extended instrumental solos, with each track allowing for significant improvisation by various musicians.
- Rich's drumming is prominently featured, often driving the tempo and dynamics of the arrangements throughout the record.
- Composition 25% of the score
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7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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8/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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7/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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5/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
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 journey with rhythmic peaks
- vibrant energy for lively gatherings
- engaging moments of intricate rhythms
- headphone detail hunting on solos
Maybe skip if you
- prefer instant gratification tracks
- enjoy straightforward, singular experiences
Where this album fits
- Themes
- London jazz scene· live performance energy· big band revival· fusion rhythms
- Career context
- Released in 1971, Rich in London represents a significant moment in Buddy Rich's career, marking his return to the studio after a period of extensive touring. This album captures Rich's evolution as a bandleader, showcasing not only his drumming prowess but also his ability to arrange for larger ensembles.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Gene Krupa· Art Blakey· Elvin Jones
Tracklist
- 1 Dancing Men Start here 6:10
- 2 The Word 5:48
- 3 St. Marks Square (A Special Day) 4:03
- 4 That's Enough 3:00
- 5 Little Train 6:22
- 6 Moment's Notice 3:22
- 7 In A Mellow Tone 5:39
- 8 Milestones 5:20
- 9 Watson's Walk 7:15
- 10 Two Bass Hit 4:00
- 11 Theme From "Love Story" 5:50
- 12 Time Being 12:37
- 13 Buddy Rich Speaks 4:45
If this landed
Records by other artists that run on the same instinct.
Live at the Sands
Count Basie
Captures vibrant live energy with intricate arrangements and a big band sound, similar to Rich's performance style.
Heavy Weather
Weather Report
Merges big band elements with jazz fusion, providing a dynamic rhythmic landscape that echoes Rich's innovative approach.
Kenton in Hi-Fi
Stan Kenton
Features bold orchestration and a lively atmosphere, paralleling the energetic essence of Rich's live performances.
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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