Is This One's for Basie a good place to start with Buddy Rich?

Yes, This One's for Basie is recommended as a starting point for new Buddy Rich listeners. A vibrant showcase of big band jazz featuring explosive rhythms and rich horn arrangements that pay tribute to Count Basie. Released on January 9, 1957, 'This One's for Basie' was Buddy Rich's first album under the Verve label after gaining recognition as a leading jazz drummer. At this point in his career, Rich had already established his reputation through various collaborations and performances, making this album a pivotal moment that highlighted his leadership capabilities within a big band format.

Who is This One's for Basie for?

This One's for Basie works well if you're into steady rhythmic progression throughout, celebratory energy for gatherings and virtuosic drumming highlights talent.

How many songs are on This One's for Basie?

This One's for Basie has 8 tracks, running approximately 41 minutes.

This One's for Basie

Buddy Rich · 1957

41 min · 8 tracks · jazz

A vibrant showcase of big band jazz featuring explosive rhythms and rich horn arrangements that pay tribute to Count Basie.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Blue and Sentimental Start here — establishes the sonic palette early
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Blues for Basie — This track exemplifies Rich's ability to blend intricate rhythms with emotive melodies, showcasing the band's tight cohesion while paying tribute to Basie's influence.
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Jumpin' at the Woodside — A high-energy arrangement that highlights Rich's virtuosity and the ensemble's lively spirit, making it a quintessential example of classic big band performance.
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Ain't It the Truth — This track stands out for its playful yet sophisticated arrangement, allowing Rich's drumming to shine while maintaining a strong connection with the ensemble's playful dynamics.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

Instrumental

73 /100

Alpine

Higher than 96% of albums we've rated

Rich's drumming and the vibrant arrangements make this a standout big band jazz record.

What we noticed

The album features a consistent use of call-and-response between the brass and rhythm sections, creating a dynamic interplay throughout.
Each track showcases intricate drum solos that highlight Buddy Rich's technical prowess and rhythmic creativity.
The arrangements often build to climactic moments, with layered instrumentation that adds depth and richness to the overall sound.

Composition 25% of the score: 8/10
Craft 20% of the score: 9/10
Durability 25% of the score: 7/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 8/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 6/10

Influence 6/10

Significant within its genre. 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

steady rhythmic progression throughout
celebratory energy for gatherings
virtuosic drumming highlights talent
engaging in-order listening experience

Maybe skip if you

prefer instant gratification tracks
seek standalone single hits

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Breakthrough — This album solidified Buddy Rich's reputation in the jazz world.
Themes: big band celebration· Count Basie tribute· explosive drumming energy
Career context: Released on January 9, 1957, 'This One's for Basie' was Buddy Rich's first album under the Verve label after gaining recognition as a leading jazz drummer. At this point in his career, Rich had already established his reputation through various collaborations and performances, making this album a pivotal moment that highlighted his leadership capabilities within a big band format.
Stylistic neighbors: Gene Krupa· Art Blakey· Elvin Jones