• Track Listing

This CD opens with a live trio performance recorded at Carnegie Hall. Rich's first studio session as leader featured a group of stars that gave him a fine head start. Over the years, Harry Edison often recorded with Buddy Rich. Basie's former trumpet player once stated that "Buddy's just the greatest drummer in the world - he drives and he says something, too." In 1954, Rich led only one session, but recorded abundantly for Granz as a sideman. The four tracks with Willie Smith on alto have been neglected but are very worthwhile. The following year Rich was featured as a vocalist: like Oscar Peterson, Rich was an amazingly fine singer - although the lush arrangements on these tracks do not leave him a lot of room.