Buddy Rich and His Band--The Lost West Side Story Tapes DVD

Rating:
Summary: The Master at work !
Review: It was thought these tapes were lost in a fire and have not been commercially available for 10 years or more. This is a wonder of current technology that these tapes have been recovered and restored. Originally released in 1985 on Cafe Records as a double-CD set (Mobile Fidelity Labs) and on Beta Hi-Fi, this is one-half of the recording session.... The West Side Story Set. The other, hopefully, (The Channel One Set) will be restored as well. I'll be first in line! This was "State of the Art" recording for its time. The recording was done on the SQ/Tate Surround System, which was left in 4-channel format when transferred to this DVD into DolbyDigital 4.0 and DTS 4.0. The producers, obviously, felt that going the 5.1 route would mess to much with the original sound. Not to worry. It's the best available recording yet of Rich and his mastery of the drums. The microphones are arrays set back to capture a live feel. Some may prefer the up-close technique, but that does produce a clinical studio sound. This sounds like you are sitting in the audience. The seven video cameras have slik-stockings stretched over the lenses to achieve a "soft film feel". I'm not crazy about that, but hey, I am so happy to have this on DVD I'll gladly forget about that. Eight tunes comprise the set, topped by West Side Story and 2 solos by Rich. Even at 67, Rich was a blaze of speed and played everything in front of him. Watch his second "West Side" solo as he sticks the bass drum, the rims, and even the sticks themselves! A legend and the best drummer of all time. Don't think about it..... BUY IT.

Rating:
Summary: A MUST for Big Band Jazz Fans and ALL Drummers!
Review: It was thought these tapes were lost in a fire and have not been commercially available for 10 years or more. This is a wonder of current technology that these tapes have been recovered and restored. Originally released in 1985 on Cafe Records as a double-CD set (Mobile Fidelity Labs) and on Beta Hi-Fi, this is one-half of the recording session.... The West Side Story Set. The other, hopefully, (The Channel One Set) will be restored as well. I'll be first in line! This was "State of the Art" recording for its time. The recording was done on the SQ/Tate Surround System, which was left in 4-channel format when transferred to this DVD into DolbyDigital 4.0 and DTS 4.0. The producers, obviously, felt that going the 5.1 route would mess to much with the original sound. Not to worry. It's the best available recording yet of Rich and his mastery of the drums. The microphones are arrays set back to capture a live feel. Some may prefer the up-close technique, but that does produce a clinical studio sound. This sounds like you are sitting in the audience. The seven video cameras have slik-stockings stretched over the lenses to achieve a "soft film feel". I'm not crazy about that, but hey, I am so happy to have this on DVD I'll gladly forget about that. Eight tunes comprise the set, topped by West Side Story and 2 solos by Rich. Even at 67, Rich was a blaze of speed and played everything in front of him. Watch his second "West Side" solo as he sticks the bass drum, the rims, and even the sticks themselves! A legend and the best drummer of all time. Don't think about it..... BUY IT.

Rating:
Summary: one of his last. a must have
Review: played using a dts decoder and surround sound.the sound is very good but not perfect,picture is excellent.this is a must for the buddy rich collector being one of his last. well worth the extra money if you have dts.

Rating:
Summary: Buddy Rich The Lost West Side Story Tapes!
Review: This DVD is simply fantastic! The West Side Story Set has NEVER been commercially available before this and is a MUST for every Buddy Rich fan or anyone who desires to see a genius play a set of drums unlike any other. The band is wailing and the extra family interviews, backstage clips, and interview with Buddy himself, it's worth the purchase price alone besides the concert! The audio/video transfer to DVD is A-1 and I only hope that the Channel One Set is also released on DVD soon! This disc is so hot, I have two copies! Highly recommended!

Rating:
Summary: A MUST HAVE
Review: This is much better than "At the Top" which has horrible audio and focuses too much on the band and doesn't show enough of Buddy. The Dolby surround sound on this DVD really gives clarity to Buddy's playing(and the rest of the band also). Good camera angles on this too; although a brief camera shot under the snare drum on one of the solos doesn't make any since - it is my only complaint.