CD review: Buddy Rich Trio – Buddy Rich Trios – 2023: Video, CD cover

Lightyear entertainment and the Buddy Rich estate have announced the release of Trios, a collection of rare recordings showcasing jazz legend Buddy Rich’s intimate three-man interludes performed within his renowned “killer force” big band concerts.

Despite being a staple in his shows, these jam sessions have never been officially released until now. The recordings were captured by Rich’s alto saxophone player, Alan Gauvin, during shows in various locations, including Montreal, California, Sweden, Norway, Boston, and on the SS Rotterdam Jazz Cruise across 1976 and 1977.

Entertainment announces the release of Trios, a collection of rare recordings that capture the magic, the artistry and the boundless talent of jazz icon Buddy Rich’s intimate three-man interludes he performed within his “killer force” big band concerts. Although these jam sessions were staples during many of his shows, there has never been a recording released of them until now.

Trios will be available on September 1 via all major streaming services, on Compact Disc and as a two-disc LP in translucent orange vinyl. Taped by Rich’s alto saxophone player Alan Gauvin during a series of shows around the world in 1976 and 1977, the album features extraordinary bassists Jon Burr and Tom Warrington along with the young piano prodigy Barry Kiener and is marked by stunning solos by Rich using only his brushes. A true treasure, Trios is a beautiful, unexpected performance from one of jazz music’s greatest talents: there has never been a Buddy Rich album like this.

Renowned for giving his band a break during concerts by shifting to an incredible three-man jam session in the midst of a show, Rich turned a trio of magnificent musicians into one seamless sound night after night, creating something truly special. One of the greatest jazz drummers in the world, Rich would let the piano and bass shine through during these performances to ensure the music took center stage. It was unprecedented and spellbinding.

“At some point, not only to display the prodigious talents of his rhythm section cohorts but also in order to give the brass a rest, Buddy began regularly featuring a trio ‘off the cuff,’ often twice a night, along with solo piano spots,” explains Gauvin. “All but three Trios tracks were recorded over the Summer and Fall of ’76 and feature bassist Jon Burr while the others are from 1977 and showcase Tom Warrington, and of course, Barry Kiener brings his ‘four hands’ to all tracks, including a magnificent solo spot I couldn’t resist sharing. Buddy would approve.” The 10 songs on Trios were recorded during concerts in Montreal, California, Sweden, Norway, Boston and on the SS Rotterdam Jazz Cruise.

The album is also a heartfelt tribute to Rich’s beloved pianist, Barry Kiener, who died of a heroin overdose at the age of 30 while on tour with the band in 1986. Triosis one of the few recordings in existence that feature Kiener, giving audiences a glimpse of his prodigious talent. Buddy Rich’s daughter, Cathy, an Executive Producer of Trios, often performed with her father and remembers the close bond beyond music that both he and Kiener shared and the impact the young musician’s death had on Rich.

The album features bassists Jon Burr and Tom Warrington, alongside the young piano prodigy Barry Kiener, with Rich showcasing his mesmerizing brush technique through stunning solos. Trios also serves as a tribute to Kiener, who tragically passed away from a heroin overdose at the age of 30 while touring with the band in 1986. As one of the few recordings featuring Kiener, the album provides a glimpse into his prodigious talent, highlighting the special bond he shared with Buddy Rich beyond their musical connection.

Known for his exceptional showmanship, Rich would often give his band a break by transitioning into a mesmerizing three-man jam session during concerts. This allowed the piano and bass to shine, putting the music front and center and leaving audiences spellbound.

“My dad was coming to pick me up in the bus to go to Lake Tahoe where they were playing next at Harrah’s. He was hours late and I was out of my mind with worry. I knew something terrible happened as soon as I walked outside. Everyone was silent and looked shell-shocked. My dad was visibly shaken. I asked what happened and he could barely speak of it. Barry had been like a son to him.”

Side A

1. Just Friends (written by John Klenner, Samuel M. Lewis)

Recorded 1976 in Montreal, Quebec

2. There Will Never Be Another You (written by Harry Warren, Mack Gordon)

Recorded 1976 in Anaheim, California

3. Groovin’ High (written by Dizzy Gillespie, Charlie Parker)

Recorded 1976 in Anaheim, California

Side B

1. Like Someone in Love (written by Jimmy Van Heusen, Johnny Burke)

Recorded 1976 in Anaheim, California

2. There Is No Greater Love (written by Isham Jones, Marty Symes)

Recorded 1977 in Boras, Sweden

Side C

1. Secret Love (written by Sammy Fain, Paul Francis Webster)

Recorded 1976 in Anaheim, California

2. Stella by Starlight (written by Victor Popular Young, Ned Washington)

Recorded 1977 in Oslo, Norway

Side D

1. My Romance (written by Richard Rodgers, Lorenz Hart)

Recorded 1976 in Boston, Massachusetts

2. I Hear a Rhapsody (written by George Fragos, Jack Baker, Dick Gasparre)

Recorded 1976 in Montreal, Quebec

3. Here’s That Rainy Day “Piano Solo” (written by Jimmy Van Heusen, Johnny Burke)

Drums – Buddy Rich

Piano – Barry Kiener

Bass – Jon Burr (except “There Is No Greater Love,” “Stella by Starlight,” “Here’s That Rainy Day”)

Bass – Tom Warrington (“There Is No Greater Love,” “Stella by Starlight”)