When they write the definitive history of big band jazz for the 20th century, the Buddy Rich big band will get high honors. The combination of outstanding musicians, stellar arrangements and one of the most charasmatic, musically intelligent leaders made this one of the best big bands to grace a stage in the last 50 years. The arrangement of West Side Story takes an original score that already had impressive rhythmic complexity and raises it about 10 notches. Listen to the Buddy Rich drum solo and it might make you appreciate what true percussion talent sounds like for the first time. Listen to how Buddy Rich leads/directs as he plays you have to be impressed with his musical vision. Listen to non-stop creatviity and energy in the soloists. I had the pleasure of hearing this band live in the 70's and the recordings accurately bring back all the power and drive of this fantastic group of musicians. Enjoy. There is no better big band.