AMG Review of Legendary: 1946-1948

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All Music Guide

Drummer Buddy Rich is heard leading his own ensembles on 21 postwar big-band recordings compiled in this second volume of his collected early works, released in 1998 by the Hep record label. This terrain has been traversed by the Classics Chronological Series as well; the two series make for an interesting comparison. Perusal of the collective personnel reveals the presence of several individuals destined for progressive careers in early modern jazz; these include saxophonists Hal McKusick, Warne Marsh, Jimmy Giuffre, and Al Cohn, as well as vibraphonist and future bandleader Terry Gibbs. Vocals are by Dottie Reid and arrangements are credited to Jimmy Mundy, Neal Hefti, and Johnny Mandel.