Tuff Dude

AMG Review of Tuff Dude

Scott Yanow
All Music Guide

This live set, recorded at the short-lived club Buddy's Place, features the remarkable drummer Buddy Rich heading a septet. Tenor saxophonist Sal Nistico, altoist/soprano saxophonist Sonny Fortune, guitarist Jack Wilkins, and pianist Kenny Barron have their spots, jamming on such songs as "Donna Lee," Herbie Hancock's "Chameleon," Horace Silver's "Nica's Dream," and "Billie's Bounce." Nothing too unusual occurs, but there is plenty of fire on this session, and Rich does not let anyone coast.