Buddy Rich The Lost Tapes

Formerly The Lost "West Side Story" tapes, this magnificent performance is the last of Buddy's recorded and filmed works. This is the second of two sets recorded specifically for home video in 1985. An Emmy nominated concert, once feared lost in a fire, that has been fully restored with a state-of-the-art audio mix. A must have for every Buddy Rich fan. (Cathy Rich)

Buddy Rich was a musical genius, one of the most accomplished and virtuosic drummers of all time. Playing in a vaudeville group when he was only 18 months old, he went on to play in some of the best big bands of the 1940s, including those of Bunny Berigan, Harry James, Artie Shaw, and Tommy Dorsey. Known for his caustic wit as well as his musical skills, Rich was also famous for his determination: he consistently returned to playing after accidents and illnesses, in one instance performing one-handed with an arm in a sling. Ultimately, he was diagnosed with a brain tumor and died in 1987. This release is a restored recording of his last concert, in that same year. Recovered from a fire in 1990, the original masters have been returned to their original surround sound, which accurately captures the magic and mastery of Rich's playing.