Mercy Mercy - Live At Caesars Palace 1968 (reissue
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MERCY, MERCY has been entirely remixed and includes 3 previously unissued tracks.
Buddy Rich Big Band includes: Buddy Rich (drums); Art Pepper, Don Menza, Walt Nemuth.
Recorded live at Ceasars Palace, Las Vegas, Nevada in 1968.
Personnel: Buddy Rich (drums); Walter Namuth (guitar); Art Pepper (alto saxophone); Don Menza (tenor saxophone); Bill Prince (trumpet); Rick Stepton (trombone); Joe Azarello (piano).
Recording information: Caesars Palace, Las Vegas, NV (1968).
Photographers: Ron Waller; David Redfern; Peter Whorf.
Arrangers: Don Menza; Don Piestrup; Don Sebesky; Allyn Ferguson; Phil Wilson; Bill Reddie; Charles Owens .
This CD reissue brings back the finest all-round recording by Buddy Rich's big band. The original version of "Channel 1 Suite" is a classic and contains tenor saxophonist Don Menza's most memorable solo, plus a couple of brilliant improvisations from the explosive drummer/leader. Another highlight is an inventive Phil Wilson arrangement of "Mercy, Mercy, Mercy," and even "Alfie" (a melodic feature for altoist Art Pepper) and "Ode to Billie Joe" come across well. In addition to the original LP program, three selections were released for the first time on this CD. "Chelsea Bridge" is particularly significant, for it showcases Pepper, who was making a brief (and unsuccessful) comeback seven years before he finally returned to the scene. This spirited and often-exciting set is a real gem and is essential. ~ Scott Yanow
