The Buddy Rich Collector's Series

In honor of Buddy Rich's 87th birthday September 30, Scabeba Entertainment, Hudson Music, Lightyear Entertainment, Lobitos Creek Ranch and Hal Leonard Corp. are pleased to announce The Buddy Rich Collector's Series.

Buddy Rich once said in an interview, "Jazz is an American classic, and therefore we present it as such, without tricks, nonsense, funny hats or funny hair. The music speaks for itself." Buddy's astute observation inspired the first offering in this series, the newly released CD No Funny Hats, a never-before-published concert from the Buddy Rich West Coast tour of 1977-78: it will be released September 28, 2004 by Lightyear Entertainment.

Also available for the first time is a two-DVD set, The Buddy Rich Collector's Edition. The Collector's Edition is a compilation of The Lost West Side Story Tapes and Channel One Suite--two sets, one amazing night in 1985 and the last performance Buddy did before he died. The two-DVD set includes a sixteen-page booklet of rare photos and remembrances from the Rich family, Buddy's manager Steve Peck and his assistant Joey DeNoia. It's available from Hudson Music.

Musicians will appreciate added-value instructional commentary on Buddy's drumming style from renowned drummers, Steve Smith and Dave Weckl. Other extras include never-before-seen interviews, behind-the-scenes footage and humorous clips from Rich's appearances on Johnny Carson. These historic videos have already attracted critical acclaim.

See what NPR programmers have to say about The Buddy Rich Collectors Series on Bob Parlocha's Website