LAST LISTENED TO the other week
CHANCE OF WAKING TO IT low
RATING
Buddy Rich was one of the most famous drummers in jazz. He began performing at 18 months (seriously, he really did) and never gave up until his death in '87. He first experience in jazz was in '38 with a big band and it was in this format that he mostly recorded. Indeed in 1972, when Stick It! was put out, Buddy Rich was still kicking out fast and furious big bang jazz.
Sassy Strut has a hard, piano driven edge to it that is big enough to pull along its whole mountain range of wailing brass. After the opening statements of these brass alps, there are three solos. First is the soprano sax, which is fast and bluesy, if a little too quiet in the mix. Next up is a guitar solo, which to my ear sounds both out of time in parts and a touch out of tune in the whole. It's also very quiet, which is either a blessing or the main problem. Lastly is an alto sax, which is the only solo to approach a sensible track volume. It's a less colourful solo than the soprano, but it is shorter which seems much more in keeping with the pace.
The real star is, of course, Rich's drumming. He is frantic throughout the whole track throwing in fills, compressed rolls and extra parts to the rhythm, whilst never once losing pace or using one beat when ten would do. In some ways the solos are more co-solos, as throughout them Rich really stretches out.
The track ends with a giant squall of brass and one long, long compressed roll by Rich. After which you'll probably need to go and lie down.
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