Nighthawk,
Happy to know you appreciate Rich. He wasn't only a great drummer he had an uncanny ability to choose personel that emulated his "full-steam-ahead" style. I have found that many big bands have great soloists but not that succesful ensemble work. Of course, the ultimate "ensemble" guy was Stan Kenton and his many bands. All the greats that later went on to front their own bands and groups played for Kenton. He, like Rich, also handpicked the excellent composers and arrangers that wrote for them.
If Kenton has not been in your collection, please give him a listen. The "Cuban Fire" and "Adventures in Jazz" albums were ground-breaking events in music.
Best wishes.
Happy to know you appreciate Rich. He wasn't only a great drummer he had an uncanny ability to choose personel that emulated his "full-steam-ahead" style. I have found that many big bands have great soloists but not that succesful ensemble work. Of course, the ultimate "ensemble" guy was Stan Kenton and his many bands. All the greats that later went on to front their own bands and groups played for Kenton. He, like Rich, also handpicked the excellent composers and arrangers that wrote for them.
If Kenton has not been in your collection, please give him a listen. The "Cuban Fire" and "Adventures in Jazz" albums were ground-breaking events in music.
Best wishes.