If I Were A Bell – 1984
Buddy Rich
Featuring pianist Bill Cunliffe in a trio
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While Buddy Rich was generally heard with big bands throughout his career, he was also quite masterful and tasteful when playing with smaller combos.
In 1984 during a big band concert, for variety the drummer played “If I Were A Bell” in a trio with pianist Bill Cunliffe and electric bassist Dave Carpenter.
Cunliffe has since developed into a major pianist, educator and arranger-composer while Carpenter was quite busy in his career before passing away in 2008.
This performance, which has swinging solos from Cunliffe and Carpenter, also includes a tradeoff with Rich that is full of self-restraint and colorful ideas.
-Scott Yanow
