This past weekend the Drummer Connection crew and friends had the great pleasure to attend the Buddy Rich Memorial Concert at the Manhattan Center for the Arts/Hammerstein Ballroom. The event was held on Saturday night, and started promptly at 7:30. The room was packed with people anxious to see the line-up, in memory of the legendary Buddy Rich.

Kicking the show off, Tommy Igoe came up to blow everyone away starting with the first tune entitled “Little Train”. He has been a touring and studio drummer for the last 20 years. With experience in many jazz situations, Tommy completely ripped it up while respecting the music and playing with the music, not over it. He also played two more tunes entitled “Preach And Teach”, and the fast moving “La Fiesta”. Later in the show Tommy comes back up after the intermission to play one more song called “The Chicken”. Tommy implemented his style of playing to the three tunes, while using some “big band” and Buddy Rich tricks, such as the one handed roll. The night was set off very nicely thanks to Tommy Igoe.

Next up was John Black Well (Jr.). His set also consisted of three tunes entitled “No Jive”, “Nutville”, and one of his original tunes “Mind Of Jay”. John's talent and signature style of playing was heard in every tune he played. He was able throw a bit of Funk in each tune, and he was very tight with the band. During his performance of “Mind Of Jay”, John really showed his funk style of playing and had everyone's jaw dropped during his solo. It was a treat to see John Blackwell play such a historic event.

After John Blackwell, came Guitar Center's Drum Off 2007 winner, 21-year-old Donnie Marple. Donnie came up and played a great solo, showing people why he won the Drum Off. With his fantastic showmanship, stick tricks, and diversity between styles in his playing, it's hard to think that he's never had a lesson in his life. Donnie Marple brought a very well-rounded drum solo to everyone in attendance of the show.

Next, a great performance by Terry Bozzio. Terry didn't bring the full monster kit he normally uses, but the didn't take away from his performance one bit. He came in with a slightly smaller setup that was still very big for most drummers, and he added some hi-hats and a ride cymbal. Being a man of Fusion, Jazz, and Rock music, Terry played “Some Skunk Funk,” Venture Bothers Medley w/Cowboy BeBop, and “Machine”. He also we really outside of the box on the Venture Brothers Medley because he used a few themes from TV shows off of Cartoon Network's “Adult Swim” (with permission from the show's composers of course). Kudos to Terry Bozzio!

After the intermission, Tommy Igoe comes back up for one more song, and then there was a surprise guest performance by Peter Erskine. Many huge Jazz fans were excited as he came up to play one quick song with the Buddy Rich Big Band.

Following Peter Erskine came the unveiling of Buddy's Grandson, Nick Rich. This had been long awaited from everyone, because nobody has every really heard much about him or seen him play before. It was a special occurrence seeing Nick play with his Grandfather's Big Band. He played two Jazz tunes; “Beulah Witch”, and “Mercy, Mercy, Mercy”. Nick more of a rock drummer, and you can hear, and see it in his playing. He ripped it up during a solo, and you could tell Cathy Rich was proud of the way he represented Buddy. When asked what it was like to see Nick playing with the Buddy Rich Big Band she said " Words just can't describe it."

“This is the Rock portion of the show!” said Chad Smith aka Will Ferrell as he gets ready to play for everyone. Chad's performance was by far the most energetic part of the whole show. He started his set off with an awesome big band arrangement of “Dani California” by the Red Hot Chilli Peppers, followed by a “rocked out” version of “Hocus Pocus”, and “Birdland”. Chad really had people jumping in they're seats as he turned show up one notch.

To finish the line-up, Neil Peart is up to swing with the Buddy Rich Big Band. He plays a number if tunes including “Love For Sale,” “Time Will Tell,” “Cottontail/One O'Clock Jump,” and one of his originals “YYZ” from the band Rush. Neil did a great job playing with the Big Band, and a very great job producing and co-hosting the whole event.

A special thanks to everyone involved in putting on this historic event, and a special thanks to Drummer Connection Founder Eric Rosebrock for taking the DC crew and friends out to experience this amazing event.