Year : 1974
Label : Groove Merchant
Genre : Jazz
Style : Big Band, Contempory Jazz, Funk/Soul
The "Roar of '74" is the first of five albums released by the Buddy Rich Big Band on the crossover jazz label, "Groove Merchant", founded by band leader Sonny Lester. Drummer Buddy Rich goes on his Rhythm & Blues orientation (started in 1971 with "A Different Drummer" album), featuring guitarist Joe Beck, bassist Tony Levin, pianist Buddy Budson & soloist saxophonist Pat LaBarbera. Titles include jazz covers from Horace Silver (Nutville) with insane drum breaks, Duke Ellington (Prelude To A Kiss), the heavy funk "Big Mac", "Kilimanjaro Cookout" to the african expressions (arranged by Manny Albam), and the two pure Big Band style "Waltz Of The Mushroom Hunters" & "Senator Sam". All tracks produced by Sonny Lester.
