The Buddy Rich & Sweets Edison Quintet - Complete 1955 Hollywood Sessions (2011)

In the mid Fifties, Buddy Rich was universally considered to be, technically, the greatest drummer ever. It was an opinion shared by Norman Granz, who regarded Rich as the paragon of jazz drummers, and used him in several recording sessions, trusting him as JATPs timekeeper. These 1955 quintet dates, along with the swinging and melodically tasteful trumpet of Harry Sweets Edison, are among the drummers best small group recordings.

Both are backed up by some excellent jazzmen. Altoist Sonny Criss is heard in some searingly pointed solos and Barney Kessel and John Simmons contribute characteristically superior work, while Jimmy Rowles is wonderfully relaxed and swinging throughout. A fine example of the natural, spontaneous expression of emotion that is the mainstream jazz at its best.