On May 26, 2015, a new live album featuring Buddy Rich and his Killer Force Band will be released. The 'Birdland' album is seen in the Academy Award winning film Whiplash, in the hands of the young star Miles Teller, who plays an extraordinary drummer who idolizes Buddy Rich. The digital version of 'Birdland' was rush released worldwide on February 24 to coincide with the Oscars airing and is already the most downloaded Buddy Rich album. A vinyl LP of the album is scheduled for June 23rd.
This rare, previously unreleased, and all original production was recorded with Buddy's permission by bandmate Alan Gauvin, who has also now mixed and edited the project together. The album was mastered by Tom Swift. Cathy Rich, CEO of Scabeba Entertainment and Buddy's daughter, who authorized the release, was a consultant on the Whiplash film. She is currently on tour with her Buddy Rich Band.
Arnie Holland, CEO of Lightyear Entertainment:
"Birdland is probably the best Buddy Rich album we've released. And we are grateful to Whiplash for stimulating so much interest in Buddy and big-band jazz drumming in general."
Lightyear, Lobitos Creek, and Scabeba have previously teamed to release two Buddy Rich dvd's, 'The Lost Tapes' and 'The Channel One Suite', and two previous live cd's featuring Buddy and his band: 'Time Out' and 'No Funny Hats'. In addition, in 2014, Lightyear/Lobitos released 'The Solos', which was comprised purely of Buddy Rich drum solos, and culled from his performances in 1976 and 1977, at the peak of his power and versatility. The album showcases 9 of his premiere solo performances, recorded while on worldwide tour with his band.
