Class of '78


Class of '78 is a big band jazz album recorded by Buddy Rich in 1977. Originally released by Century Records as a "direct-to-disc" LP album Limited Edition, it was widely released in 1978, and re-issued on Compact Disc as The Greatest Drummer That Ever Lived with "The Best Band I Ever Had".

Reception

DownBeat assigned the album 4 stars. Reviewer Chuck Berg wrote,
The ride cymbal sizzles, the hi-hat pops and the snare drum snaps. The bass drum, however, booms, booms, booms... the disc comes very close to putting you right at ringside. Aside from Buddy's bravura breaks and fills, there are fine solo spots by tenor/soprano saxman Steve Marcus, tenorist Gary Pribek, trumpeter Dean Pratt and pianist Barry Keiner. The section work is precise and the ensembles swing with abandon.

Track listing

side A:
  1. "Birdland" – 6:46
  2. "Bouncin' with Bud" – 5:55
LP side B:
  1. "Cape Verdean Blues" – 6:17
  2. "Fiesta" – 6:23
  3. "Funk City Ola" – 4:30

Personnel