Big Band Machine (1975)
There are albums out there, without any reason at all it seems, that go for dirt cheap when demand should outstrip supply. Big Band Machine is an example of one of these albums. While I'm sure it sold decent copy in its day, it by no means is a commodity like the Sergio Mendes albums. I bring the latter up because much of his work is brilliant too, but at least the supply is so vast it explains their thrift shop status. And the fact this is the first copy I've found in six years of hard digging tells me it's not that common either. It takes only one influencer and you can bet these will dry up quickly and good luck in sourcing them again for $2. Regardless, it's the music that counts and with that...
Musically it isn't so different from The Roar of '74, an album that at least has some kind of following. It's big band music for the rock and funk crowd. The cover indicates a sort of staid performance, the bandstand loaded with members all dressed up to play the charted music on the stand before them. But the music isn't standards. Even the 'Tommy Medley' is barely recognizable as a Who composition. While Rich throws in a few drum solos, they are very short and purposeful, like most stage bands would do. The album rocks out nicely with plenty of jazz funk to enjoy. One of those albums you won't be able to sell, but why would you anyway?
Ownership: 1975 Groove Merchant (LP). Gatefold.
7/22/25 (review)
The Roar of '74 (1974)
The Roar of '74 represents the type of album I've been looking for in the wilds for some time. That of the rockin' funky big band sound. As a former stage band performer, we occasionally played some pretty cool tunes that made it fun. We also played standards that were necessary for a school band. The Roar of '74 opens with three very hot tracks that just won't let up. It shows the potential of big band in a rock setting. After this about half the rest maintain the funky goodness while the other three tracks are more of what would be expected. Reviews suggest - at best - this is nothing more than "cop show sh*t". Well... I happen to like "cop show sh*t". Buddy Rich was 56 or 57 when this was recorded. He was going hard late in life, especially for his generation. Also like the neat cover that represents the era well.Ownership: 1974 Groove Merchant (LP)
The Roar of '74 represents the type of album I've been looking for in the wilds for some time. That of the rockin' funky big band sound. As a former stage band performer, we occasionally played some pretty cool tunes that made it fun. We also played standards that were necessary for a school band. The Roar of '74 opens with three very hot tracks that just won't let up. It shows the potential of big band in a rock setting. After this about half the rest maintain the funky goodness while the other three tracks are more of what would be expected. Reviews suggest - at best - this is nothing more than "cop show sh*t". Well... I happen to like "cop show sh*t". Buddy Rich was 56 or 57 when this was recorded. He was going hard late in life, especially for his generation. Also like the neat cover that represents the era well.Ownership: 1974 Groove Merchant (LP)
7/6/24 (review)
7/6/24
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