markngolf Loc: Bridgewater, NJ

I would not attempt to dissuade you from your personal favorite. Initially I took
issue with your original reply which said Krupa was a better drummer.
Mark

Curmudgeon Loc: SE Arizona

There is, and always been, debate since I got hooked on jazz in 1961. That you like Buddy, I like Joe, really doesn't make either one better, it just defines our choice of styles.

Now if you want to discuss the abilities of John Coltrane on Tenor Sax...

markngolf Loc: Bridgewater, NJ

Actually, Max Roach was my favorite, but Buddy was better. Perhaps my perspective, from a musician’s point of view, is different from a fan’s.
Mark

Curmudgeon Loc: SE Arizona

It certainly would be and is in this case.

speters Loc: Grangeville/Idaho

Not too bad!

markngolf Loc: Bridgewater, NJ

Thanks for the interesting conversation.
Mark

boberic Loc: Quiet Corner, Connecticut. Ex long Islander

I'll take Paul Desmond over Coltrane

therwol Loc: USA

Depends on what you are judging. For hand speed, Buddy Rich wins hands down, but that isn't everything, and of course such judgments are subjective.

Gene Krupa was the first to record the drums as a solo instrument. His rendition of Sing Sing Sing, both in the studio and in Carnegie Hall sent out shock waves and influenced every drummer who followed. He invented the modern drum kit. He invented the tune-able Tom-Tom, which is a very important milestone in drumming history. He was a genuine superstar in his day. When Benny Goodman realized that many who came to hear his orchestra were really coming to hear Krupa on the drums, a rift developed between the two, but it was his drumming with Goodman that helped his career take off. Their session recordings are simply wonderful. The drumming is subtle and as close to perfection as you can get. Not flashy at all.

Buddy Rich was a generation later than Krupa. It's hard to argue that anyone had better (i.e. faster) hands. My son, who worked as a professional drummer for a time, says the Buddy Rich is the gold standard for technique. I've heard recordings by Buddy Rich with smaller groups that were not the flashy stuff that we're used to. I saw Buddy Rich in Carnegie Hall when I was in medical school and was thoroughly entertained. I've read that he was an a-hole, and maybe he was. I think that both individuals contributed greatly to the art, and I simply enjoy both.

Watch this. Both on the stage together.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BZ5B7yqDYbA

Curmudgeon Loc: SE Arizona

Two different instruments. Paul Desmond played Alto Sax almost exclusively. Coltrane most famously played Tenor but to hear him on Alto is/was a joy. Coltrane also played Soprano Sax and Flute.

I liked Desmond with the Dave Brubeck Quartet and he wrote the cross over jazz/pop 'Take Five' in 5/4 time.