This was the first Buddy Rich album I ever bought, in fact it was one of the first albums I ever bought, period. As a young percussionist (not drummer) I was searching for some purpose for the music I was playing. Some definition of what it was to be a musician from a percussion standpoint. That definition was certainly not going to be found in mainstream music or even in classical music.My search lead me to Buddy Rich and, by complete luck, I stumbled onto this album. It was exactly what I needed, what I wanted, what I was searching for. It showcased Buddy's enormous talent without leaving the rest of the band, and music, far behind. Too often is the case that so much emphasis is placed on Buddy that it is hard for a young percussionist to relate to Buddy and his place in the scope of the band and music. This album is very balanced, yet allows the listener to easily hear the talent of the world's greatest percussionist.