GENE KRUPA — The Drum Battle At JATP (review)

GENE KRUPA — The Drum Battle At JATP album cover Live album · 1960 · Swing Buy this album from MMA partners
3/5 ·
dreadpirateroberts
How powerful a crowd can be - just listen to them roar during this live swing date from Gene Krupa.

While this is one of the few swing albums I own, it's probably not a stretch to say that this approaches hard bop at times too. Released after the swing peak and during the early stages of the post-war boom (after large groups became less fashionable and had been less affordable) this is a trio date with Krupa on drums, supported by Willie Smith on alto and a more than able Hank Jones on piano. It also features Ella Fitzgerald for one song, and fellow drum legend Buddy Rich for a duet on the title track.

With quicker tempos and longer solos, the covers get a good workout here, from the lovely 'Sophisticated Lady' where Smith shines, to the ramped up Goodman tune 'Flying Home.' It also features the famous 'Drum Boogie' and a vocal appearance by Ella Fitzgerald (a little too low in the mix) on 'Predido' where a bigger band is included.

What's constantly recognised as one of the most striking things about Krupa's playing is his work with the bass drum. Here he hits heavy and uses it quite aggressively, it's impressive to see him switch his focus across the songs, from snare to the hats with his avalanche of 16th notes in 'Drum Boogie' (along with other things I can't truly appreciate as a non-drummer) but suffice to say, he swings and he hits hard when he wants to.

Despite the title of this album, which is essentially a live trio set, the Drum Battle itself is short at around three minutes, which is fine in itself. The trio playing is more satisfying to me anyway, but it's hard not to get caught up in the excitement of this historic track - the first time Rich and Krupa play onstage together - as the crowd goes pretty wild. I admit that I've found myself struggling to assign a star rating. Four stars for drummers and fans of Krupa - as I imagine this is a pretty amazing set for drummer to hear, the trio songs are fantastic and the drum battle itself is historic and impressive - but more casual Jazz fans may not rush out for this. It's still great, no doubt about it, but I can't go so far as to suggest that it's 'essential to any collection.'
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