Why read Traps, the Drum Wonder?

Book cover of Traps, the Drum Wonder: The Life of Buddy Rich

Book description

Mel Tormé is world renowned as a leading jazz vocalist. He has performed in MGM musicals, co-wrote one of the enduring Christmas classics, "The Christmas Song (Chestnuts Roasting on an Open Fire)," and was recently profiled in Life magazine as one of the greatest living jazz singers. But
Tormé has…

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Why read it?

1 author picked Traps, the Drum Wonder as one of their favorite books. Why do they recommend it?

Bill Bruford

Author

This biography of a person that many consider to be the greatest drummer that we’ve had so far, is excellent on several fronts. First, it is written by a long-standing friend and roommate Mel Tormé. Tormé was there when it happened, and as a highly rated jazz singer experienced in Rich’s world, he is able to help us understand why it happened. Second, it speaks volumes about American music and entertainment in the context of the Swing era. Rich could be mean, prickly, and arrogant, and then turn on a dime into a sweetheart. It says much for their friendship…

From Bill's list on The best books on why drummers do what they do.