Class of '78

Class of '78 is a big band jazz album recorded by Buddy Rich in 1977. Originally released by Century Records as a "direct-to-disc" LP album Limited Edition, it was widely released in 1978, and re-issued on Compact Disc as The Greatest Drummer That Ever Lived with "The Best Band I Ever Had".

DownBeat assigned the album 4 stars.^[3] Reviewer Chuck Berg wrote,

The ride cymbal sizzles, the hi-hat pops and the snare drum snaps. The bass drum, however, booms, booms, booms . . . the disc comes very close to putting you right at ringside. Aside from Buddy's bravura breaks and fills, there are fine solo spots by tenor/soprano saxman Steve Marcus, tenorist Gary Pribek, trumpeter Dean Pratt and pianist Barry Keiner. The section work is precise and the ensembles swing with abandon.^[3]

LP side A:

1. "Birdland" (Zawinul) – 6:46
2. "Bouncin' with Bud" (Powell) – 5:55

LP side B:

1. "Cape Verdean Blues" (Silver) – 6:17
2. "Fiesta" (Corea) – 6:23
3. "Funk City Ola" (Mintzer) – 4:30

• Buddy Rich – drums
• Alan Gauvin – alto saxophone, soprano saxophone, flute
• Chuck Wilson – alto saxophone, soprano saxophone, flute
• Steve Marcus – tenor saxophone, soprano saxophone
• Gary Bribek – tenor saxophone, percussion (cowbell)
• Greg Smith – baritone saxophone, percussion (cabasa)
• Chuck Schmidt – trumpet
• Dean Pratt – trumpet
• John Marshall – trumpet
• Danny Hayes – trumpet
• Matt Johnson – trombone
• Dale Kirkland – trombone
• Edward Eby – bass trombone
• Barry Kiener – keyboards
• Tommy Warrington – bass

• Great American Gramophone Company GADD 1030
• Gryphon 781 (UK)
• DCC Compact Classics 606 (1990 CD retitled re-issue, The Greatest Drummer...)
• Class of '78 at discogs.com