Meaning: This quote by Buddy Rich, a renowned American jazz drummer and bandleader, reflects the importance of allowing drummers the freedom to interpret musical charts and express their creativity. Rich's perspective on the role of drummers and the arrangement of drum parts carries significant weight given his legendary status in the world of jazz music.

In essence, Rich is advocating for a collaborative approach between arrangers and drummers, emphasizing the need for drummers to have the freedom to bring their unique interpretation to the music they play. By expressing this view, Rich highlights the distinction between a drummer who mechanically plays what is written and one who adds their own artistic flair to the music.

When Rich mentions that "any arranger should ever write a drum part for a drummer," he is asserting that drummers should not be restricted by overly prescriptive or rigidly notated drum parts. Instead, he believes that drummers should be given the flexibility to interpret the music and infuse their own creativity into their playing. This approach enables drummers to contribute their individual style and musicality to a performance, enriching the overall sound and expression of the music.

Rich's emphasis on the drummer's freedom is rooted in the belief that music should be a dynamic and expressive art form, rather than a mechanical reproduction of written notes. He argues that when drummers are confined to playing exactly what is written, they lose the opportunity to fully engage with and contribute to the music on a personal and artistic level. By allowing drummers the freedom to interpret the chart, arrangers and composers can tap into the drummer's creativity and harness their unique contributions to the musical arrangement.

Furthermore, Rich's perspective speaks to the collaborative nature of music-making, where mutual respect and trust between arrangers and drummers can lead to more compelling and authentic performances. Allowing drummers the freedom to interpret and shape their parts fosters a sense of ownership and investment in the music, encouraging them to fully engage with the musical material and contribute their creativity to the ensemble.

In summary, Buddy Rich's quote underscores the importance of empowering drummers to bring their own interpretation and creativity to the music they play. By advocating for the freedom of drummers to interpret musical charts, Rich promotes a more dynamic and expressive approach to drumming, enriching the overall musical experience. His insights serve as a reminder of the collaborative and artistic nature of music, where individual expression and interpretation play a vital role in creating compelling and authentic performances.