Woody Herman Thundering Herd CD

Digitally remastered by Phil De Lancie (1995, Fantasy Studios, Berkeley, California).

Of all the big-band leaders of the swing era, Woody Herman went the most out of his way to interpret current material and keep his orchestra young, enthusiastic, and modern. For this Fantasy date (reissued on CD under the OJC imprint), Herman's band not only plays two John Coltrane songs, but material from Frank Zappa ("America Drinks and Goes Home"), Stanley Clarke ("Bass Folk Song"), and even Carole King ("Corazon"). This is one of Herman's most successful efforts of the period, for the arrangements (by Alan Broadbent, Bill Stapleton, and Tony Klatka) are inventive and generally swinging, with such soloists as Frank Tiberi on tenor, flügelhornist Klatka, and electric keyboardist Andy Laverne keeping the music continually interesting. "Blues for Poland," "Lazy Bird," and the Zappa piece are high points. ~ Scott Yanow

Since the definitive three-LP box set Thundering Herds is out-of-print, this single CD is the best place for listeners to go first when starting to explore the music of Woody Herman. There are 16 selections from what was arguably his best band, his First Herd, and two numbers (including the original version of "Four Brothers") by The Second Herd. A few rarities (such as "A Jug of wine" and "The Blues Are Brewing") are mixed in with such classics as "Apple Honey," "Northwest Passage," "Your Father's Mustache" and a new version of "Woodchopper's Ball," but there is unavoidably a lot missing from this single disc, a set which will have to suffice until a more complete reissue series comes along. ~ Scott Yanow

Recorded between 1945 and 1947. Includes liner notes by George Kanzler.

All tracks have been digitally remastered.

Recorded at Fantasy Studios, Berkeley, California from January 2-4, 1974. Originally released on Fantasy (9452).

Personnel: Woody Herman (soprano & alto saxophones); Frank Tiberi (soprano & tenor saxophones, flute, clarinet, bassoon); Greg Herbert (tenor saxophone, piccolo, flute); Gary Anderson (tenor saxophone, flute); Jan Konopasek (baritone saxophone); Bill Byrne (trumpet); Dave Stahl, Buddy Powers, Bill Stapleton, Tony Klatka (flugelhorn); Jim Pugh, Steve Kohlbacher (trombone); Harold Garrett (bass trombone); Andy Laverne (electric piano); Chip Jackson (electric bass); Ron Davis (drums); Richard Dollarhide (congas); John Rae (percussion).

Personnel: Woody Herman (soprano saxophone, alto saxophone); Gregory Herbert (flute, piccolo, tenor saxophone); Frank Tiberi (flute, clarinet, bassoon, soprano saxophone, tenor saxophone); Gary Anderson (flute, saxophone, tenor saxophone); Jan Konopasek (baritone saxophone); Bill Byrne (trumpet); Dave Stahl, Bill Stapleton, Bill Stapelton, Buddy Powers, Tony Klatka (flugelhorn); Harold Garrett (trombone, bass trombone); Steve Kohlbacher, Jim Pugh (trombone); Andy LaVerne (piano, electric piano); Chip Jackson (electric bass); Ron Davis (drums); Richard Dollarhide (congas); John Rae, Johnny Rae (percussion).

Audio Remixer: Phil DeLancie.

Recording information: Fantasy Studios, Berkeley, CA (01/02/1974-01/04/1974).

Photographer: Tony Lane.

Unknown Contributor Role: Gregory Herbert.

Arrangers: Bill Stapleton; Alan Broadbent; Tony Klatka.

Personnel includes: Woody Herman (vocals, alto saxophone, clarinet); Ralph Burns (arranger, piano); Herbie Steward (alto & tenor saxophones); Sam Marowitz, John La Porta (alto saxophone); Mickey Folus, Flip Phillips, Stan Getz, Zoot Sims (tenor saxophone); Sam Rubinwitch, Skippy DeSair (baritone saxophone); Conrad Gozzo, Cappy Lewis, Sonny Berman, Pete Candoli, Chuck Frankhauser, Carl Warwick, Ray Wetzel, Conte Candoli, Neal Hefti, Ray Linn, Sam Berman, Irv Lewis, Shorty Rogers (trumpet); Bill Harris, Ed Kiefer, Ralph Pfiffner (trombone); Margie Hyams, Red Norvo (vibraphone); Jimmy Rowles, Tony Aless (piano); Chuck Wayne, Billy Bauer (guitar); Joe Mondragon, Chubby Jackson (bass); Don Lamond, Dave Tough, Buddy Rich (drums).

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