Phil Woods Unheard Herd CD

The music of the little-recorded second incarnation of Woody Herman's Herd is revived on this 2006 set based on original bebop-influenced band charts originally composed in the late 1940s. These pleasant performances feature the legendary alto saxophonist Phil Woods.

Phil Woods & The Los Angeles Jazz Orchestra perform the great Woody Herman Band Second Herd Bebop charts from the late 1940's. The Los Angeles Jazz Orchestra, under the direction of trumpeter Ron Stout, is joined by alto sax legend Phil Woods and a host of LA's greatest jazz musicians including Ross Tompkins, Carl Saunders, Scott Whitfield, Andy Martin, Jerry Pinter, Kim Richmond and Joel Hamilton."The opening moments of "Keen and Peachy" command instant excitement, quickly revealing the imprint of Woody Herman's explosive big bands. In the case of this "live" recording, the focus is on the spirit and direction of his remarkable "Second Herd", a sizzling band soaked in the vanguard of bebop inspired by gate breakers Charlie Parker, Dizzy Gillespie, Bud Powell, and Max Roach. Considering the engaging music the Second Herd represented and sadly its short list of studio recordings, it is notable that at long last its seldom heard/unheard music is embodied in a CD. Consequently, Ken (Poston) judiciously assembled the Los Angeles Jazz Orchestra under the capable leadership of trumpeter Ron Stout who as a Herdsman from 1984-1990 has answered promptly many a call to participate in performances and activities connected with Woody Herman.

Phil Woods' performance on this CD reflects his status as a celebrated jazz soloist who is an unrivaled alto saxophonist. His solos are models of surprise and marvel of configuration. He is as fully equipped as any musician can possibly be, possessing acute ears, nimble fingering, a distinctive sound and an inexhaustible repertoire of songs he taps to lace his story telling. And the audience had a super time because the band was groovin'. Everyone had a ball swinging!The "Unheard Herd" has, indeed, been heard."Dr. Herb Wong- Past President, International Association for Jazz EducationAlumnus, KJAZ Radio- San Francisco, California

Composer: Phil Woods.

Personnel: Phil Woods (alto saxophone); Phil Woods (alto flute); Jerry Pinter, Keith Bishop, Bill Trujillo, Bob Carr (reeds); Mike McGuffey, Bob Summers (trumpet); Scott Shitfield, Scott Whitfield (trombone); Joel Hamilton (bass guitar); Kim Richmond (clarinet, alto clarinet); Frank Szabo, Ron Stout, Carl Saunders (trumpet); Andy Martin (trombone); Bryant Byers (bass trombone); Ross Tompkins (piano); David Tull (drums).

Audio Mixer: Rod Nicas.

Liner Note Author: Herb Wong.

Recording information: LAX Four Points Sheraton Hotel, Los Angeles, CA (05/29/2004).

Director: Ron Stout.Down Beat (p.72) - 3.5 stars out of 5 -- "Woods rides with supreme confidence on top of the band's sound....The soloists are uniformly good."