There is no hype or exaggeration in calling these tunes "The Classic First Herd Sides." Beginning in 1943, Woody Herman assembled his first great band, which counted among its numbers Young Lions such as (to name just a few) guitarist Billy Bauer; arrangers Neal Hefti and Sy Oliver; trumpeters Shorty Rogers and Conte and Pete Candoli; saxophonists Flip Phillips, Serge Chaloff, Pete Mondello, and Zoot Sims; vibraphonist Red Norvo; bassist Joe Mondragon; and pianists like Jimmy Rowles. This collection by Charly collects 42 ...
Read More
There is no hype or exaggeration in calling these tunes "The Classic First Herd Sides." Beginning in 1943, Woody Herman assembled his first great band, which counted among its numbers Young Lions such as (to name just a few) guitarist Billy Bauer; arrangers Neal Hefti and Sy Oliver; trumpeters Shorty Rogers and Conte and Pete Candoli; saxophonists Flip Phillips, Serge Chaloff, Pete Mondello, and Zoot Sims; vibraphonist Red Norvo; bassist Joe Mondragon; and pianists like Jimmy Rowles. This collection by Charly collects 42 sides over two discs and provides them at a budget price. The sound is excellent for the period, the notes are more than serviceable, and some of the cuts include Hefti's "The Good Earth" and "Blowin' Up a Storm," "I Ain't Got Nothin' But the Blues," Herman's "Apple Honey" and "Goosey Gander," Norvo's steaming "Back Talk," and Phillips' "Lost Weekend." There are ballads and vocals interwoven throughout, but what's most important is the evolution in sophistication the band shows in its choice of material, its confidence as a unit, and the sheer wire-walking execution in the music. This is a recommended introduction to Herman's music, as well as a place to collect old favorites in one place. ~ Thom Jurek, Rovi
Read Less
![Eight Classic Albums [Enlightenment]](https://www0.alibris-static.com/eight-classic-albums-enlightenment/cover/41655tcg26.jpg)
