Woody Herman - The Raven Speaks

Styles: Saxophone, Clarinet Jazz
Year: 1972
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 41:36
Size: 96,0 MB
Art: Front

(4:36)  1. Fat Mama
(5:42)  2. Alone Again (Naturally)
(5:16)  3. Watermelon Man (Sandia Chicano)
(4:18)  4. It's Too Late
(4:30)  5. The Raven Speaks
(6:27)  6. Summer of '42
(6:53)  7. Reunion at Newport 1972
(3:51)  8. Bill's Blues

The best of his Fantasy releases of the '70s, this well-rounded CD is highlighted by a great jam on "Reunion at Newport" and strong soloing from Herman (on soprano and clarinet), pianist Harold Danko, trumpeter Bill Stapleton and the tenors of Gregory Herbert and Frank Tiberi. The Herman orchestra performs a couple of modern ballads ("Alone Again Naturally" and "Summer of '42"), some blues and a few swinging numbers, showing off their versatility with expertise and spirit. ~ Scott Yanow https://www.allmusic.com/album/the-raven-speaks-mw0000677670

Personnel: Woody Herman - alto saxophone, soprano saxophone, clarinet;  Al Porcino - trumpet, leader;  Charles Davis - trumpet;  John Thomas - trumpet;  Bill Stapleton - flugelhorn;  Bill Byrne - trumpet;  Bob Burgess - trombone, leader;   Rick Stepton - bass trombone;  Harold Garrett - bass trombone;  Frank Tiberi - tenor saxophone, flute, cowbell;   Greg Herbert - tenor saxophone, piccolo, alto flute, flute;  Steve Lederer - baritone saxophone;  Tom Anastas - baritone saxophone;  Joe La Barbera - drums;  Alphonso Johnson - bass;  Harold Danko - fender rhodes electric piano;  Pat Martino - guitar;  John Pacheco - congas.

The Raven Speaks

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Woody Herman - Keeper Of The Flame

Styles: Clarinet, Saxophone Jazz
Year: 1992
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 58:21
Size: 137,2 MB
Art: Front

(3:04)  1. That's Right
(2:52)  2. Lemon Drop
(3:14)  3. I Got It Bad (And That Ain't Good)
(3:07)  4. I Ain't Gettin' Any Younger
(3:12)  5. Early Autumn
(3:05)  6. More Than You Know
(3:03)  7. Keeper Of The Flame
(3:14)  8. The Crickets
(3:13)  9. More Moon
(3:11) 10. Detour Ahead
(3:12) 11. Jamaica Rhumba
(2:53) 12. Not Really The Blues
(2:57) 13. Tenderly
(2:42) 14. Lollipop
(2:37) 15. I'll Be Glad When You're Dead You Rascal You
(3:13) 16. You've Got A Date with The Blues
(3:10) 17. Rhapsody In wood
(2:57) 18. The Great Lie
(3:14) 19. In The Beginning

Subtitled The Complete Capitol Recordings of the Four Brothers Band, this CD contains 19 selections from Herman's Second Herd, including three songs never before released. Top-heavy with major soloists (including trumpeters Red Rodney and Shorty Rogers; trombonist Bill Harris; tenors Al Cohn, Zoot Sims, Stan Getz, and Gene Ammons; and vibraphonist Terry Gibbs; not to mention Herman himself), this boppish band may have cost the leader a small fortune but they created timeless music. Highlights include "Early Autumn" (a ballad performance that made Stan Getz a star), the riotous "Lemon Drop," and Gene Ammons' strong solo on "More Moon." 

~ Scott Yanow https://www.allmusic.com/album/keeper-of-the-flame-the-complete-capitol-recordings-mw0000075785

Personnel:  Clarinet – Woody Herman;  Alto Saxophone – Sam Marowitz, Woody Herman;  Baritone Saxophone – Serge Chaloff;  Bass – Chubby Jackson (tracks: 1 to 7), Joe Mondragon (tracks: 13 to 19), Oscar Pettiford (tracks: 8 to 12);  Drums – Don Lamond (tracks: 1 to 7), Shelly Manne (tracks: 8 to 19);  Piano – Lou Levy;  Tenor Saxophone – Al Cohn (tracks: 1 to 7), Buddy Savitt (tracks: 8 to 19), Gene Ammons (tracks: 8 to 19), Jimmy Giuffre (tracks: 8 to 19), Stan Getz (tracks: 1 to 7), Zoot Sims (tracks: 1 to 7);  Trombone – Bart Varsalona (tracks: 8 to 19), Bill Harris, Bob Swift (tracks: 1 to 7), Earl Swope, Ollie Wilson ; Trumpet – Al Porcino (tracks: 8 to 19), Bernie Glow (tracks: 1 to 7), Charlie Walp (tracks: 8 to 19), Ernie Royal, Red Rodney (tracks: 1 to 7), Shorty Rogers, Stan Fishelson;  Vibraphone – Terry Gibbs (tracks: 1 to 7, 10 to 19);  Vocals – Mary Ann McCall (tracks: 1 to 9), Woody Herman

Keeper Of The Flame

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Buck Clayton - Junpin' At The Woodside

Styles: Trumpet Jazz
Year: 1955
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 34:54
Size: 80,3 MB
Art: Front

( 8:02)  1. Rock-A-Bye Basie
(10:37)  2. Junpin' At The Woodside
( 6:36)  3. Blue And Sentimental
( 9:37)  4. Broaway

The Buck Clayton jam sessions of the mid-'50s led to writer Stanley Dance coining the term "mainstream" to describe swing-oriented veterans of the era. This out-of-print LP, whose contents have been reissued by Mosaic in their six-CD Buck Clayton box set, has a variety of top mainstream all-stars jamming on four songs associated with Count Basie. 

The music is taken from three different sessions, with this version of "Jumpin' at the Woodside" splicing together the best of two completely different performances. The lineup of top players (including trumpeters Clayton, Joe Newman and Ruby Braff, trombonists Trummy Young, Urbie Green and Benny Green, clarinetist Woody Herman and tenors Coleman Hawkins, Al Cohn, Buddy Tate and Lem Davis among others) gives one a good idea as to the high quality of the music.~ Scott Yanow https://www.allmusic.com/album/jumpin-at-the-woodside-mw0000871165

Personnel:  Buck Clayton – trumpet;  Joe Newman (tracks 2 & 3), Joe Thomas (track 2) – trumpet;  Ruby Braff – cornet (tracks 1 & 4);  Bennie Green (tracks 1 & 4), Urbie Green (tracks 2 & 3), Dicky Harris (tracks 1 & 4), Trummy Young (track 2) – trombone;  Woody Herman – clarinet (track 2);  Lem Davis – alto saxophone (tracks 2 & 3);  Al Cohn (track 2), Julian Dash (track 2), Coleman Hawkins (tracks 1–4), Buddy Tate (tracks 1 & 4) – tenor saxophone;  Charles Fowlkes – baritone saxophone (tracks 2 & 3);  Jimmy Jones (track 2), Billy Kyle (tracks 2 & 3) – piano, celeste;  Al Waslohn – piano (tracks 1 & 4);  Steve Jordan (tracks 1, 2 & 4), Freddie Green (tracks 2 & 3) – guitar;  Milt Hinton (tracks 1–4), Walter Page (track 2) – bass;  Jo Jones – drums;  Jack Ackerman – tap dancing (track 1).

Junpin' At The Woodside

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Buck Clayton Jam Session - How Hi The Fi

Styles: Trumpet Jazz
Year: 1955
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 54:35
Size: 125,3 MB
Art: Front

(13:50)  1. How hi the fi
(14:10)  2. Blue moon
(13:47)  3. Sentimental journey
(12:46)  4. Moten swing

The first of the famous Buck Clayton jam sessions, the exciting music on this long out-of-print LP has been reissued as part of a Mosaic box set. Two songs ("Sentimental Journey" and "Moten Swing") are from a December 1953 session in which the trumpeter/leader is teamed with trumpeter Joe Newman, trombonists Urbie Green and Benny Powell, altoist Lem Davis, Julian Dash on tenor, baritonist Charlie Fowlkes, pianist Sir Charles Thompson, guitarist Freddie Green, bassist Walter Page and drummer Jo Jones. However it is "How Hi the Fi" (cut along with "Blue Moon" on March 31, 1954) that is most memorable. Buck and fellow trumpeter Joe Thomas, trombonists Urbie Green and Trummy Young, clarinetist Woody Herman, Davis and Dash, Al Cohn on second tenor, pianist Jimmy Jones, guitarist Steve Jordan, bassist Walter Page and drummer Jo Jones are all in inspired form. The most memorable soloists are the rambunctious Trummy Young, the harmonically advanced chordings of Jimmy Jones and an exuberant Woody Herman who was rarely heard in this type of jam session setting. 

With Clayton having worked out some ensemble riffs for the horns beforehand and plenty of space left for spontaneity, this music has plenty of magic.~ Scott Yanow https://www.allmusic.com/album/how-hi-the-fi-mw0000868476

Personnel:  Buck Clayton – trumpet;  Joe Newman (tracks 3 & 4), Joe Thomas (tracks 1 & 2) – trumpet;  Urbie Green, Benny Powell (tracks 3 & 4), Trummy Young (tracks 1 & 2) – trombone;  Woody Herman – clarinet (tracks 1 & 2);  Lem Davis – alto saxophone;  Al Cohn (tracks 1 & 2), Julian Dash – tenor saxophone;  Charles Fowlkes – baritone saxophone (tracks 3 & 4);  Jimmy Jones (tracks 1 & 2), Sir Charles Thompson (tracks 3 & 4) – piano;  Steve Jordan (tracks 1 & 2), Freddie Green (tracks 3 & 4) – guitar;  Walter Page – bass;  Jo Jones – drums.

How Hi The Fi

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Buck Clayton - The Golden Days Of Jazz (Swingin' Buck Clayton Jams Count Basie & Benny Goodman)

Styles: Trumpet Jazz
Year: 1974
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 77:31
Size: 177,6 MB
Art: Front

(25:25)  1. Christopher Columbus
( 9:21)  2. Don't Be That Way
( 8:30)  3. Undecided
( 8:05)  4. Rock-A-Bye Basie
(10:28)  5. Jumpin' At The Woodside
( 6:26)  6. Blue & Sentimental
( 9:12)  7. Broadway

An excellent bandleader and accompanist for many vocalists, including Billie Holiday, Buck Clayton was a valued soloist with Count Basie Orchestra during the '30s and '40s, and later was a celebrated studio and jam session player, writer, and arranger. His tart, striking tone and melodic dexterity were his trademark, and Clayton provided several charts for Basie's orchestra and many other groups. Clayton began his career in California, where he organized a big band that had a residency in China in 1934. When he returned, Clayton led a group and played with other local bands. During a 1936 visit to Kansas City, he was invited to join Basie's orchestra as a replacement for Hot Lips Page. Clayton was also featured on sessions with Lester Young, Teddy Wilson, and Holiday in the late '30s. He remained in the Basie band until 1943, when he left for army service. After leaving the army, Clayton did arrangements for Basie, Benny Goodman, and Harry James before forming a sextet in the late '40s. He toured Europe with this group in 1949 and 1950. Clayton continued heading a combo during the '50s, and worked with Joe Bushkin, Tony Parenti, and Jimmy Rushing, among others. He organized a series of outstanding recordings for Columbia in the mid-'50s under the title Jam Session (compiled and reissued by Mosaic in 1993). There were sessions with Rushing, Ruby Braff, and Nat Pierce. Clayton led a combo with Coleman Hawkins and J.J. Johnson at the 1956 Newport Jazz Festival, then reunited with Goodman in 1957 at the Waldorf Astoria. There was another European tour, this time with Mezz Mezzrow. He appeared in the 1956 film The Benny Goodman Story and played the 1958 Brussels World Fair with Sidney Bechet. Clayton later made another European visit with a Newport Jazz Festival tour. He joined Eddie Condon's band in 1959, a year after appearing in the film Jazz on a Summer's Day. Clayton toured Japan and Australia with Condon's group in 1964, and continued to revisit Europe throughout the '60s, often with Humphrey Lyttelton's band, while playing festivals across the country. But lip and health problems virtually ended his playing career in the late '60s. After a period outside of music, Clayton once again became active in music, this time as a non-playing arranger, touring Africa as part of a State Department series in 1977. He provided arrangements and compositions for a 1974 Lyttleton and Buddy Tate album, and did more jam session albums for Chiaroscuro in 1974 and 1975. He also became an educator, teaching at Hunter College in the early '80s. Clayton led a group of Basie sidemen on a European tour in 1983, then headed his own big band in 1987 that played almost exclusively his compositions and arrangements. That same year Clayton's extensive autobiography Buck Clayton's Jazz World, with Nancy Miller-Elliot, was published.~ Ron Wynn https://www.allmusic.com/artist/buck-clayton-mn0000634674/biography

Personnel: Trumpet, Liner Notes – Buck Clayton;   Alto Saxophone – Lem Davis;  Baritone Saxophone – Charlie Fowlkes;  Bass – Milt Hinton, Walter Page;  Clarinet – Woody Herman, Drums – Jo Jones;  Guitar – Freddie Green, Steve Jordan;  Piano – Al Washlon, Billy Kyle, Jimmy Jones, Charles Thompson;  Tenor Saxophone – Al Cohn, Buddy Tate, Coleman Hawkins, Julian Dash;  Trombone – Bennie Green, Dick Harris, Henderson Chambers, Trummy Young, Urbie Green;  Trumpet – Joe Newman, Joe Thomas, Ruby Braff 

The Golden Days Of Jazz (Swingin' Buck Clayton Jams Count Basie & Benny Goodman)

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Woody Herman - Crazy Rhythm

Bitrate: MP3@320K/s
Time: 35:48
Size: 82.0 MB
Styles: Big band, Swing
Year: 2002
Art: Front

[4:14] 1. It's Coolin' Time
[3:13] 2. Fire Island
[3:14] 3. Bamba Samba
[3:59] 4. Prelude Cha Cha
[3:16] 5. Wildroot
[2:30] 6. Black Orchid
[3:21] 7. Bijou
[3:54] 8. Sinbad The Sailor
[3:33] 9. Crazy Rhythm
[4:29] 10. Woodchopper's Ball

A fine swing clarinetist, an altoist whose sound was influenced by Johnny Hodges, a good soprano saxophonist, and a spirited blues vocalist, Woody Herman's greatest significance to jazz was as the leader of a long line of big bands. He always encouraged young talent and, more than practically any bandleader from the swing era, kept his repertoire quite modern. Although Herman was always stuck performing a few of his older hits (he played "Four Brothers" and "Early Autumn" nightly for nearly 40 years), he much preferred to play and create new music.

Woody Herman began performing as a child, singing in vaudeville. He started playing saxophone when he was 11, and four years later he was a professional musician. He picked up early experience playing with the big bands of Tom Gerun, Harry Sosnik, and Gus Arnheim, and then in 1934, he joined the Isham Jones orchestra. He recorded often with Jones, and when the veteran bandleader decided to break up his orchestra in 1936, Herman formed one of his own out of the remaining nucleus. The great majority of the early Herman recordings feature the bandleader as a ballad vocalist, but it was the instrumentals that caught on, leading to his group being known as "the Band That Plays the Blues." Woody Herman's theme "At the Woodchopper's Ball" became his first hit (1939). ~ (partial) bio by Scott Yanow

Crazy Rhythm mc
Crazy Rhythm zippy

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Woody Herman - The Philips Recordings (2-Disc Set)

A fine swing clarinetist, an altoist whose sound was influenced by Johnny Hodges, a good soprano saxophonist, and a spirited blues vocalist, Woody Herman's greatest significance to jazz was as the leader of a long line of big bands. He always encouraged young talent and, more than practically any bandleader from the swing era, kept his repertoire quite modern. Although Herman was always stuck performing a few of his older hits (he played "Four Brothers" and "Early Autumn" nightly for nearly 40 years), he much preferred to play and create new music.

Woody Herman began performing as a child, singing in vaudeville. He started playing saxophone when he was 11, and four years later he was a professional musician. He picked up early experience playing with the big bands of Tom Gerun, Harry Sosnik, and Gus Arnheim, and then in 1934, he joined the Isham Jones orchestra. He recorded often with Jones, and when the veteran bandleader decided to break up his orchestra in 1936, Herman formed one of his own out of the remaining nucleus. The great majority of the early Herman recordings feature the bandleader as a ballad vocalist, but it was the instrumentals that caught on, leading to his group being known as "the Band That Plays the Blues." Woody Herman's theme "At the Woodchopper's Ball" became his first hit (1939). Herman's early group was actually a minor outfit with a Dixieland feel to many of the looser pieces and fine vocals contributed by Mary Ann McCall, in addition to Herman. They recorded very frequently for Decca, and for a period had the female trumpeter/singer Billie Rogers as one of its main attractions.

Woody Herman returned to emphasizing straight-ahead jazz by the late '70s. By then, he was being hounded by the IRS due to an incompetent manager from the 1960s not paying thousands of dollars of taxes out of the sidemen's salaries. Herman, who might very well have taken it easy, was forced to keep on touring and working constantly into his old age. He managed to put on a cheerful face to the public, celebrating his 50th anniversary as a bandleader in 1986. However, his health was starting to fail, and he gradually delegated most of his duties to Frank Tiberi before his death in 1987. Tiberi continued to lead a Woody Herman Orchestra on a part-time basis but it never had the opportunity to record. Fortunately, Herman was well documented throughout all phases of his career, and his major contributions are still greatly appreciated. ~ Scott Yanow

Album: The Philips Recordings (Disc 1)
Bitrate: MP3@320K/s
Time: 76:20
Size: 174.8 MB
Styles: Big band
Year: 2011
Art: Front

[6:43] 1. Mo-Lasses
[3:29] 2. Blues For J.P
[4:17] 3. Don't Get Around Much Anymore
[4:16] 4. Tunin' In
[3:26] 5. Sister Sadie
[3:49] 6. Sig Ep
[3:05] 7. It's A Lonesome Old Town (When You're Not Around)
[8:15] 8. Camel Walk
[2:54] 9. Moon River
[3:23] 10. Hallelujah Time
[3:48] 11. Deep Purple
[4:37] 12. Jazz Hoot
[3:13] 13. A Taste Of Honey
[3:18] 14. Satin Doll
[5:13] 15. After You've Gone
[3:08] 16. The Strut
[3:29] 17. My Wish
[5:49] 18. Cousins

The Philips Recordings (Disc 1) mc
The Philips Recordings (Disc 1) zippy

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Album: The Philips Recordings (Disc 2)
Bitrate: MP3@320K/s
Time: 60:13
Size: 137.9 MB
Styles: Big band
Year: 2011
Art: Front

[4:00] 1. That's Where It Is
[5:41] 2. Watermelon Man
[4:55] 3. Body And Soul
[5:29] 4. Better Get It In Your Soul
[2:57] 5. Jazz Me Blues
[4:49] 6. El Toro Grande
[3:22] 7. Days Of Wine And Roses
[7:46] 8. Caldonia
[3:20] 9. Wailin' In The Woodshed
[2:30] 10. The Good Earth
[2:47] 11. Sidewalks Of Cuba
[3:49] 12. I Can't Get Started
[3:37] 13. Bijou
[5:05] 14. Apple Honey

The Philips Recordings (Disc 2) mc
The Philips Recordings (Disc 2) zippy

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Woody Herman & Lionel Hampton - Jazz Showcase

Styles: Clarinet And Vibraphone Jazz
Year: 2002
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 72:16
Size: 174,9 MB
Art: Front

(6:02)  1. Body And Soul
(6:36)  2. Rose
(4:13)  3. Early Autumn
(7:20)  4. Caldonia
(6:09)  5. Mood Indigo
(5:25)  6. Mr. PC
(3:28)  7. I Wish You Love
(6:01)  8. It Don't Mean A Thing If It Ain't Got That Swing
(6:36)  9. Memories Of You
(8:45) 10. Old Man River
(6:20) 11. How High The Moon
(5:15) 12. Satin Doll

Woodrow Charles Herman (May 16, 1913 – October 29, 1987) was an American jazz clarinetist, alto saxophonist, singer, and big band leader. Leading various groups called "The Herd", Herman was one of the most popular bandleaders of the 1930s and 1940s. His bands often played music that was experimental for its time. He was a featured halftime performer for Super Bowl VII. Herman was born Woodrow Charles Thomas Herman in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, on May 16, 1913. His parents were Otto and Myrtle (Bartoszewicz) Herman. His mother was Polish. His father had a deep love for show business and this influenced Woody Herman at an early age. As a child he worked as a singer and tap-dancer in Vaudeville, then started to play the clarinet and saxophone by age 12. In 1931, he met Charlotte Neste, an aspiring actress; they married on September 27, 1936. Woody Herman joined the Tom Gerun band and his first recorded vocals were "Lonesome Me" and "My Heart's at Ease". Herman also performed with the Harry Sosnick orchestra, Gus Arnheim and Isham Jones. Isham Jones wrote many popular songs, including "It Had to Be You" and at some point was tiring of the demands of leading a band. Jones wanted to live off the residuals of his songs; Woody Herman saw the chance to lead his former band, and eventually acquired the remains of the orchestra after Jones' retirement. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Woody_Herman

Jazz Showcase

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Tito Puente & Woody Herman - Latin Flight

Styles: Latin Jazz
Year: 1999
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 41:25
Size: 99,6 MB
Art: Front

(2:03)  1. Latin Flight
(3:03)  2. New Cha Cha
(2:39)  3. Mambo Herd
(2:39)  4. Tito Meets Woody
(3:02)  5. Cha Cha Chick
(3:10)  6. Blue Gardenia
(4:05)  7. Prelude A La Cha Cha
(4:19)  8. It's Coolin' Time
(2:33)  9. Black Orchids
(3:09) 10. Original No. 2
(4:02) 11. Sinbad The Sailor
(3:19) 12. Mambo Bambo
(3:16) 13. Fire Island

By virtue of his warm, flamboyant stage manner, longevity, constant touring, and appearances in the mass media, Tito Puente is probably the most beloved symbol of Latin jazz. But more than that, Puente managed to keep his music remarkably fresh over the decades; as a timbales virtuoso, he combined mastery over every rhythmic nuance with old-fashioned showmanship watching his eyes bug out when taking a dynamic solo was one of the great treats for Latin jazz fans. A trained musician, he was also a fine, lyrical vibraphonist, a gifted arranger, and played piano, congas, bongos, and saxophone. His appeal continues to cut across all ages and ethnic groups, helped no doubt by Santana's best-selling cover versions of "Oye Como Va" and "Para Los Rumberos" in 1970-1971, and cameo appearances on The Cosby Show in the 1980s and the film The Mambo Kings in 1992. His brand of classic salsa is generally free of dark undercurrents, radiating a joyous, compulsively danceable party atmosphere. Rooted in Spanish Harlem, of Puerto Rican descent, Puente originally intended to become a dancer but those ambitions were scotched by a torn ankle tendon suffered in an accident. At age 13, he began working in Ramon Olivero's big band as a drummer, and later he studied composing, orchestration, and piano at Juilliard and the the New York School of Music. More importantly, he played with and absorbed the influence of Machito, who was successfully fusing Latin rhythms with progressive jazz. 

Forming the nine-piece Piccadilly Boys in 1947 and then expanding it to a full orchestra two years later, Puente recorded for Seeco, Tico, and eventually RCA Victor, helping to fuel the mambo craze that gave him the unofficial and ultimately lifelong  title "King of the Mambo," or just "El Rey." Puente also helped popularize the cha-cha during the 1950s, and he was the only non-Cuban who was invited to a government-sponsored "50 Years of Cuban Music" celebration in Cuba in 1952. Among the major-league congueros who played with the Puente band in the '50s were Mongo Santamaria, Willie Bobo, Johnny Pacheco, and Ray Barretto, which resulted in some explosive percussion shootouts. Not one to paint himself into a tight Latin music corner, Puente's range extended to big-band jazz (Puente Goes Jazz), and in the '60s, bossa nova tunes, Broadway hits, boogaloos, and pop music, although in later years he tended to stick with older Latin jazz styles that became popularly known as salsa. In 1982, he started reeling off a string of several Latin jazz albums with octets or big bands for Concord Picante that gave him greater exposure and respect in the jazz world than he ever had. An indefatigable visitor to the recording studios, Puente recorded his 100th album, The Mambo King, in 1991 amid much ceremony and affection (an all-star Latin music concert at Los Angeles' Universal Amphitheatre in March 1992 commemorated the milestone), and he kept adding more titles to the tally throughout the '90s. He also appeared as a guest on innumerable albums over the years, and such jazz stars as Phil Woods, George Shearing, James Moody, Dave Valentin, and Terry Gibbs played on Puente's own later albums. Just months after accepting his fifth Grammy award, he died on June 1, 2000. Several months later, Puente was recognized at the first annual Latin Grammy Awards, winning for Best Traditional Tropical Perfomance for Mambo Birdland. ~ Richard S.Ginell http://www.allmusic.com/artist/tito-puente-mn0000607283/biography

Latin Flight

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Woody Herman - Road Band!

Styles: Clarinet And Saxophone Jazz
Year: 2005
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 36:41
Size: 84,3 MB
Art: Front

(5:33)  1. Opus De-Funk
(2:57)  2. Gina
(3:32)  3. I Remember Duke
(6:13)  4. Sentimental Journey
(3:30)  5. Cool Cat On A Hot Tin Roof
(3:21)  6. Where Or When
(5:13)  7. Captain Ahab
(2:49)  8. I'll Never Be The Same
(3:30)  9. Pimlico

This out-of-print LP finds Herman's Third Herd in its prime. Rather than just revisiting his celebrated past, he and his orchestra primarily perform then-recent material, much of it arranged by Ralph Burns. Highlights include a big-band version of Horace Silver's "Opus De Funk," Burns's "Cool Cat on a Hot Tin Roof," "I Remember Duke" and Bill Holman's reworking of "Where or When." With tenors Richie Kamuca and Dick Hafer, trumpeter Dick Collins and bass trumpeter Cy Touff as the main soloists, The Third Herd had developed into a particularly strong unit by the mid-'50s. ~ Scott Yanow http://www.allmusic.com/album/road-band-mw0000874164

Personnel:  Woody Herman (clarinet, soprano saxophone, alto saxophone);  Richie Kamuca (tenor saxophone).

Road Band!

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Tito Puente, Woody Herman - Herman's Heat & Puente's Beat

Bitrate: MP3@320K/s
Time: 56:59
Size: 130.5 MB
Styles: Latin jazz
Year: 2005
Art: Front

[3:06] 1. Blue Station
[2:29] 2. Pillar To Post
[4:17] 3. Midnight Sun
[4:34] 4. Woodchopper's Ball
[3:07] 5. Balu
[2:34] 6. Lullaby Of Birdland
[2:04] 7. Latin Flight
[3:01] 8. New Cha Cha
[2:36] 9. Mambo Herd
[3:00] 10. Cha-Cha Chick
[2:36] 11. Tito Meets Hollywood
[2:53] 12. Corioca
[4:05] 13. Wildroot
[3:08] 14. The Good Earth
[3:17] 15. It's Coolin' Time
[3:19] 16. Black Orchid
[2:38] 17. Sindbad The Sailor
[4:06] 18. Fire Island

Tito Puente and Woody Herman teamed in 1958 for a mutually satisfying meeting in the same way that Charlie Parker, Dizzy Gillespie, and Machito found common ground in the late '40s. Puente's Latin rhythms and beats meshed with the swing and bebop of Herman's band on half of the disc's cuts, and the results were hot and delightful. With Puente heading the rhythm section and playing timbales, Robert Rodriguez on bass, and assorted percussion from Gilbert Lopez, Raymond Rodriquez, and Ray Barretto, the band stays locked into the Latin groove while the saxophonists and trumpeters weave in, out, and around the beat. There are also more conventional Herman swing numbers such as "Blue Station" and "Woodchopper's Ball," where the standard Herman stomping sound is in effect. ~Ron Wynn

Herman's Heat & Puente's Beat

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Various - Capitol Records From The Vaults: The Best Of '56

Bitrate: MP3@320K/s
Time: 63:33
Size: 145.5 MB
Styles: R&B, Easy Listening, Pop-Rock
Year: 2000
Art: Front


[2:35] 1. Tennessee Ernie Ford - Sixteen Tons
[2:32] 2. Nelson Riddle - Lisbon Antigua
[2:16] 3. Dean Martin - Memories Are Made Of This
[2:33] 4. Kit Carson - Band Of Gold
[2:24] 5. Les Paul - Moritat
[2:25] 6. Les Baxter - The Poor People Of Paris (Jean's Song)
[2:10] 7. The Cheers - Black Denim Trousers & Motorcycle Boots
[2:49] 8. Billy May - Man With The Golden Arm
[2:33] 9. Gordon Macrae - I've Grown Accustomed To Her Face
[2:51] 10. Nat King Cole - Too Young To Go Steady
[2:58] 11. Nat King Cole - Never Let Me Go
[2:24] 12. Don Robertson - The Happy Whistler
[3:04] 13. The Four Freshmen - Graduation Day
[2:46] 14. Dean Martin - Standing On The Corner
[2:43] 15. Tex Ritter - The Wayward Wind
[2:16] 16. Nat King Cole - That's All There Is To That
[2:28] 17. Margaret Whiting - True Love
[2:17] 18. Stan Freberg - Heartbreak Hotel
[2:36] 19. Woody Herman - I Don't Want Nobody (To Have My Love But You)
[2:15] 20. The Five Keys - Out Of Sight, Out Of Mind
[3:02] 21. Dick Haymes - Two Different Worlds
[2:08] 22. Louis Prima - Five Months, Two Weeks, Two Days
[2:20] 23. The Four Preps - Dreamy Eyes
[2:28] 24. The Five Keys - Wisdom Of A Fool
[2:28] 25. Sonny James - Young Love

This sixth installment of Capitol records' label retrospective -- Capitol From the Vaults -- concentrates on the transitional and influential music released in 1956, as rock & roll began to show continual staying power on the pop music charts. However, as the 25 tracks on this volume illustrate, adults and even young people were still buying and listening to traditional popular music, and that is exactly what "the tower" was releasing. The set kicks off with a chart-topping entry from Tennessee Ernie Ford singing "Sixteen Tons" -- which had also been recorded by Merle Travis, who not only wrote the song, but was also a fellow Capitol recording artist. Although it had been a regional hit for Travis, it is Ford's version that became most memorable. There were several other notable male vocalists who also climbed the charts for Capitol in 1956. As Dean Martin's popularity continued to soar, "Memories Are Made of This" -- featuring the Terry Gilkyson-led Easy Riders -- was not only his first Top 40, but also first number-one hit. The disc ushered in 1956 firmly atop most pop-music and jukebox charts. Although not a number one, the show tune "Standing on the Corner" was another hit for Martin during March of that year, and is likewise featured on this collection. Another male vocalist who dominated the upper echelons of the pop singles chart during 1956 was newcomer Sonny James. The catchy "Young Love" -- James' entrée into pop music -- became one of his signature tunes and racked up hit singles on Capitol's country charts well into the 1970s. Jazz vocal fans continued as huge proponents of the label. Nat "King" Cole -- whose "Too Young to Go Steady," "Never Let Me Go," and "That's All There Is to That" are featured here -- was one reason. Another are Stan Kenton alumni the Four Freshmen -- heard here on their Top 20 hit "Graduation Day." Other notable inclusions on Capitol From the Vaults, Vol. 6: The Best of '56 are the novelty "The Happy Whistler" -- a Top Ten hit for one-hit wonder Don Robertson. Also worth noting is the biting, satirical view of Stan Freberg as he disassembles Elvis on his decidedly derogatory rendition of "Heartbreak Hotel." Recording engineer Bob Norberg lovingly remastered this entire series from the best possible source materials, and the results are uniformly spectacular. Music historian and musician Billy Vera produced Capitol From the Vaults and likewise penned some highly informative and entertaining liner notes for each volume. ~Lindsay Planer

Capitol Records From The Vaults: The Best Of '56

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Various - Bad Ass Jazz

Bitrate: MP3@320K/s
Time: 69:09
Size: 158.3 MB
Styles: Assorted jazz styles
Year: 2014
Art: Front

[4:04] 1. Herbie Hancock - Rockit
[3:58] 2. Roy Ayers Ubiquity - Stranded In The Jungle
[4:28] 3. Woody Herman - Aquarius
[5:06] 4. Sarah Vaughan - Peter Gunn
[4:26] 5. Jimmy Smith - Who's Afraid Of Virginia Woolf
[2:34] 6. Louis Jordan - Ain't Nobody Here But Us Chickens [dj Premier Remix]
[2:33] 7. Benny Golson - Cool Whip
[7:20] 8. Don Byron - There It Is
[5:33] 9. George Howard - Thank You For Talkin' To Me Africa
[6:14] 10. Gary Bartz - Funked Up
[5:50] 11. Mel Brown - Greasy Spoon
[2:48] 12. Oliver Nelson - These Boots Are Made For Walkin'
[3:28] 13. Ronnie Laws - Fever
[3:52] 14. Chick Corea's Elektric Band - Light Years
[3:25] 15. Return To Forever - Dayride
[3:24] 16. Fred Wesley - Watermelon Man

Bad Ass Jazz

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Woody Herman - Giant Steps

Styles: Clarinet And Saxophone Jazz
Year: 1973
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 39:01
Size: 89,6 MB
Art: Front

(5:03)  1. La Fiesta
(4:50)  2. A Song For You
(3:53)  3. Freedom Jazz Dance
(5:37)  4. The Meaning Of the Blues
(3:28)  5. The First Thing I Do
(4:31)  6. Think On Me
(4:03)  7. Giant Steps
(3:08)  8. A Child Is Born
(4:24)  9. Be-Bop And Roses

Woody Herman always went out of his way during his long career to encourage younger players, often persuading them to write arrangements of recent tunes for his orchestra. On this recording one gets to hear his band interpret such selections as Chick Corea's "La Fiesta," Leon Russell's "A Song for You," "Freedom Jazz Dance," "A Child Is Born" and "Giant Steps"; what other bandleader from the '30s would have performed such modern material? With strong solo work from tenors Gregory Herbert and Frank Tiberi, trumpeter Bill Stapleton and Herman himself, this is an impressive effort. ~ Scott Yanow  http://www.allmusic.com/album/giant-steps-mw0000188305

Personnel: Woody Herman (clarinet, soprano saxophone, alto saxophone); Joe Beck (guitar); Gregory Herbert (flute, alto flute, piccolo, tenor saxophone); Harry Kleintank (tenor saxophone, baritone saxophone); Steve Lederer, Frank Tiberi (tenor saxophone); Bill Stapleton (trumpet, flugelhorn); Larry Pyatt, Gil Rathel, Walt Blanton, Bill Byrne (trumpet); Geoff Sharp, Jim Pugh (trombone); Harold Garrett (bass trombone); Andy LaVerne (electric piano); Wayne Darling (electric bass, bass guitar); Ed Soph (drums); Ray Barretto (congas).

Giant Steps

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Woody Herman - Songs For Hip Lovers

Styles: Vocal Jazz
Year: 1999
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 38:13
Size: 89,2 MB
Art: Front

(3:25)  1. Makin' Whoopee
(2:38)  2. Won't Dance
(2:51)  3. I Guess I'll Have to Change My Plans
(3:36)  4. Willow Weep for Me
(2:32)  5. Moon Song
(3:23)  6. Can't We Be Friends?
(3:26)  7. Comes Love
(3:01)  8. Ev'rything I've Got
(3:06)  9. Alone Together
(3:26) 10. Bidin' My Time
(3:20) 11. Isn't This a Lovely Day?
(3:22) 12. Louise

Woody Herman left his clarinet and alto sax behind for this all vocal release. Herman is a swinging, friendly singer heard doing such time-tested standards as the humorous "Makin' Whoopee," a more upbeat than typical "Willow Weep For Me," and "I Won't Dance." The musicians from each of the two sessions provide strong accompaniment: "Sweets" Edison, Charlie Shavers, and Ben Webster are outstanding and Marty Paich's arrangements fit Herman's style rather well. Although not an essential CD for everyone, this is a fun session that shouldn't be dismissed out of hand. ~ Ken Dryden  http://www.allmusic.com/album/songs-for-hip-lovers-mw0000239436
 

Featuring: Woody Herman (vcl), Harry Edison (tp), Bill Harris (tb), Ben Webster (ts), Ted Nash (as, fl), Jimmy Rowles (p), Barney Kessel (g), Joe Mondragon (b) Larry Bunker, Alvin Stoller (d), Frank DeVol (cond.)

Songs For Hip Lovers

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Woody Herman - The Philips Recordings (3-Disc Set)

There are great bands and then there are phenomenal bands. The "Swinging Herd" that Woody Herman led during the mid 1960s is one of those bands. Collectively it possessed remarkable power. Individually, the soloists were imaginatively progressive. In total, it seemed like there was never another band like it. Herman's soloists capture us like a deer in the headlights. The sheer energy of trumpeter Bill Chase, the tremendous drive of Phil Wilson's trombone and the unbelievable Sal Nistico (especially on a live version of "Apple Honey") is nothing short of breathtaking.

The albums included are "Woody Herman - 1963", Woody Herman: 1964", "Encore", "The Swinging Herman Herd Recorded Live" and the classic "Woody's Big Band Goodies". The liner notes to the original albums by Ralph J. Gleason, Willis Connover, and Leonard Feather convey the raw excitement of this once-in-a-lifetime band.

Album: The Philips Recordings (Disc 1)

Bitrate: MP3@320K/s

Time: 76:06

Size: 174.2 MB

Styles: Big band

Year: 2011

[6:40] 1. Mo-Lasses

[3:32] 2. Blues For J.P

[4:17] 3. Don't Get Around Much Anymore

[4:15] 4. Tunin' In

[3:26] 5. Sister Sadie

[3:48] 6. Sig Ep

[3:01] 7. It's A Lonesome Old Town (When You're Not Around)

[8:14] 8. Camel Walk

[2:52] 9. Moon River

[3:22] 10. Hallelujah Time

[3:48] 11. Deep Purple

[4:37] 12. Jazz Hoot

[3:17] 13. A Taste Of Honey

[3:17] 14. Satin Doll

[5:11] 15. After You've Gone

[3:05] 16. The Strut

[3:26] 17. My Wish

[5:48] 18. Cousins

The Philips Recordings (Disc 1)

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Album: The Philips Recordings (Disc 2)

Bitrate: MP3@320K/s

Time: 60:09

Size: 137.7 MB

Styles: Big band

Year: 2011

[3:59] 1. That's Where It Is

[5:41] 2. Watermelon Man

[4:55] 3. Body And Soul

[5:29] 4. Better Get Hit In Yo' Soul

[2:56] 5. Jazz Me Blues

[4:49] 6. El Toro Grande

[3:22] 7. Days Of Wine And Roses

[7:45] 8. Caldonia

[3:19] 9. Wailin' In The Woodshed

[2:29] 10. The Good Earth

[2:47] 11. Sidewalks Of Cuba

[3:48] 12. I Can't Get Started

[3:37] 13. Bijou

[5:05] 14. Apple Honey

The Philips Recordings (Disc 2)

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Album: The Philips Recordings (Disc 3)

Bitrate: MP3@320K/s

Time: 52:51

Size: 121.0 MB

Styles: Big band

Year: 2011

Art: Front

[3:42] 1. The Good Life

[4:57] 2. Bedroom Eyes

[3:30] 3. The Things We Said Today

[5:00] 4. Just Squeeze Me (But Don't Tease Me)

[1:31] 5. What Kind Of Fool Am I

[6:41] 6. Dr. Wong's Bag

[3:10] 7. Everybody Loves Somebody

[3:35] 8. Wa-Wa Blues

[5:54] 9. Dear John C

[4:24] 10. Blue Monk

[4:37] 11. You Dirty Dog

[5:45] 12. Pour House Blues

The Philips Recordings (Disc 3)

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Woody Herman - The Genius Of Clarinet

Bitrate: MP3@320K/s
Time: 66:09
Size: 151.4 MB
Styles: Clarinet jazz, Swing
Year: 2005
Art: Front

[2:53] 1. Caldonia
[2:29] 2. Black Orchid
[4:15] 3. Blowin' Up A Storm
[3:35] 4. Bijou
[3:25] 5. Crazy Rhythm
[4:31] 6. Woodchoppers Ball
[2:36] 7. Mambo Herd
[2:36] 8. Tito Meets Woody
[2:01] 9. Latin Flight
[4:25] 10. Hail Hail The Herds All Here
[3:10] 11. Yes Indeed
[3:34] 12. It's Delovely
[3:05] 13. Mt. Everest
[3:06] 14. Bamba Samba
[3:05] 15. Original #2
[4:03] 16. Love Song Ballad
[4:00] 17. Prelude Ala Cha Cha
[3:28] 18. Ebony Concerto I. Moderato
[2:07] 19. Ebony Concerto Ii. Andante
[3:35] 20. Ebony Concerto Iii. Moderato

A fine swing clarinetist, an altoist whose sound was influenced by Johnny Hodges, a good soprano saxophonist, and a spirited blues vocalist, Woody Herman's greatest significance to jazz was as the leader of a long line of big bands. He always encouraged young talent and, more than practically any bandleader from the swing era, kept his repertoire quite modern. Although Herman was always stuck performing a few of his older hits (he played "Four Brothers" and "Early Autumn" nightly for nearly 40 years), he much preferred to play and create new music. ~Scott Yanow

The Genius Of Clarinet

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