Woody Herman's death in 1987 ended a remarkable 51 years as the leader of a colorful string of big bands. Since that time
Frank Tiberi, who was Herman's main lieutenant during his last years, has continued leading the Herman Orchestra, but until 1998 there was not a recording of the post-
Herman ensemble. This CD was recorded shortly before the
Herman big band celebrated its 60th anniversary with a Carnegie Hall concert. Under Tiberi's direction, the Herman Orchestra has kept its high standards, sounding fresh even when playing warhorses from decades before. Among the many key members of the big band are
Tiberi and
John Nugent (the head of the NY JAM record label) on tenors, baritonist Mike Brignola (with
Herman since 1978), trombonist/arranger
John Fedchock, trumpeter
Greg Gisbert and the great pianist
John Hicks. This upbeat set mostly revisits the group's earlier hits and has guest spots for tenor saxophonist
Frank Foster, pianist
Alan Broadbent, flugelhornist
Tom Harrell, trumpeter
Pete Candoli, trombonist
Urbie Green (showcased on "Bijou"), clarinetist
Buddy DeFranco and vibraphonist
Terry Gibbs. Least known among the tunes is Dusko Goykovich's spirited "Woody's Whistle" and Tom Harrell's "Sail Away"; among the other highlights are "Four Brothers," "Woodchoppers Ball," "Body and Soul" (an advanced feature for
Tiberi) and "The Good Earth." Although one naturally misses Woody Herman's presence, he would have been proud of this orchestra. ~ Scott Yanow, All Music Guide
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