Search - Woody Herman :: Brand New

Woody "Plugged In"

C. Law | Las Vegas, NV USA | 11/07/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Woody Herman recorded with many different types of musicians over his years as a soloist and as a mainstream big-band leader. This was an idea that jazz writer Ralph Gleason suggested: to record an album with guitarist Mike Bloomfield, a young blues & rock musician, who had already established himself with Paul Butterfield's Blues Band and some record dates under his own name. Woody and Mike were both excited about the prospect of working together. The band had the charts ready for Mike, so he just stepped in, plugged in and wailed. Maybe some "purists" would find this album beneath the bulk of the band's work, but that is just NOT WOODY!! He was always looking to expand horizons and try the new things. (And since jazz is not a "pure" music, but mostly borrows from other forms, that's what keeps it FRESH).The band was WAILING! Soloists were Bobby Burgess, Sal Nistico, Tony Klatka, Tom Harrell, Alan Broadbent and Frank Tiberi, with Ed Soph kicking the band along on drums! Mix in Michael's guitar riffs on a blues album by "the band that plays the blues," and you have PURE FUN! Alan Broadbent pulls off the classic, "After Hours" on the Fender-Rhodes piano in awesome fashion. Bloomfield helps kick the bejeezus out of "Proud Mary," done at one of those incredible "Woody" tempos. Bobby Burgess plays a gorgeous ballad solo on "Love In Silent Amber." Also, Alan Broadbent contributes original blues charts "Sidewalk Stanley" (named after a familiar character the band got to know), "Hitch Hike On The Possum Trot Line" and one of the greatest, swinging, big band charts ever written (without mercy for the trumpet section), "Adam's Apple!" Yes, indeed...there's some REALLY GOOD STUFF on this album...particularly if you like hearing the Herman band play the blues (are you KIDDING??) !! This is a MUST HAVE album for Woody Herman fans and an interesting blend of pop culture and hardcore big-band jazz for the rest of you. I would recommend this to anyone interested!!!"

I don't care

T. P. Russell | Wichita, KS United States | 06/14/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"An excellent collection of tunes including Alan Broadbent and Mike Bloomfield.This is an early 70's collection, a transition of sorts. Tremendous talent , writing, performance and direction by Woody.Also get the Herd's 40th anniv collection (1976) with Zoot , and Stan Getz. Impeccable."

Michael Bloomfield

Coasternut | Indiana | 07/17/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I bought the CD for one song...

Hitchhike on the Possum Trot Line. Bloomfield is at his best on a kick ass guitar solo with the band's screaming brass section. I had this on LP many years ago, but no longer have it - so I had to have the CD. If you like Bloomfield, buy the Electric Flag first CD - "A Long Time Comin'" too. As for the other non-Bloomfield songs, they are ok - not Woody's best music - but this one song makes the CD a must have."