Clarinettist and bandleader Woody Herman was one of the leading figures of the swing era and beyond, with his various bands, generally known as Herman's Herd, being known for the force and originality of their music, which was often cutting edge and experimental for its time. However, his records were always very popular, and regularly featured in the Billboard charts from the 1930s through to the 1950s.This collection, unusually perhaps for jazz music, focuses on those chart hits, and primarily comprises the 34 chart hits he had, which included the No. 1 hit Blues In The Night and the Top 5 hits Laura and Caldonia.

Herman himself was a noted vocalist, and he features as a singer on some of these titles, while others provide a showcase for two of his female singers during the 40s, Frances Wayne and Muriel Lane. Alongside those hits, and interspersed within the chronological presentation of the 44 recordings in the 2-CD collection, are other titles which were not hits, but which are recognised by commentators and critics and being among his most interesting and notable recordings, such as his suite, with Igor Stravinsky conducting, called The Ebony Concerto. The range of material in this anthology provides a fascinating overview of the Herman's innovative, but always fresh and entertaining music during this dynamic era in jazz and popular music.

REVIEWS

The roll call of star instrumentalists is a long one, perhaps the mid-forties band as good as any!  - Russell Corbett (The Jazz Rag)

Cutting edge and experimental for its time, the range of material in this anthology provides a fascinating overview of Herman's innovation. - Pete Lay (Just Jazz)

A good introductory sampler to Woody Herman, focussing on the main hits. - Alyn Shipton (Jazzwise)