|
|
 |
 |
 |
 |
 Tuesday, 09 February 2010 |
|
Woody Herman Orchestra at The Mentor Performing Arts Center 11/13 |
|
|
|
Written by Ronaldo Oregano
|
|
Monday, 07 November 2005 |
 The Woody Herman Orchestra will appear at The Mentor Performing Arts
Center (6477 Center Street, Mentor, OH) on Sunday November 13, 2005 at
7:00PM. One of the most successful and respected bandleaders of all
time, Woody Herman was a vital presence on the American music scene for
more than 50 years. Today, Woody's inimitable spirit and musical
legacy live on in the dynamic big band sound of the Woody Herman
Orchestra under the musical direction of Frank Tiberi. Throughout
the years, Woody consistently kept his music current and
exciting. His timeless, ever-evolving style of jazz has kept
winning not only high critical acclaim and Grammy awards, but new fans
of all ages and from every walk of life.
The Woody Herman Orchestra of today maintains the youthful vitality and
versatility that characterized it in years past, mixing classics from
the Herman bands of old with new charts arranged to suit the band's
exuberant, hard-swinging style. As Don Heckman wrote in the Los Angeles
Times, "You've got to think that the old Woodchopper would be proud of
the current Herman Herd."
For tickets call the Mentor Performing Arts Center Box Office at (440)
205-3333 or 1-800-445-9767 or online at
www.mentorconcertseries.com/WoodyHerman.htm
More on Woody Herman
Woody Herman was born on May 16, 1913 in Milwaukee, WI. He picked up
the alto saxophone at age 11 and began working as a professional
musician at age 16. He gained 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. When the veteran bandleader decided
to break up his orchestra in 1936, Herman formed one of his own out of
the remaining nucleus.
Herman’s theme “At the Woodchopper’s Ball” became his first hit (1939).
By 1943, his band, Herman’s Herd (later renamed the First Herd), had
built an international reputation for its originality and musicianship,
underpinned by the classic arrangements of Ralph Burns and Neal Hefti.
After Herman disbanded his ensemble, he formed the Second Herd by
mid-1947. Possibly the best known of his bands, the Second Herd was
acclaimed for its “Four Brothers”—the original saxophone section
comprised of three tenors and a baritone saxophone. Among the musicians
who played in this section were Serge Chaloff, Stan Getz, Zoot Sims, Al
Cohn, and Gene Ammons. Despite many popular numbers, the band collapsed
in 1949.
The Third Herd (1950-56) was similar to its predecessor, but played
tempos suitable for dancing. After some short-lived small groups,
Herman’s New Thundering Herd was a hit at the 1959 Monterey Jazz
Festival. Herman continued to lead his big band throughout the 1960s,
during which its sound became more rock-oriented as he utilized his
young sidemen’s arrangements, often of current pop tunes. One of only
four surviving bandleaders from the swing era still touring in the
1970s, he continually welcomed new talent into his band. In the 70s, he
also recorded with Chick Corea, had a reunion with Flip Phillips, and
celebrated his 40th anniversary as a leader with a 1976 Carnegie Hall
concert. By the late 1970s, he had returned to a straight-ahead jazz
sound. Late in his life, he was hounded by the IRS because of
incompetent management, so instead of retiring, he was forced to
continue touring and working constantly. As his health failed, he
delegated most of his bandleading duties to Frank Tiberi, before his
death in 1987. Tiberi still keeps his flame alive by leading the Woody
Herman Orchestra.
The
Woody Herman Orchestra at The Mentor Performing Arts Center
Sunday November 13, 2005 at 7:00PM
Adults $29 Seniors
$27 Students $17
6477 Center Street
Mentor, OH
TICKETS ON SALE NOW
Call the Mentor Performing Arts Center Box Office at (440) 205-3333 or
1-800-445-9767
or online at
www.mentorconcertseries.com/WoodyHerman.htm
|
|
|
 |
 |
 |
 |
|
| |
SF Bay Area 
Home | New and Notable | Photo Galleries | CD/DVD/Book Reviews | Interviews | SF Bay Area | Chicago | Los Angeles | New York | Twin Cities, MN | More Cities | Festivals | News | Contact | Follow Jazz Police on Twitter | 
