Thursday, March 17, 2011

Woody's Thundering Herds

I'm working on a project for a research methods class at grad school.  My chosen topic is to compare and contrast the playing and performance styles of Benny Goodman, Artie Shaw, and Woody Herman.  I know least about Herman, so I've been brushing up my knowledge.

Born Woodrow Charles Thomas Herrmann, May 16, 1913.  Died October 29, 1987.  He was a clarinet player, but got started in big bands as an alto saxophonist.  He was encouraged by an early teacher to learn clarinet as well (YAY FOR DOUBLERS!!)  In 1934 he joined a group led by Isham Jones, reported to be one of the best dance bands in the country.  Eventually Jones gave up the bandleader gig and Woody took over the music.  The first Herd ran from 1936-1946.  A Second, Third and a Swinging Herd followed.

Herman's Thundering Herds remained popular and relevant for many years and Woody continued to play well into his older years.  Some of his most well-known tunes include "At the Woodchopper's Ball", "Four Brothers" (a saxophone feature), and "Apple Honey."

Woody grew up in and around Milwaukee, WI, somewhere I plan to visit for a few days this summer.  I'll have to search for some Herman points of interest.

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