Woody Herman – The Raven Speaks (1972/2023) [Official Digital Download 24bit/192kHz]

Woody Herman – The Raven Speaks (1972/2023)
FLAC (tracks) 24 bit/192 kHz | Time – 41:09 minutes | 1,65 GB | Genre: Jazz
Studio Masters, Official Digital Download | Front Cover | © Craft Recordings

Always eager to reach contemporary audiences without compromising his values, Woody Herman saw to it that his repertoire included interpretations of material carefully chosen from the pop charts. In 1972, such choices were still possible, and The Raven Speaks presents Tony Klatka’s arrangement of “Watermelon Man,” Bill Stapleton’s of “It’s Too Late,” and Alan Broadbent’s of “Summer of ’42.” The band incorporated a demon trumpet section led by Al Porcino, the drumming of Joe LaBarbera, and tenor sax solos by the rising star Gregory Herbert and by Frank Tiberi, who was to take over the band following the leader’s death 15 years later. Herman himself solos brilliantly on clarinet and soprano sax.

“The best of his Fantasy releases of the ’70s, this well-rounded album is highlighted by a great jam on “Reunion at Newport” and strong soloing from Herman (on soprano and clarinet), pianist Harold Danko, trumpeter Bill Stapleton and the tenors of Gregory Herbert and Frank Tiberi. The Herman orchestra performs a couple of modern ballads (“Alone Again Naturally” and “Summer of ’42”), some blues and a few swinging numbers, showing off their versatility with expertise and spirit.” (Scott Yanow, AMG)

Tracklist:
01. Woody Herman – Fat Mama (04:31)
02. Woody Herman – Alone Again (Naturally) (05:39)
03. Woody Herman – Sandia Chicano (05:12)
04. Woody Herman – It’s Too Late (04:18)
05. Woody Herman – The Raven Speaks (04:21)
06. Woody Herman – Summer Of ’42 (06:24)
07. Woody Herman – Reunion At Newport 1972 (06:50)
08. Woody Herman – Bill’s Blues (03:51)

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