This septet tribute to
Woody Herman features a band of
Herman alumni put together by
Frank Tiberi, who took over leading
Herman's band after his death. In addition to
Tiberi on tenor sax,
Larry McKenna and
John Nugent also play tenor, with Mike Brignola on baritone sax; the rhythm section includes pianist
David Berkman, bassist
Lynn Seaton, and drummer
Matt Wilson. While not all of the songs were a part of
Herman's repertoire, the influence is apparent on most tracks. The brisk treatment of "Four Brothers" makes the group sound like a big band, with tight ensembles and exciting solos by each of the saxophonists, with Brignola adapting an
Al Cohn arrangement of
Jimmy Giuffre's famous piece. Everyone takes a chorus in the breezy rendition of "Woody 'n You," while
Seaton's simultaneous singing in unison with his arco bass (à la
Major Holley), with a deep growling vocal, is a highlight of the bluesy "Four of a Kind."
Tiberi switches to soprano for a stroll through
John Coltrane's "Central Park West" and also penned two of the compositions heard on this fun-filled session. Highly recommended. ~ Ken Dryden