Review by Scott Yanow (allmusic.com)
The best of his Fantasy releases of the ’70s, this well-rounded CD 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.
Tracks:
01 – Fat Mama
02 – Alone Again (Naturally)
03 – Watermelon Man (Sandia Chicano)
04 – It’s Too Late
05 – The Raven Speaks
06 – Summer of ’42
07 – Reunion at Newport 1972
08 – Bill’s Blues
Personnel:
Woody Herman – alto & soprano saxophone, clarinet
Al Porcino – lead trumpet
Bill Byrne – trumpet
Charles Davis, John Thomas, Bill Stapleton – fluegelhorn
Bob Burgess – lead trombone
Rick Stepton, Harold Garrett – bass trombone
Frank Tiberi – tenor saxophone, flute, bassoon, cowbell
Greg Herbert – piccolo, flute, alto flute
Steve Lederer, Tom Anastas – baritone sax
Harold Danko – fender rhodes piano
Pat Martino – guitar
Al Johnson – fender bass
Joe LaBarbera – drums
John Pacheco – congas
Recorded at A&R Studio, New York; August 28-30, 1972.
Year: 1991
Style: Modern Big Band
Quality: eac, flac, cue, log, artwork
minalegendomusica 