The Woody Herman Shows 1944-46

This album contains 25 tunes (73 min.) of radio broadcasts spanning from 1944 to 1947, and has not previously been released. The Woody Herman Orchestra at this time was comprised of musicians which came to be called the famous “First Herd”. The band included such jazz stars as trumpeters Shorty Rogers and The Candoli Brothers, trombonist Bill Harris, pianist Jimmy Rowles, vibraphonist Red Norvo and vocalists Mildred Bailey and Jo Stafford. Almost all the tunes were arranged by prominent arrangers Ralph Burns, Neal Hefti and Shorty Rogers. The music exhibits plenty of verve and enthusiasm, imaginative voicings and arrangements, a roaring big band sound and non-stop SWING. The Woody Herman Orchestra was in its prime during this period, being edged out of first place in the Esquire Jazz Awards by Duke Ellington.