Woody Herman always went out of his way to keep his band’s repertoire and style modern and contemporary. Certainly there were few other swing era big-band leaders who would have welcomed the electric blues guitarist Michael Bloomfield as a guest on four selections, as Herman did for 1971′s Brand New. Although not a complete success (these versions of “Since I Fell for You” and “Proud Mary” are not all that memorable), it was a noble effort. The best selections on this CD reissue are Ivory Joe Hunter’s “I Almost Lost My Mind” and “After Hours.” Alan Broadbent (heard throughout on electric piano) contributed five of the eight arrangements, although Nat Pierce’s reworking of “After Hours” is most appealing. Other key soloists include Herman (on alto, soprano, and clarinet in addition to taking two vocals), trumpeter Tony Klatka, and Frank Tiberi on tenor. – Scott Yanow
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