Time For a Reevaluation
I grew up in the 70s a big band fan (go figure) and had the great fortune to see most of the remaining giants like Basie, Cab Calloway. Benny Goodman, Stan Kenton and Woody Herman. To my eternal regret, I never saw Duke Ellington live. If Duke was King, and Kenton the genius, I kind of relegated Woody to the status of Court Jester. However, time has forced me to reassess his contribution to American music. Woody, more than any other leader, changed with the times and always had something interesting to say. Just check out "50th Anniversary Tour," his second to last recording and an outstanding piece of work. However, here you can hear the subtle innovations that this former vaudeville performer produced as the big dance band format was on the wane. Yes, there are a few novelties like "Fan It," but you will hear some real creativity, really on par with the best of the post war bands, and that includes Stan and Duke.
