Woodchopppers' Ball - Terry Gibbs & Bill Harris

 

Blue Flame

Woodchoppers' Ball

Terry Gibbs and Bill Harris

Premier Records PM 2006

Personnel: 

Bill Harris - Trombone

Terry Gibbs - Vibes

Lou Levy - Piano

Red Mitchell - Bass

Stan Levey - Drums

From the back cover: Terry Gibbs and Bill Harris were featured sidemen in one of the best of the big bands ever, led by the great Woody Herman. Woody is among the handful of name leaders who have stumped to the corners of the globe with an assembly of all-star musicians in the interest of programming the music he loves. Whatever fame Woody has earned for himself has been passed along to the men who have associated with him, and many of today's most successful jazz attractions owe their start to the existence of a Woody Herman band.

Sidemen of exceptional caliber were attracted to the Herman aggregations for the duo purposes of a dependable income and the challenge of performing on one of the most spited and dynamic ensembles in jazz history. From the days of "The Band That Plays The Blues" down to the present day, Woody personnel bas been drawn from the ocean of available talent and has, at times, generated an enthusiasm for its work that has never been equalled on the American music scene. On these sides, five such sidemen with vivid memories of that stimulating experience, gather to pay tribute to the boss.

Almost as colorful as Woody's long history is the legend that centers on trombonist Bill Harris. There can be little question that the happy sound of Bill Harris is the trademark of the Herman band, so much so, that Bill has been in the brass section of every band, starting with the first herd. Starting incredibly late – age 27 – Bill's brisk and intelligent musicianship astounded the trade and created an entirely new concept for jazz trombone. Despite the many styles which proceeded his arrival, Bill Harris is today one of the most influential and imitated players in the province of contemporary music.

Slight more spectacular, from a visual point of view, has been the rise of vibist Terry Gibbs to a place of eminence as a jazz percussionist. Terry was a feature of Woody's Four Brothers band, being then in the company of pianist Lou Levy and Bill Harris. Terry secured the personnel for this session and mapped the tunes and arrangements which transcend the history of the band. He contributions are self-evident.

Handsome Lou Levy, who stepped out of music shortly after his tenure with the second herd, was a logical choice for the piano bench on this LP. His devotion to jazz is a reflection of the Herman-spawned inspiration, and his unerring technique places him in the forefront of modern pianists.

Of the many men who have held the bass and drum positions on Woody's bands, Red Mitchell and Stan Levy were particularly impressive under his leadership. Red is a graduate of the third herd who has built a magnificent reputation as a master bassist, specializing in speed and conception, which continues to awe his most experienced colleagues. With the first herd as his springboard, Stan Levy became one of the most highly touted members of the modern  drum school. Stan's uncanny rhythm  sense and facility of execution have installed him as the most frequently recorded drummer west of Chicago.

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