From Publishers Weekly
This comprehensive, entertaining history follows the long career of bandleader, clarinetist and saxophonist Herman (1913-1987) and his Herds, as his successive bands were called. Clancy, archivist of the Woody Herman bands, helped by Kenton, widow of bandleader Stan Kenton, covers each band's organization, chronicling the comings and goings of the musicians and the particulars of every performance and recording. The text consists mainly of lengthy quotations from band members, Herman's daughter Ingrid and Herman himself. These personal recollections, full of amusing anecdotes and tales of high jinks in which the fun-loving Herman often participated, provide glimpses into the inner workings of the bands and say much about the character of a bandleader who was both taskmaster and father figure to his musicians--a loyal friend with such a big heart that he couldn't bring himself to condemn the manager who left him owing nearly $1.5 million to the IRS in back taxes. Indispensable for jazz lovers. Photos.
Copyright 1995 Cahners Business Information, Inc.
