AMG Review of Third Herd [Storyville]

Ken Dryden
All Music Guide

This CD collects three separate broadcasts from Woody Herman's Third Herd which originated at the ~Hollywood Palladium in 1951. The band members include Shorty Rogers, Urbie Green, Phil Urso, and Dave McKenna. Like many such broadcasts, the front line of reeds and brass are generally much better recorded than the rhythm section, but the arrangements of Ralph Burns and Neal Hefti are first rate, as are the solos and ensembles. The instrumental highlights include a chugging "Perdido," Burns' classic ballad "Early Autumn," and two takes of the exciting blues "Woodchopper's Ball," one of which is combined in a medley with Tiny Kahn's snappy "Leo the Lion." The tracks which focus on Dolly Houston's vocals are rather bland, but Herman's several vocal features (including 'Pennies from Heaven" and "Laura") have stood the test of time very well. Not exactly an essential CD, but worth consideration by Woody Herman fans.