Herman's
Swingin' Herd of the early-to-mid '60s was one of his finest big bands, an ensemble that could compare well with his historic
First And Second Herds. Their series of LPs on Philips (all now out-of-print and well deserving of a complete reissue on CD) are consistently exciting.
Big Band Goodies consists of some "leftovers" from Encore and three newer selections from 1964. Actually the older tracks are on the same high level as those issued previously. No band with such soloists as trumpeters
Bill Chase and
Dusko Goykevich, trombonist
Phil Wilson and the exciting tenor
Sal Nistico, not to mention arrangements by pianist
Nat Pierce and a rhythm section propelled by drummer
Jake Hanna should be taken for granted.
Big Band Goodies finds this orchestra interpreting some older tunes ("Sidewalks of Cuba," "Bijou" and "Apple Honey"),
Thelonious Monk's "Blue Monk," and the well-titled "Wailin' in the Woodshed" with equal success.