NAT PIERCE - WOODY HERMAN

[dschwa77]

To me this is the best big band there ever was. Great, great players that played and swung and drove hard together. it must have been an experience to see them live. They are overpowering even on these videos. Great rhythm section with Jake, Chuck (I never saw a stand-up bass player dig in so hard - he had to) and Nat. Chase, Nestico, Wilson, Woody - man what a band.

[tubafrogger]

This is Bill Chase

[JazzJonnie]

Who's the guy who stole Diz's trumpet?

[lennhart]

I saw the Herman 'herd' in concert in 1964. It was at its peak --something to behold. Being in the same hall with these guys is the ultimate 'surround sound'.

[frankfan42]

Burn down the house- it just does not get any better than this. What a shame he hit his Zenith when popular music had turned from Big Bands. What power, what precision, what joy to listen to. Thanks for posting this!!

[acedrumminman]

One of the best fucking big bands ever!!!

[JazzJonnie]

Phew! Thanks for posting.

[Lengo67]

HOLY SMOKES! I sure wish this was in stereo!

Jake Hanna ROCKS! Now this is drumming! The new kids on the block can learn something from him!

Thanks for posting this! This is wonderful!

[mikebuddy1]

Jake Hanna had one of the fastest ding dinga dings i've ever herd.He never cheated by breaking it up.Check him out playing Calonia on the 'live at Basin Street West,Hollywood' Album from May'63.This is one of my fav.Herman Albums & one of my fav.Bands.thanks for posting.

[madchops82]

more jake hanna...wow

[trombonechops]

I recall this band "live" and up close! What an experience seeing and hearing Sal Nistico, Bill Chase, Phil Wilson, Nat, Jake Hanna, etc.

[EANDRUSW66]

AND CHUCK ANDRUS ON BASS He was wonderful too!

[algunproblema]

wow

[kelgomes]

uau

[duncanmckibbinyahoo]

Sensational! No wonder Pierce stood in for Basie so often, he was more like Basie than Basie was. As for Jake Hanna he could drive and swing a band playing on a saucepan lid. Wonderful stuff.