In recognition of the Centennial celebration of Woody Herman's birthday in 2013 this feature length documentary film, produced in association with The Woody Herman Society, provides an in-depth look at Herman's 50+ year career as a big band jazz leader. Features rare film and video performances of The Woody Herman Orchestra including broadcasts from The Ed Sullivan Show and Iowa Public Television
Note: This is a Region 0 (multi-region) DVD and is playable in all Region 1 (NTSC) locations including the United States and Canada. It is also playable in other regions WITH MULTI REGION PLAYER CAPABILITY.
Feature length documentary film about big band jazz leader Woody Herman who led his big band for over 50 years, starting in 1936 and not ending until his death in 1987. Woody's story is one that parallels the changes in jazz, from the Swing Era in the 1930s through bebop and cool jazz in the 40s and 50s, and the emergence of jazz/rock fusion in the 60s and 70s. Woody returned to his straight-ahead jazz roots in the 1980s. Woody is considered one of the greatest big band jazz leaders, and to this day, is fondly remembered by his fans and by the many musicians and friends associated with his various bands.
Herman was also responsible for helping bring to fame many jazz stars who got their start on his band -to name only a few: Pete Candoli, Conte Candoli, Flip Phillips, Neal Hefti, Terry Gibbs, Stan Getz, Al Cohn, Zoot Sims, Sal Nistico, Bill Chase, Frank Tiberi, Alan Broadbent, Joe Lovano, and Jeff Hamilton. Essential to the forward-thinking and always contemporary music of the Herds were some of the finest jazz composers/arrangers of the past seven decades including Ralph Burns, Neal Hefti, Shorty Rogers, Gene Roland, Gerry Mulligan, Bill Holman, Nat Pierce, John Fedchock, Gary Anderson, and Alan Broadbent.
Produced & Directed by award winning jazz documentary filmmaker Graham Carter and features interviews with 35 musicians and jazz historians associated with Woody including Phil Wilson, Joe Lovano, Terry Gibbs, Jeff Hamilton, Sonny Igoe, Frank Tiberi, Dr. Herb Wong, Dan Morgenstern, and Bill Clancy.
Documentary film includes almost 400 rare photographs and images of Woody and his various bands over a 50+ year career. Features interviews with 35 musicians and jazz historians associated with Woody Herman and extensive filmed interviews with Woody. Film and video performances of the Woody Herman Orchestra are also featured.
Total Viewing Time 110:00
Production:
Graham Carter, Producer & Director
