[Dixielandjazz] Woody Herman's Caldonia

[Stan Brager]

You're absolutely correct, Bill, that first Columbia recording is the one.
Whether my ears or my brain deceived me into hearing that phrase, I've heard
it on each release of that recording.

Regardless, this Herman band has always been my favorite. It had excitement,
joy, humor, swung like crazy and had excellent jazz soloists.

Stan
Stan Brager
----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Bill Haesler" <bhaesler at bigpond.net.au>
To: "Stan Brager" <sbrager at socal.rr.com>; "Ron Wheeler"
<ronald_wheeler at bellsouth.net>; "Stephen Barbone"
<barbonestreet at earthlink.net>; "dixieland jazz mail list"
<dixielandjazz at ml.islandnet.com>
Sent: Tuesday, January 30, 2007 10:06 PM
Subject: Re: Woody Herman's Caldonia


> >Speaking of Woody Herman's vintage 1945 "Caldonia", when I was merely a
lad,
> I was told that during the recording, someone shouted a vile 2-word
> profanity which begins with an "f" sound. To hear this musical gem (the
> timing was just right), listen at the end of the unison trumpet chorus
> during the rhythm section's brief interlude. It's best to put on
headphones
> and turn the gain up somewhat.
> I was told at the time that the shouter was Shorty Rogers but I have no
> confirmation of that.<
>
> Dear Stan,
> Mmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm.
> I've just listened to the three versions I have of Woody Herman's
> "Caldonia".
> But please don't tell everyone that Haesler has some mid 1940s First Herd
> recordings in his collection! It's only because the great Dave Tough was
in
> that band for a while.    8>)
> All use the same basic chart.
> 1. The Columbia session of 26 Feb 1945.
> This is probably the one you are referring to, as it was available widely
on
> 78 at the time. Following the Ralph Burns piano solo there are the two
> unison trumpet 'choruses' you refer to. The band calls out after the
second
> one, the bass takes over for about two bars and what may be the "word" is
> heard as Woody comes in with the vocal.
> 2. The V-Disc session recorded at Victor on 16 Jan 1946 - but once thought

> to be made in mid-Feb 1945.
> Two unison trumpet 'choruses' on this one include an "ah" called out after
> the first 'chorus'. The band cheers at the end of the second part before
> Woody joins in with his vocal.
> 3. A version on an obscure CD (TKO/United Audio UAE 30352) which I can't
pin
> down.
> This seems to be from the same period but has no vocal calls during or
after
> the two unison trumpet 'choruses'. The unison trumpets then play a two-bar
> intro into the Herman vocal.
> So it looks like the Columbia is the one you are citing.
> I've just checked both the LP and CD of this one.
> When I was an enthusiastic teenager in the mid 40s I would certainly have
> 'heard' that "word" on this disc. Because the rebel in me wanted to. Now
I'm
> not so sure.
> Kind regards,
> Bill.
> [Who would never have listened to Herman Herd records in the 40s, 50s or
> 60s!]
>
>