[Dixielandjazz] Woody Herman's Caldonia

[Steve Barbone]

The F word is often heard in musician speak. When we recorded our first CD
at a friend's house in 2003, it was clearly audible on one song. (We were
doing one take only because I personally think a second, or more take
dilutes the creativity)

Ace Tesone, our bass player had put his glass of gin on the floor. In the
middle of a number he kicked the glass and the gin went all over his shoe
and the floor. He loudly called out the F word.

When balancing, the mixer and I cracked up as it was so clearly heard. He
cleaned it up by erasing it in the computer, but to this day, I think he
made a version with the word.

Other such funny stuff on records exists, Bill. In your Condon treasure
trove, there is an audible after Condon is announced as a "plectorist".
Someone in the band says "What's a plectorist?" The answer can be heard as
something like "Aw, that's just another name for a**h***."

Unfortunately I forget exactly where it is on the Condon's, but I assure you
it is there.

Cheers,
Steve Barbone


on 1/31/07 1:06 AM, Bill Haesler at bhaesler at bigpond.net.au wrote:

>> 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!]
> 
>