Books, Music & Commentary

Jazz flutist Herbie Mann has achieved legendary 
status by single handedly creating his own unique 
style, putting the flute up front, blowing from a 
horn player's perspective, and experimenting with 
cultural diversities.

He has been called " a seminal figure in the 
American Jazz scene of the 60's and 70's" indeed 
that is beyond dispute. 25 of Mann's recordings 
made the top 200 pop album charts. Since 1955 
Herbie Mann has produced an amazing and diverse
catalogue of music, influencing both Jazz and 
Rock, playing with an extraordinary range of 
musicians and touring the festival circuits for 
years.

Born Herbert Solomon on April 16th 1930, Herbie 
Mann decided to play the clarinet after seeing a 
1939 performance by Benny Goodman.

As a Teenager, Herbie shifted his interest to the 
saxophone. With the sax, Herbie Mann had planned 
to break into the Jazz scene but found too many 
other's had the same idea and the market was 
glutted with sax players. The let down was a 
blessing in disguise.

Joining the Matt Mathews Band around 1954, Herbie 
was asked to play flute for the group. He quickly 
improvised a style with no American jazz flutist 
for inspiration. He started work on a genre entirely 
his own. In 1962 Herbie Mann's "Live At The Village 
Gate" made him a success.

Herbie Mann has pumped out an amazing amount of 
records, many of which are out of print today. 
Here are my favorite Herbie Mann albums which fellow
"Boomers" are encouraged to check out.

London Underground was released  in 1974 on Atlantic 
records. This is my favorite Herbie Mann record. 
Guest musicians include: Albert Lee and Former 
Rolling Stones Lead guitarist, Mick Taylor, on guitar 
and Aynsley (Sly) Dunbar on drums. Bitch, Something 
In The Air, Layla, Spin Ball, Mellow Yellow, A Whiter 
Shade Of Pale, Memphis Spoon Bread And Dover Sole,
Paper Sun, You Never Give Me Your Money.
On this album Herbie interprets some Rock Classics.
(look for this one in used record & CD stores and 
record conventions)

Fortunately most on line music stores with Jazz 
selections offer Herbie Mann's 1969 classic  Memphis 
Underground on CD. Memphis Underground, New Orleans, 
Hold On-I'm Coming, Battle Hymn of the Republic.

Push Push released in 1971 is also available on CD.
The title song, Push Push, was recorded with Duane 
Allman! Push Push, What's Going On, Spirit In The 
Dark, Man's Hope, If, Never Can Say Goodbye, What'd 
I say, Funky Nassau (Grab it while you can!)

Hard to get, out of Print Herbie Mann records that
are recommended:

1. London Underground,  (1974. mentioned above)
2. Muscle Shoals Nitty Gritty (1970)
3. Memphis Two - Step  (1971) (Soul Man, The Night 
    They Drove Old Dixie Down, Memphis Two-Step, 
    Down On The Corner, Guinnevere, Acapulco Rain, 
    Kabuki Rock)

(Try used record and CD stores, Flea Markets, 
Conventions, and garage sales  as well as online 
sources to find these. Also see 
www.wherehousemusic.com They feature a Lost and 
Found department for out of print CDs.)

Herbie Mann  can also be heard with pianist 
Steve Barta on 1997's Blue River, a smooth melodic 
collection with Brazilian overtones. 
It can be found at www.sourcemusic.com

bdpoe@aol.com