Herbert Jay Solomon (April 16, 1930 – July 1, 2003), known by his stage name Herbie Mann, was an American jazz flute player and important early practitioner of world music. Early in his career, he also played tenor saxophone and clarinet (including bass clarinet), but Mann was among the first jazz musicians to specialize on the flute. His most popular single was “Hi-Jack”, which was a Billboard No. 1 dance hit for three weeks in 1975.
Mann emphasized the groove approach in his music. Mann felt that from his repertoire, the “epitome of a groove record” was Memphis Underground or Push Push, because the “rhythm section locked all in one perception.”
Mann was married to Susan Janeal Arison. His four children are: Paul Mann, Claudia Mann, Laura Mann-Lepik and Geoffrey Mann. Geoff is a multi-instrumentalist who plays drums for Los Angeles-based metal/afrobeat group Here Lies Man.
After a long battle with prostate cancer, Herbie Mann died at age 73 on July 1, 2003, at his home in Pecos, New Mexico. (wikipedia)
This is one of the best Herbie Mann recordings and arguably his most rewarding of the 1970s. This long out of print LP features the leader/flutist, David Newman (on tenor and flute), the avant-garde guitarist Sonny Sharrock, and a fine backup rhythm section (electric pianist Pat Rebillot, bassist Andy Muson, and drummer Reggie Ferguson) stretching out on a variety of R&Bish material including “Respect Yourself,” “Memphis Underground,” and “Hold on, I’m Comin’.” The high quality of the solos and the spirited ensembles (which were inspired by the audience at the 1972 New York Jazz Festival) make this a generally memorable session. (by Scott Yanow)
Recorded live at the Yankee Stadium, NYC on July 8, 1972, except 03 live at the Pavillon Montreux in Switzerland on June 25, 1972
Personnel:
Reggie Ferguson (drums)
Herbie Mann (flute)
Andy Muson (bass)
David Newman (saxophone, flute)
Pat Rebillot (piano)
Sonny Sharrock (guitar)
Tracklist:
01. (Gimme Some of That Good Old) Soul Beat Momma (Mann) 7.36
02. Never Can Say Goodbye (Davis) 4.36
03. Respect Yourself (Ingram/Rice) 8.52
04. Memphis Underground (Mann) 13.07
05. Hold On, I’m Comin’ (Hayes/Porter) 4.08
More from Herbie Mann in this blog:
An unofficial website: