Woody Herman And The Las Vegas Herd

In June 1955, Woody Herman disbanded Woody Herman And His Third Herd due to internal stress and a lucrative offer from the Las Vegas Riviera Hotel to be the resident big band for the first three months after the hotel opening in September 1955. He formed the Woody Herman And His Octet from the core of the third herd first. For further recording tasks, this nucleus was extended to a big band by hiring Hollywood-based musicians. This band performed once in Hollywood on November 30, 1955 to record four titles for the Capitol album 'Dance to the bands'. The Las Vegas Herd album itself was recorded the day after with the Woody Herman Octet only. Note: This big band is the extended Woody Herman Octet. The 'Las Vegas Herd'-marketed releases do contain music by the octet. This band recorded in fact only 4 titles: 'Hi Fi Drums', originally released on CAP EAP1-708 with Buddy Rich as drummer instead of Chuck Flores. 'Square Circle', 'I hadn't anyone till you' and 'Dream' originally released on Dance to the bands.