The Runaway Herd, led by trumpeter Dick Collins (1924-2016), primarily consisted of members of Woody Herman’s New Third Herd, with the exception of alto saxophonist Med Flory and tenor saxophonist Al Cohn.
Dick Collins, one of the standout stars of the Third Herd, showcases his small yet incisive tonal approach, effortlessly rising above each chord with a lyrical and swinging quality. The remaining members of Collins’ Herd, including notable tenor stylists Bill Perkins and Dick Hafer, along with baritone saxophonist Jack Nimitz, consistently deliver outstanding performances. Nat Pierce’s piano contributions add depth and captivation, while Red Kelly on bass and Chuck Flores on drums provide a solid and unwavering rhythmic foundation.
For the recording with his 14-piece orchestra, Collins assembled a trumpet section with Al Porcino and Charlie Walp (alternating with John Howell). Sonny Russo and Billy Byers contributed their trombone expertise to the ensemble. The saxophone section included Al Cohn, Jack Nimitz, Bill Perkins, Dick Meldonian, and Richie Kamuca, each adding their unique flavor to the sound. The rhythm section remained unchanged, providing a solid foundation, but Herb Ellis was added, bringing his mastery of the guitar to enhance the overall musical experience.
All the arrangements in both groups were crafted by Cohn and Pierce, with each of them contributing three original compositions. In fact, the entire writing showcases good quality. Moreover, the frequent and generously distributed solos exhibit a high overall level of musical conception. Collins’ warm, modern-Beriganesque tone and, above all, his refined taste shine through in this collection, aptly titled ‘Horn of Plenty.’
—Jordi Pujol
Tracklist
Total time: 77:47 min.
01. I’d Know You Anywhere (McHugh-Mercer) 3:04
02. Angel Eyes (Dennis-Brent) 3:42
03. Tricky Dick (Al Cohn) 2:42
04. Stairway to the Stars (Malneck-Parish-Signorelli) 2:51
05. Very Shifty (Nat Pierce) 2:29
06. Just as You Are (Mellin-Dolman) 3:03
07. What a Little Moonlight Can Do (Woods-Campbell) 2:43
08. My One and Only Love (Mellin-Wood) 3:14
09. No Soap! (Nat Pierce) 3:02
10. The Long Night (Al Cohn) 2:30
11. Why Was I Born (Kern-Hammerstein II) 2:51
12. Please Don’t Talk About Me When I’m Gone (Stept-Sidney) 2:52
13. As Long As I Live (H.Arlen-T.Koehler) 3:11
14. Strike Up the Band (G. & I. Gershwin) 6:17
15. Hold Me, Hold Me, Hold Me (Green-Comden-Styne) 3:04
16. Northern Comfort (Al Cohn) 6:13
17. They Can’t Take That Away from Me (G. & I. Gershwin) 2:51
18. The Winter of My Discontent (A.Wilder-B.R.Barenberg) 6:24
19. It’s Love (Bernstein-Comden-Green) 4:08
20. Donna Mia (Nat Pierce) 6:26
21. Lullaby of Birdland (George Shearing) 3:07 *
Album details
(*) Bonus track
Sources:
Tracks #1-12, from the album “Dick Collins and the Runaway Herd”
(RCA Victor LJM-1019)
Tracks #13-20, from the album “Dick Collins and His Orchestra
– King Richard The Swing Hearted” (RCA Victor LJM-1027)
Track #21, from the album “Lullaby of Birdland” (RCA Victor LPM-1146)
Personnel on "The Runaway Herd":
Dick Collins, trumpet; Med Flory, alto sax; Bill Perkins, flute & tenor sax; Al Cohn, Dick Hafer, tenor saxes; Jack Nimitz, baritone sax; Nat Pierce, piano; Red Kelly, bass; Chuck Flores, drums.
Arrangements by Al Cohn (#2,3,4,6,8,10) and Nat Pierce (#1,5,7,9,11,12)
Recorded in New York City, May 23 & 24, 1954
Personnel on "King Richard The Swing Hearted":
Dick Collins, Al Porcino, Charlie Walp (#13-17), John Howell (#18-21), trumpets; Sonny Russo, Billy Byers, trombones; Dick Meldonian, alto sax; Al Cohn, Bill Perkins, Richie Kamuca, tenor saxes; Jack Nimitz, baritone sax; Nat Pierce, piano; Herb Ellis, guitar; Red Kelly, bass; Chuck Flores, drums.
Arrangements by Al Cohn (#13-17), and Nat Pierce (#18-21)
Recorded in New York City, November 27 (#13-17) and 28 (#18-21), 1954
Original liner notes by Bill Zeitung
New liner notes written by Jordi Pujol
All recordings produced by Jack Lewis
This CD release produced by Jordi Pujol
© 2023 by Fresh Sound Records
Hi Fi · 24-Bit Digitally Remastered
Blue Moon Producciones Discograficas, S.L.
