From Stan Kenton’s legendary three-night performance at Coney Island (Cincinnati, Ohio. Who knew?) to Sam Donahue’s bittersweet September 13th 1957 performance that saw the end of an era for the Golden Ballroom at Jantzen Beach, Wally Hieder’s “labor of love” has captured the grand performances of the great dance halls as well as the cozy comfort echoing in the dark corners of the jazz clubs of the day.
No venue too big or too small, Wally Hieder painstakingly amassed a collection of historical significance and silky-smooth auditory pleasure with his signature “Three Mic” technique that was decades ahead of audio capture of the time.
Join us at Hindsight Records as we rediscover the greats and remember why they were and still are “The Greats”. Regardless of if you’re a big band fan, Bebop junkie or just love drifting away on the mellow tones of your favorite crooner, The Wally Hieder Library of Congress recordings has what will soothe your soul from some of the most interesting and significant venues from across the nation, some of which are still open and showcasing todays best and brightest.
Enjoy the Listen!
Hindsight Records
BIG BAND RECORDING….REDEFINED
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Les Elgart - Strike Up the Band
In the mid to late 1950’s, Les Elgart released a half dozen albums and enjoyed success on tour, with many appearances on college campuses. The band's unique blend of brass and reeds became known as “The Elgart Sound.” Strike Up the Band was recorded in 1958 by Wally Heider at Clark College. This recording is a shining example of the best of Les Elgart, captured by the genius of Wally heider and his three microphone technique.
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Woody Herman - Lullaby of Birdland
Recorded in 1958 at Peacock Lane, Lullaby of Birdland was performed with Woody Herman’s Third Herd band and Beyond following a European tour. This band was made up of the finest young musicians around and Woody using their edgy arrangements for the live shows. Peacock Lane was one of the shows benefitting from this lineup. This Wally Heider recording may be the best live performance of Woody Herman ever captured.
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Les Brown - Sentimental Memories
Sentimental Memories was recorded at Jantzen Beach in 1957. People came from all around the Portland area—sometimes all the way from Idaho or even California when certain musicians were playing. At a club locals called the Dude Ranch "the club of startling surprises" because its owners, Sherman Pickett and (?) Patterson, known simply and affectionately as "Pic and Pat," seemed capable of booking anybody. One such artist was the formidable Les Brown and his Band of Renown. Recorded by Wally Heider, Sentimental Memories represents some of Les Brown’s greatest moments.
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Dizzy Gillespie - Manteca
John Birks "Dizzy" Gillespie's effect on jazz cannot be overstated: his trumpet playing influenced every player who came after him, his compositions have become part of the jazz canon, and his bands have included some of the most significant names in the business. He was also, along with Charlie Parker, one of the major leaders of the bebop movement. This is a must listen and one of Wally Heider’s all-time best!