Herb Bruce and the Herbicide Jazz Band

Festival Schedule            Band Reviews

Pedigree is the perfect one-word description for this band. These guys have played for so many stars, we can't name them all; but we give you a sampling so you'll have a glimpse of the talent you're hearing.

Herb Bruce                                                                                          Trombone/Leader

Herb is "Mr. Versatile" of the trombone. Choose any style and he covers it with ease. He's worked with everyone from Big Tiny Little to Boots Randolph, to Steve Lawrence and Eydie Gormé, to the Backstreet Boys. He was the leader of the famous Main Street Rhythm Rascals at Walt Disney World and one of the leaders of the renowned Rosie O'Grady's Goodtime Jazz Band at Church Street Station in Orlando. Those of you familiar with the traditional jazz scene have heard him with the Dukes of Dixieland, Pepper & Fine Thyme, Bill Allred's Classic Jazz Band, and Igor's Jazz Cowboys. He has three solo CDs to boot. That enough?

Terry Waddell                                                                                      Drums/Arranger

If Herb's moniker is "Mr.Versatile," Terry Waddell's is "Mr. Everything." This guy's talent seems to have no limits. Everything he touches turns to musical gold! He's one of the country's finest session drummers: all styles, all day, never misses. He writes for everything from jazz to country to movie scores. And we don't mean he just can do it; he does do it and at world class levels. He loves jazz, and we are truly honored and humbled to have him with us. Did we mention that Terry was also the music director for the Glenn Miller Orchestra in Branson, as well as Bobby Vinton and Ray Price? It's a shame he can't find anything to do. . . .

Jim Snyder                                                                                          Clarinet

Jim is clearly one of the finest clarinetists in the world. His beautiful sound along with dazzling technique earn him the highest respect from all who hear him. He's worked with Al Hirt and led the Jazz Trio at the New Orleans Hilton in the French Quarter. He and Herb played together with the Dukes of Dixieland and the Main Street Rhythm Rascals. He entertains with the same degree of excellence as he plays. He is one funny guy! When he and Herb get together, the script goes out the window! Jim is an artist for the Yamaha Corporation. They love him, just as you will.

Don Johnson                                                                                        Trumpet

There is a rarely-seen animal in the trumpet jungle. That's the trumpeter who plays terrific lead and jazz. Don Johnson is one of those animals. He has held down the lead chair in the world famous Walt Disney World Band and Les Brown's Band of Renown. He co-founded (with drum great John von Ohlen) the famous Blue Wisp Big Band in Cincinnati. He's a veteran of the Cincinnati Symphony and Pops orchestras as well as working many Broadway shows. He's also played with Sarah Vaughn, the Tommy Dorsey Orchestra, and the Terry Myers Big Band. His performance on the Herbicide Jazz Band's CD Breakin' Out is reminiscent of the great George Girard.

Jeff Phillips                                                                                          Piano/Tuba

Certainly a keyboard prodigy, Jeff astounds musicians and audiences everywhere he goes. He's just too young to play as well as he does! He;s humble and downplays his accolades, resenting "genius-type" labels; but listeners quickly make up their minds when they hear him. Along with his package of formidable piano skills comes an outrageous sense of humor. Don't give this dog too much leash! Jeff has made the rounds with the likes of Buddy De Franco, Bill Allred's Classic Jazz Band, Bob Mintzer, Mickey Finn, the Main Street Rhythm Rascals, and many others.

William Pillucere                                                                                 Bass

Billy is the most progressive jazz mind in the group. He plays with ease all manner of contemporary jazz from Herbie Hancock to Branford Marsalis. He is an expert on Latin rhythms from his experience with the great Latin artist, Manfredo Fest.  His pleasant demeanor engages everyone he meets and his own jazz quartet is on staff at the 5-star Vinoy Resort in St. Petersburg, Florida.

Patricia Dean                                                                                       Vocalist/Drums

This dynamite little package of big talent was the leader of her own jazz group on the Princess Cruise Lines for 10 years, has opened for George Benson, and is such a fine singer that even the musicians love her. She's in demand as a jazz drummer who specializes in "straight-ahead" and modern jazz. Her great style and knowledge of modern jazz makes her the drummer of choice for many musicians. Check out her CD, Moments Like This, and you'll be convinced that this girl's headed for diva status.

Bob Leary                                                                                           Guitar/Banjo/Vocals

Bob Leary first picked up a little plastic banjo at eighteen months old, and has a snapshot to prove it, and has been playing ever since. He is proud to have worked for many years at Walt Disney World, let the band for fourteen years at Rosie O'Grady's at Church Street Station in Orlando, and played regularly and recorded with many of the finest jazz bands of his generation, including The Black Dogs, The Bill Allred Classic Jazz Band, Bob Crosby's Bob Cats, The Allan Vache Quartet, The Terry Myers Big Band, The Titan Hot Seven, bands led by Ernie Carson, Rick Fay, The Reynolds Brothers, JazzDagen Productions, and now, of course, Herb Bruce's Herbicide Jazz Band

With these kinds of credentials, you can imagine what kind of synergy happens when these guys (and gal) descend on a venue. And don't you believe for a minute that this is simply great musicians getting together. They just have so much fun that audiences can't stop laughing with them. So, sit back and enjoy Herb Bruce and the Herbicide Jazz Band and their debut CD Breakin' Out!