Herb Bruce and the Herbicide Jazz Band
Reviews

Festival Schedule            About Herbicide Jazz Band

Summer 2005

To Festival Directors:

I am delighted to write on behalf of Herb Bruce and the Herbicide Jazz Band, which made its festival debut at the 27^th annual Cedar Basin Dixieland Jazz Festival this June. Although the band is new to the jazz festival circuit, each of its musicians has a laudable musical pedigree on the professional circuit in his/her own right! For example, Herb was leader of the Main Street Rhythm Rascals at Disneyworld and was one of the leaders of the renowned Rosie O.Grady.s Goodtime Jazz Band; and has performed with the Dukes of Dixieland, Bill Allred.s Classic Jazz Band,  Igor's Jazz Cowboys and Pepper & Fine Thyme. The band.s inaugural CD Herb Bruce and the Herbicide Jazz Band: Breaking Out offers you a fine sample of the band.s jazz versatility and tight orchestrations.

The Herbicide Jazz Band has an extensive repertoire ranging from traditional Dixieland to more classic jazz; and Herb will tailor sets to your preference. In addition to the awesome music,  his band members have an entertaining banter that lets the audience in on the joke. Our festival is unusual in that we charge no admission fee; thus, our fans readily can vote with their feet! From Herbicide.s first set, fans were hooked, and crowds only grew throughout the weekend.

Having worked with bands at our festival for over 15 years, I can attest to this band.s interest in cooperating to the max. The band always was where it needed to be well before stage time, played each set to its fullest in top form, and were happy to mingle with the crowd. Herb Bruce and the Herbicide Jazz Band will provide your festival with superior talent.

Sincerely,

Judith F. Harrington, Board Director

Cedar Basin Dixieland Jazz Festival
 

Dear Mr. Bruce,

On Monday I ordered your CD's Herbicide and Breaking Out. I just got them yesterday afternoon. Wow, that was fast! You must have sent them by Learjet. I have listened to them both and just wanted to send a quick note to say just how great they sound. Both are superb in every way - the great arrangements, professional production, outstanding performances by all those great musicians, and of course your own incredible playing! I first became aware of your playing through your Spiritual To The Bone efforts. Actually, I have Charles Olsen of the New York Staff Band to thank for that. I had a copy of the Spiritual To The Bone Christmas CD, but could not find any of the others. I had corresponded with Mr. Olsen, and he was kind enough to obtain copies for me of three of the other Spiritual To The Bone CD's. After enjoying those, I did a quick Google search to find out more about the group and its members. That is when I found your website and the recordings that you have made. For me, the "Herbicide" big band CD is worth the price just for "The Avengers" cut. (It's a "being a teenager in the 60's" thing that you probably understand...) Actually, there is not a weak track on either CD. Since I also love traditional jazz, the "Breaking Out" CD is a real treat. Thanks for making both. I will be ordering the other CD (Heaven & Earth) on your website soon. I hope that there are more recordings planned in the near future. If you ever make it to the San Antonio area to play, I hope you will post it ahead of time on your website. I would love to hear you live. Thanks for all your efforts to keep the trombone alive and well (despite that picture on the front of the Herbicide CD). All the best...

Andy Waynick.