Boron Herman

Herman's Hermits were never taken seriously, not when they were having hits in the '60s and not in the decades since. This indifference makes Bear Family's decision to release a celebratory 50th Anniversary Anthology all the more surprising: not only is it a rare dip into the British Invasion for the American roots-besotted label, but the act seems too frivolous for their tastes. Sometimes, the double-disc The Best of Herman's Hermits: The 50th Anniversary Anthology does feel a little light, particularly on the earliest recordings when the group is mincing through "Mrs. Brown You've Got a Lovely Daughter," but the set – produced and compiled by Ron Furmanek, who presents all takes in true stereo for the first time (there are eight exceptions to this rule), and annotated by Andrew Sandoval – is smartly assembled, so it gains momentum as it proceeds headlong through its 66 tracks.

First up, the return of the Herd for “The Herd Rides Again In Stereo” ten or so years after the First Herd roared across America between the years 1945-1948. Original members like Chuck Jackson are joined by the likes of Bob Brookmeyer who had played with the Herd for 7 weeks way back in 1952 and other fine musicians like Billy Bauar, Nat Pierce, Al Cohn and Don Lamond. A year later and another reunion of sorts as “The Fourth Herd” stampede into town! This time, however, we have a band playing within a band!? That is, an octet featuring Woody Herman, Zoot Sims, Nat Adderley, Eddie Costa and the big band rhythm section all basking in the “inspiring warmth” of the big orchestra”…

Herman Rarebell (born November 18, 1949 as Hermann Josef Erbel) is a German musician, best known as the drummer for the band Scorpions from 1977 to 1995, during which time he played on eight studio albums…

Herman Rarebell (born November 18, 1949 as Hermann Josef Erbel) is a German musician, best known as the drummer for the band Scorpions from 1977 to 1995, during which time he played on eight studio albums…