HERB SMITH PART 1 -- Legendary Arranger Who Changed the String Band Sound Forever

In today’s interview I have the distinct honor and privilege of speaking with a true legend of legends - a man who requires no introduction for those who know mummery -- A personal hero of mine and to so many others, an inspiration to generations of musicians in the mummers string band tradition, a creator of some of the most beloved string band musical arrangements of the last 50 years!!
Herb smith changed string band music forever when he took over as music director of the Fralinger string band in 1965, writing his first routine for the 1966 parade.
Prior to Herb’s arrival on the arranging scene, string band music was, as a whole, generally quite simple, utilizing relatively basic chords and, for the most part, tight, three note triad-type voicings in the saxophone section.
Herb launched the string band sound into a new stratosphere by bringing jazz rhythms, lush harmonies and thick, spread voicings into his arrangements.
Herb’s 1972 routine “the golden age of the big bands” was revolutionary at the time in that it brought jazz big band sound into mummery - something that really hadn’t been done up to that time.
Many of Herbs subsequent routines were equally revolutionary in their own right - Take for example 1984’s The Jokers are Wild, 1987’s Copa Banana and 1992’s Fralinger has no Reservations. These memorable scores, among many others, have served as models of excellence and have provided inspiration for countless musicians and string band music fans.
One of Herb’s trademarks is his ingenious and skillful use of spread voicings. That Herb Smith Fralinger sound is unmistakable. Instead of the closed tight voicings of the earlier
string band sound, Herb opened up the saxophone section which brought a tremendous richness, a tremendous depth and breadth to the sound. That so called “fat” Herb smith sound will send chills down any listeners spine. It is a sound that many many have tried to imitate but few have succeeded in equaling.
My interview with Herb is a two part interview:
In this, part one of my interview, I delve into Herb’s early days in music. We talk about his early days with the Trilby string band and how his high school friends convinced him to join Fralinger in 1959. We then discuss how Herb took over as music director in the mid 1960’s and what it was like to be in Fralinger during this time with John Fralinger as captain and owner of the band. We talk about the bands surprise back to back wins in 1967 and 1968 and how Herb refined his personal sound through the 1970’s.
It is a really interesting look back into how it all began and I have no doubt you will enjoy it.
So sit back and relax. This is a fun journey....
Interview conducted 4-18-21

[@edwardregan789]

The incredible Herbie Smith.
Well done.

[@stephencoveney575]

Much love Herbie. My grandfather, Max, and uncle, Joe, Figurski were long-time members of Fralinger. Thanks for so many years of wonderful music.

[@cmummerboi]

Very pleased to see- and hear - my recording of the 1966 "The Music Man" theme used to show the beginnings of the man who changed String Band music forever, the inimitable Herbie Smith!

[@eyemumforfun]

Fantastic!! “How about Italian songs old and new"!! So Herbie!! Loved part 1!