Herbert Daly Phillips

Herbie Phillips

1935 — 1995

1964 Photo by the late Kenny Bright (a trumpeter)

Herbie Phillips with The Carl Saunders Jazz Orchestra, at Rancho High School, Las Vegas, NV (Carl Saunders Archives).

Herbert Daly Phillips (Herb or Herbie) (April 20, 1935, Nebraska - September 13, 1995, Las Vegas) was an American jazz trumpeter, big band composer, and arranger. He was especially well-known in the Las Vegas music community. He had played trumpet in several renown big bands, including those of Louie Bellson, Buddy Morrow, and Billy May, but his recorded compositions, particularly "Little Train", recorded several times by The Buddy Rich Big Band, are what made him famous.

His mother, Evelyn Phillips (nee Daly), a graduate of the University of Nebraska and a kindergarten teacher at the [http://prescott.lps.org/index.html Prescott School] , died October 23, 1949, in Lincoln, NE, when he was 14. ["Obituary for Evelyn Phillips", Nebraska State Journal, October 24, 1949 (pg. 1).] She had played a major role in introducing Herbie to the arts. Distraught over the loss and as a teenager, Herbie did not did get along well with his father, Guy W. Phillips, especically when he remarried. Herbie moved in with his his maternal aunt and uncle. His father, a salesman for the George F. Burt Company, died in Lincoln, Nebraska, when he was 19.

Territory bands and sleeper buses (1953-54)

Herbie graduated from Fremont High School in Nebraska in 1953. And, he had attended the University of Nebraska, Lincoln the summer of 1954. After high school, he played trumpet in several territory bands that were booked out of Omaha by the National Orchestra Service, namely the Dick Mango Orchestra and the Verne Byers Orchestra. His high school band director, Walter R. Olsen, had a son Bob (born 1929), who had played trumpet with Dick Mango. During his tour with his second group, the Verne Byers Orchestra, he met band-member Patrick Noel Thompson (born April 12, 1929, New Zealand), a trombonist, with whom he became close, life-long friends. While touring with Verne Byers, Herbie arranged a few songs, including "Pennies From Heaven".

New York City (1955-1960)

In 1955, Herbie and Pat Thompson moved to New York City, sharing an apartment at 61 West 83rd Street. At that time, Bill Evans lived in the basement apartment. While waiting to get his union card, a six-month period, he subbed in bands, including those led by Les Elgart, Woody Herman, Dan Terry, Leon Merian, and the Jimmy Dorsey Orchestra. Herbie served as best man in 1959 for Pat Thompson's wedding at Saint Mary's Catholic Church in New York (despite having a gig immediately after the ceremony).

Early Las Vegas (1960-1970)

Around 1960-61, Herbie and his wife Carol moved to Las Vegas, joining Pat Thompson. Herbie spent the rest of his life in Las Vegas. Herbie played in several show bands and eventually landed a long lasting gig in the house band at the Flamingo Las Vegas.

Las Vegas Hilton (1970-1983)

Herbie played in the Las Vegas Hilton house band from 1970 to about 1983. Even though his colleagues often saw him writing arrangements during show-band breaks, as can be seen in the documentary film of Elvis's first appearance at the Las Vegas Hilton, he generally refused all writing gigs while he was working at the Hilton. Herbie, in those days, focused on just getting through the house band gig.

With a new act typically every two weeks, Herbie couldn't bring himself to think in a creative way. But, he was always listening and had a formidable record collection. Musicians were always hanging out at his place to listen and talk. He wasn't interested in taking the time it took to write. He even turned down writing and arranging for several singers, despite the lure of money. If he did pen some big band charts for his own pleasure, he didn't tell many people, nor did he put a rehearsal together to hear them. [Observations expressed by Sam Cernuto, trombonist and house band colleague at the Las Vegas Hilton — by email to Wikipedia contributor, Sept 14, 2007]

Herb became close friends with fellow musician James Moody during his seven-year tenure at the Hilton that began in 1973. Also, while working at the Hilton, Herbie played a stint with the David Rose Orchestra.

Post-Hilton (1983-1995)

Several factors compelled him to ultimately leave the Las Vegas Hilton:
*The Hilton management changed the showroom format by bringing in a production show; the type of show that, if it were a hit, would require a musician to play the same music for years. Herbie didn't want that. [Comments of Sam Cernuto, trombonist and house band colleague at the Las Vegas Hilton — made by email to Wikipedia contributor, Sept 14, 2007.]
*Around 1975, Herbie injured his lip, which developed into a lump that wouldn't heal. He took lessons to rebuild his embouchure, but, worried that if he continued to play, he would permanently damage his lip.
*Many people felt that 1983 was when the music industry fell apart in Las Vegas. The big band era was at a low, and major casinos were switching from live bands to taped music, which resulted in a major musicians strike in 1989. [Verne Byers, band leader who had moved to Las Vegas in 1983, commented on the decline of the live music industry in an interview by Emmily N. Bristol, "Still in the Swing, View Neighborhood Newspapers, August 29, 2001.]

Having saved some money, he was in a position leave his job at the Hilton. Some consider his injury fortuitous because it led to writing for his own rehearsal band. Though there are a number of tapes floating around, Herbie's band was never professionally recorded. [Barbara Camp Russo, Herb's girlfriend and devisee under The Estate of Herbert D. Phillips has all of Herb's recordings from rehearsal and reading bands. She resides in Las Vegas.]

:"His charts were timeless and so much fun to play. Everyone who knew Herbie loved him. He was an instant friend to everyone and always made you feel as if you knew him forever. Absorbic wit, incredible jazz soloist and could make you laugh with just a look." [Comments of Sam Cernuto, trombonist and house band colleague at the Las Vegas Hilton — made by email to Wikipedia contributor, Sept 14, 2007.]

Herb worked, both as trumpeter and conductor for Frank Sinatra and Frank Sinatra, Jr.

Kicks Bands

Up until the late 1980s, the Las Vegas Musicians Union had its own rehearsal hall that members used for rehearsal bands, known as "kicks" bands. Herbie directed one such band.

Family and Friends

He was once married to (and divorced from) Carol Phillips, [Maiden name not known, believed to have married in 1957 in the Chicago area and divorced in Las Vegas or Chicago area.] but spent his final 20 years with his girlfriend, Barbara Camp Russo, who still lives in Las Vegas. Without realizing it going into the relationship, Barbara discovered that she had known Carol from their earlier days as chorus line dancers in Las Vegas. Distribution under Herbie's Estate went to Barbara. [ [http://courtgate.coca.co.clark.nv.us/DistrictCourt/asp/SearchPartyOptions.asp Probate] , "The Matter Of The Estate of Herbert D. Phillips: First and Final Account, Report, for Fees and Final Distribution," filed September 29, 1995, closed July 26, 1996, Clark County, Nevada.]

Carl Saunders, trumpeter, band leader, composer, and arranger, became one of Herb's best friends. Having met when Carl was in high school, Herb became a mentor to Carl. Through publishing, marketing, recording, and performing, Carl is faithfully active in circulating Herbie's music. Moreover, Carl released a well-acclaimed album, Be Bop Big Band, which not only is dedicated to Herbie, but also features several of his compositions (see "Discography" below).

Herbie died September 13, 1995, from complications of an aneurysm that struck while conducting a jazz band rehearsal at the Community College of Southern Nevada.

Discography

Recorded and released during his lifetime

*Buddy Rich:Swingin' New Big Band — Original 1966 LP (Pacific Jazz PJ10113):Recorded Live at the Chez Club, Hollywood, Oct 2, 1966::"Little Train"::"Hey, Baby!"::(these two cuts were among others that were never actually released because Rich was not satisfied with the performances) [ [http://www.lordisco.com/ Tom Lord, "The Jazz Discography," Vol 18, R3060] .] :The New One! — Original 1967 LP (Pacific Jazz PJ10126)::"Little Train"::(recorded in Hollywood, June 15, 1967):Time Being — Original 1971 LP (Bluebird RCA)::"Little Train":Rich in London — Original 1971 LP (RCA Victor LSP-4666)::"Little Train":A Different Drummer — Original 1971 LP(RCA Victor LSP 1593)::(Herbie Phillips is credited as arranger, but does not specify which arrangements/compositions):Very Alive At Ronnie Scott's — Original 1972 LP (English RCA DPS-2031)::"Milestones" (this needs research, because this particular arrangement is also attributed to someone else)
*Buddy Morrow and His Orchestra:Dancing Tonight To Morrow — Original 1959 LP (RCA LPM 1925) (Canada release)::Recorded in New York City, Phillips played trumpet this session:Big Band Guitar — Original 1964 LP (RCA Living Stereo LSP 2018)::Recorded in New York City, Phillips played trumpet this session:Time After Time — Original 1992 CD — ( [http://www.hindsightrecords.com Hindsight Records] ) (UPC: 014921015425)::Phillips is credited for being an arranger and trumpeter on the album (recorded 1963-1964)
*Buddy Childers Big Band (with various other Bands on the Album):Back to Balboa, Vol. 6 — Original 1991 CD ( [http://www.mamajazz.org MAMA] )::"Jeannine" — composed by Duke Pearson; arr. by Herb Phillips::(celebration Honoring the 50th anniversary of Stan Kenton's debut at the Rendezvous Ballroom, Newport Beach)
*Tommy Vig Orchestra:Space Race — Original 1992 CD (Discovery Records) (UPC: 010467092524)::Phillips is listed as a trumpet player
* [http://www.reviewjournal.com/lvrj_home/1999/Jun-08-Tue-1999/news/11316403.html Raoul Romero] and his Jazz Stars Orchestra

Recorded during his lifetime, released posthumously

*Buddy Rich:Live in '78, Buddy's Killer Force group — "The best band I ever had." — Original 2005 DVD (Jazz Icons)::"Little Trane" ["sic"] :Wham! Live — Original 2001 CD (originally released by Label M, now available by [http://www.hyenarecords.com Hyena Records] )::"Little Train"::(Recorded live in Detroit, Michigan and Dix Hills, New York in 1977)
*Neil Peart and the Buddy Rich Big Band — Tribute to Buddy Rich:Burning for Buddy, Volume 1 — Original 1994 DVD (Atlantic Records) (UPC: 075678269929)::" [http://www.drummerworld.com/Videos/billycobhammiles.html Milestones] ", drums performed by Billy Cobham

Recorded and released posthumously

*Bobby Shew with Carl Fontana:Heavyweights: The Bobby Shew Quintet with Carl Fontana — Original 1995 CD ( [http://www.mamajazz.org MAMA Jazz Foundation] ) (UPC: 734956101329)::"My Romance"::"The Girl From Ipanema"::"Night And Day"::(Recorded at MadHatter Studios, September 20-21, 1995 ... one week after the death of Phillips)
* [http://cfa.unlv.edu:16080/unlvjazz/unlvjazz/HOME.html UNLV Jazz Ensemble] , directed by Frank Gagliardi:That's a Wrap! — Original 1996 CD ( [http://www.seabreezejazz.com Sea Breeze] ) (UPC: 017231452027)::"Waltz On"
*Carl Saunders:Be Bop Big Band — Original 2002 CD ( [http://www.seabreezejazz.com/ Sea Breeze Jazz] ) (UPC: 017231211822)::"Compilation"::"I'm All for You"::"Perceptive Hindsight"::"Some Bones of Contention"::"Strike Out the Band"::"Dearly Befuddled"::"An Apple for Christa"
*Bobby Shew and the Midland Youth Jazz Orchestra:Easy to Love — Original 2006 CD (Myjo)::Getting Sentimental Over You::Body and Soul
*John La Barbara Big Band:On the Wild Side — Original 2004 CD (Jazz Compass) (UPC: 829757439228)

Compositions/arrangements

*"Pennies from Heaven"
*"Strike out the Band" — Herbie Phillips, Carl Sanders, [http://www.walrusmusic.com Walrus Music Publishing] , Carl Saunders Music
*"Some Bones of Contention" — Herbie Phillips, Carl Sanders, [http://www.walrusmusic.com Walrus Music Publishing] , Carl Saunders Music
*"Compilation" — Herbie Phillips, Carl Saunders (brisk "I Got Rhythm" variant), [http://www.walrusmusic.com Walrus Music Publishing] , [https://www.arts.unco.edu/uncjazz/jazzpress/cgi/jazzpress.cgi?command=main&login UNC Jazz Press] , Carl Saunders Music
*"Perceptive Hindsight" — Herbie Phillips, Carl Saunders, [http://www.walrusmusic.com Walrus Music Publishing] , Carl Saunders Music
*"Dearly Befuddled" — Herbie Phillips, Carl Saunders, [http://www.walrusmusic.com Walrus Music Publishing]
*"An Apple for Christa" — Herbie Phillips, Carl Saunders (a tribute to teacher/astronaut Christa McAuliffe), [http://www.walrusmusic.com Walrus Music Publishing] , Carl Saunders Music
*"Little Train" — Herbie Phillips
*"Milestones" — Miles Davis (arr. Herbie Phillips)
*"My Foolish Heart" — (arr Herbie Phillips)
*"Waltz On" — Herbie Phillips
*"My Romance" — arranged by Herbie Phillips
*"The Girl From Ipanema" — arranged by Herbie Phillips
*"Night And Day" — arranged by Herbie Phillips
*"I'm All for You" — (a Latin version of "Body and Soul)", arranged by Herbie Phillips, [http://www.walrusmusic.com Walrus Music Publishing] , Carl Saunders Music
*"Cayucus" — [https://www.arts.unco.edu/uncjazz/jazzpress/cgi/jazzpress.cgi?command=main&login UNC Jazz Press]
*"Chet" — [https://www.arts.unco.edu/uncjazz/jazzpress/cgi/jazzpress.cgi?command=main&login UNC Jazz Press]
*"Fridays" — [https://www.arts.unco.edu/uncjazz/jazzpress/cgi/jazzpress.cgi?command=main&login UNC Jazz Press]
*"Round Midnight" — [https://www.arts.unco.edu/uncjazz/jazzpress/cgi/jazzpress.cgi?command=main&login UNC Jazz Press]

Works filed for copyright

*"The Herb Phillips Songbook", © July 23, 1990

Affiliations

Herb was a member of the American Federation of Musicians:
*1955-1960 — [http://www.local802afm.org/ New York City, Local 802]
*1961-1995 — [http://www.musicianslasvegas369.com/ Las Vegas, Local 369]

References

External links

*2002 — CD, Be Bop Big Band , [http://www.carlsaunders.com Carl Saunders] , director/trumpet, (album dedicated to Herbie Phillips), [http://www.seabreezejazz.com Sea Breeze Records]
* [http://www.musicianslasvegas369.com/ Musicians Union of Las Vegas, Local 369, AFM]