I am trying to get his entire catalog. As you can imagine, it isn't that easy. However, these two releases Waterbed (1975) and Surprises (1976) go quite a ways to helping.

I don't think these are his best releases (arranged with that "70s" sound - which makes them seem...dated) - but they do have their moments. "Waterbed," IMHO is the weaker of the two. The title track is one of my favorites, as well as Comin' Home Baby, Deus Xango and Body oil. Bang! Bang! is a decent rendition - but to be honest, I think David Sanborn's version is better.

Surprises also has that "70s sound" but is the stronger of the releases here. Cajun Moon, Asa Branea, The Sound Of Windwood, The Butterfly In A Stone Garden and Anata are my favorites off this release.

I highly recommend these releases for any fan of Herbie Mann. Even though, as stated above, I don;t think these are his best releases, the music is strong as is the production and of course, the music is tight!

Enjoy!

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NHK

Five Stars

Reviewed in the United States on August 24, 2014

Verified Purchase

This was bought as a gift and she liked it so that's all that mattered.

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J. Bryant

CD looks and sounds great but didn't imagine that the it would've had the ...

Reviewed in the United States on August 8, 2014

Verified Purchase

CD looks and sounds great but didn't imagine that the it would've had the song titles in Chinese as well as English. That was a bummer.Cd arrived on and in time to given as a birthday gift, hurray.

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Michelle Mobley

Unfullfilled...

Reviewed in the United States on February 22, 2014

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It sat on my pre-order list for months......then it vanished. My order was not fulfilled by Amazon so how can I rate it?

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Vic Ox

Not so surprised

Reviewed in the United States on March 23, 2011

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I first heard "Surprises" in the early 70's so this was a bit of a nostalgia trip. I still really like Cissy Houstons straight forward soul music approach combined with the light jazz feel of Mann's flute.
This album sits comfortably in the background but deserves at least one serious contemplation and contains a particularly memorable version of J.J.Cale's "Cajun Moon" which kept repeating on me even after just one listening.
I confess a preference to Cissy's voice and approach to that of her currently more famous daughter that may reflect the above mentioned nostalgia.
Waterbed doesn't have the same appeal but is inoffensive and may grow on me in time.
Overall a worthwhile purchase that I unreservedly recommend.

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Donna W.

Five Stars

Reviewed in the United States on July 31, 2015

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One of my favorites! Happy, Cool, Classy music.

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piperglenn

Vintage Herbie

Reviewed in the United States on July 23, 2003

This two CD set is a great starting point for someone just delving into the many-varied musical world of the late, great Herbie Mann. "Waterbed" came out a year after his "Discoteque" album which produced the top twenty hit "Hijack." While the title track avoids the confines of disco, it does have an infectious beat, typical of Herbie. There are some real treasures on this album. "Deus Xango" by Argentinian Astor Piazolla is a deep, brooding number that can be listened to again and again. Cissy Houston's incredible voice is featured on the beautifully sad "Violet Don't Be Blue." She also provides the vocals for "I Got A Woman" by Ray Charles.
The second recording on this set is "Surprises, featuring Cissy Houston." This is one of my all-time favorite Herbie Mann albums. Herbie plays alto flute on "Draw Your Brakes," a beautiful reggae tune from "The Harder They Come." Next Herbie provides a haunting introduction on bass flute to J.J. Cale's "Cajun Moon." Cissy Houston is outstanding on both of these tunes as well as on Stevie Wonder's "Creepin," "Easter Rising" and "Asa Branca."
While both of these albums might be considered somewhat "popish," (moreso of "Waterbed" than "Surprises") there's no question that they offer so much more than today's typical smooth-jazz.

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The Count

Too much fluff, not enough substance

Reviewed in the United States on April 23, 2008

not my favorite herbie mann, but definatly has a handful of decent tunes on it. Download the good ones, don't buy the album~

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