Stan Kenton Music

These CD tracks are from two broadcasts dated 27 November 1945 and 6 December 1944. They represent an orchestra in transition, pre-dating the major Pete Rugulo influence and post-dating the original Balboa band of 1940. The 1944 broadcast was for the Downbeat AFRS radio program and consists of studio recordings dubbed into a live presentation by Stan and John Tillman. Russian Lullaby is the first tune, and is a powerful Joe Rizzo chart. Rizzo was with Stan during the Balboa period, and uses deep saxophone voicings, tempo changes, and excellent counterpoint throughout. A young Stan Getz is featured here, and this recording shows him far removed from his later "cool" mode. It is reported that when Stan first heard this chart by Rizzo (who was in the Army) he asked, "What are they feeding you, raw meat?" Ride On is a Charlie Shirley arrangement and features Anita O'Day on the vocal. Shirley was a adept arranger in the Kenton fashion with staccato passages, chromatic substitutions, and powerful brass (although this band had 4 trumpets and 4 trombones). The Very Thought of You is the band's Achilles heel, in that the clarinet lead in the reeds just doesn't blend in the intended Miller style. Gene Howard's vocal gets off to an unfortunate start as well. Our Waltz is in a similar vein, but is performed quite well, including Stan's piano. Wisely, clarinet lead voicings were on the way out for Stan's later bands. Balboa Bash was an attractive and early Yaw piece for the Balboa band, but was updated to reduce (not eliminate) the staccato and syncopation effects of the early Kenton stlye. Boots Mussulli takes the solo honors on alto in the Willie Smith style. Boots would prove to be a major Kenton soloist for the next 3 years. I Know That You Know is another Rizzo powerhouse chart featuring a tenor duel between Emmett Carls(formerly with Boyd Raeburn) and Getz in that order. In a Little Spanish Town is a bit unnerving with the faux latin rhythm, and is a mediocre Dave Matthews arrangement. The arragement Man I Love is credited to Mussuli, but its lack of melody line together with the Willie Smith influence on Boots doesn't really work out, save for the nice final cadenza. Conversin' with the Brain on the other hand is a fine Mussulli arrangement in the Kenton style, providing nice solo opportunities for Karl George on trumpet, Getz, and Mussulli. The closing tune is a bit-too-fast And Her Tears Flowed Like Wine, a million-selling novelty tune arranged by Buddy Baker. The above tunes together represent the fact that Stan's band was above all an arranger's band, yet unhindered by the more far-out excesses of his Innovations orchestra of the late 40's. By the time of the 1945 broadcast from the Hollywood Palladium, Stan's band had improved considerably with the addition of Eddie Safranski on bass, Vido Musso and Bob Cooper on tenors, Ralph Collier (his brother Earl had played with the Balboa band) on drums, and the legendary Ray Wetzel on lead trumpet. Only eight musicians remained from the 1944 broadcast, and June Christy replaced Anita. Only a musician of Stan's calibre could find a singer to replace O'Day, and June shines on this broadcast. Collier is a much-underrated drummer, as he helped put the band on top before the arrival of Shelley Manne, and improved the rhythm section along with Safranski. Artistry Jumps features Musso on some over-the-top soloing and Collier in an unusual drum solo at the close, unlike the studio version. We'll Be Together Again features Gene Howard, and the tune has some beatiful harmonies and sensitive obbligato solos by Musso and Mussulli. I Don't Want To Be Loved is a striking Gene Roland chart, having more of a 50's band sound, and a simply high energy level that illustrates why Kenton's band was on top by late 1945. Roland strikes again with It's Only A Paper Moon, and Gene Howard contributes very nicely here. Roland's intro alone is worth a listen. Body and Soul is a nice Musso and Collier feature. Musso's extended solo provides aural evidence of Musso's popular and powerful soloing. Painted Rhythm is a nice Kenton arrangement, and Roland again takes arranging honors with Ellington's Just A-Sittin' A-Rockin', wherein June Christy sings a little more than in the Capitol release. Stan's solo is outstanding, as well as some asides by Musso. Eager Beaver is shortened a bit, yet it surprises with a Bob Cooper solo in the original Red Dorris vein. After Musso left the band, the world found out how brilliant Cooper really was when he was assigned more solo opportunities. All things considered, this CD shows Stan as the leader of an exciting band at the leading edge.

A nice mix of Chicago, BS&T, and some Bob Curnow originals. If you like the originals and like Kenton, it's a no-brainer. A word of warning though -- the trumpets are often HORRIBLY out of tune to the point of being painful to the ears. It rather reminds me of a high school marching band, quite uncharacteristic of the quality one would expect from Kenton.

This album is exciting. The arrangements of Chicago and Blood, Sweat, and Tears are probably better than the originals (no vocals). Bob Curnow did all the arrangements, and much to my surprise (being a band director who has played his concert music) the arrangements are smoking. Not sure where the flaws are at- this album burns for 34 minutes. The short length is my only concern, but the music is quite good. Highly recommended.

This is one of Kenton's last albums, again revealing that he was constantly reaching for new expressions of jazz. This is a most challenging, often swinging, sometimes beautiful, occasionally flawed (especially the saxaphone solo on the last cut)recording that deserves to be in the collections of all Kenton fans. The trumpet section has chops of steel!

Stan Kenton had one of the greatest big bands ever. I personally think his band was beter than Buddy Rich's! Kenton plays Chicago is an amazing addition to all the great albums by him, like, Journey to Capricorn, Kenton 76, and Adventures in Jazz. He made fun, challenging, and versatile arrangements of some great Chicago songs, Free and Mother being my personal favorites. I would highly reccomend this album for any fan of Kenton or jazz in general. The trombones rock out in Mother and Free, and the trumpet players chops are made of iron. Buy this album!

The cuts in "Standards in Silhouette" are in stark contrast to the bombast, dissonance, and 100+ db sound levels that fans associate with the revolutionary Stan Kenton bands, yet this presentation is among Kenton's best. The album certainly rates the most beautiful. It's far and away the best of the three "standards" albums I've heard from the Kenton band and superior to any collection of standards you're likely to hear. What makes the difference is Bill Mathieu's arrangements and the soloists' depth of feeling. Mathieu's work is innovative, ingenious, to the point where he gives an entirely new feeling, a new life, to each of the standards presented. Standout performances from Charlie Mariano (one of the top five alto's of all time), Bill Trujillo, Archie LeCoque, and Don Sebesky. Without doubt, it's a different take on jazz from the Kenton band. But it's one well worth listening to---unforgettable, to my mind.

BUD BRISBOIS... MAYBE THE BEST LEAD SCEAMER TRUMPET....JUTS SEARCH IN THE WEB....THANKS.

I can beat the other memories - around 1955 when I bought this record - it was splendid then and it is NOW (at my age of 77).
I do not agree with all the music Kenton made but I thought at the time that this was the music of the future. Alas, he seems all but forgotten.

In my opinion, this is 1959 album is rather weak Kenton. For me these Bill Mathieu arrangements just don't cut it compared to the powerful Kenton sound so characteristic of arrangements by Bill Russo, Lennie Niehaus, et al.

I don't know, others seem to like it. I'll give it 2 stars just because of the excellent solos.

This is one of my FAVORITE Stan Kenton albums of all time! Great arrangements by Bill Mathieu and tremendous playing of it by one of the best Kenton bands....Mathieu's charts used counter-melodies with the main melody to set some beautiful moods. This was one of Capitol Records' "theme-type" Kenton albums (they even had Stan record an album of Tex Ritter songs! I swear it! ) and sets a definite "blues mood."

The band was really HOT ( Bill Trujillo, Don Sebesky, Archie LeCoque, Rolf Ericson and some of the best playing I ever heard from Charlie Mariano on alto, share the solos). The trumpet section featured (4)--count 'em---superb lead players: Bud Brisbois, Dalton Smith, Bill Chase & Roger Middleton! ... Add the always-great Kenton trombones and WOW ! Some of the full-band ensemble playing will startle and amaze the musicians listening, but you don't have to be one to appreciate the music--it will totally wrap you up and sweep you off to another world. ( My vinyl copy was pretty worn, so the CD is a welcome reissue, and "Lazy Afternoon, " which I only heard on a live, one-mike recording once before, is a nice bonus). Kenton fans who missed this one will want to add it to their favorites, too !

This album represents the best of Stan Kenton arrangements. The melodies are right from the American Song book. The chords and harmonies are interesting but never far away from the standard chording of the pieces. For example, My Funny Valentine is arranged in what can only be described as a hushed loving way like a whisper in the ear of one you love. If you love the old songs with some really neat chords you will be happy with this album. And if, by chance, you are a fan of far out Stan, this album will give you a solid home base as a comparison.

I love Stan Kenton, though confess when he gets into some of the more far out things like City of Glass, he leaves me in the dust (or shards). Anyway, I am old enough (68) to have known the Kenton sound for a long time. Was lucky enough to see him live on Broadway (or it might have been Off Broadway, it was in San Francisco!) back in the 60's. Street of Dreams is absolutely the most beautiful album I think he did (though Adventures in Time is also a long time favorite), and I like the title song the best, though find things to love in all of the tracks. As an intro to Stan Kenton in this modern (less time to get into and understand something) time we live in, I would recommend this as the best Stan Kenton album to buy, and buy it from Amazon!

This is...without a doubt my favorite Kenton CD. From the opening "Send In The Clowns" to "My Funny Valentine" which will blow you away...this CD is non stop Kenton at his very best. It's a real pleasure to hear Kenton's piano solos...although they are minimal. What a terrific CD. I play it every day after work just to chill out. The trombone...sax...and trumpet solos are fantastic. If you really want to hear Kenton at his best...buy this CD. You will not be sorry...I promise. If you are not familiar with Kenton...this would be the perfect CD to become acquainted with Stan and his great orchestra.

This is a GREAT compilation! "My Funny Valentine" simply shakes you to your core! Coming from someone who has played (or at least tried!) the bass trombone part to much of Kenton's work, this stands out as one of the best. A must-buy if you enjoy true power in a big band.

Unlike a lot of Kenton discs which only feature the band, this album has a Kenton piano solo on every track. His style is minimalistic, but on these (mostly) ballads, it works perfectly. One of the most powerful, ballsy trumpet solos ever recorded is the one by John Harner on SEND IN THE CLOWNS. This album contains some of Kenton's best (popular) Big Band arrangements, played around colleges everywhere, including his classic Bill Holman arrangement of RHAPSODY IN BLUE, and Ken Hanna's arrangement of BODY AND SOUL. This disc is one for all Big Band archives. The fidelity of this CD Remaster is very good.

This album represents the best of Stan Kenton arrangements. The melodies are right from the American Song book. The chords and harmonies are interesting but never far away from the standard chording of the pieces. For example, My Funny Valentine is arranged in what can only be described as a hushed loving way like a whisper in the ear of one you love. If you love the old songs with some really neat chords you will be happy with this album. And if, by chance, you are a fan of far out Stan, this album will give you a solid home base as a comparison.

I love Stan Kenton, though confess when he gets into some of the more far out things like City of Glass, he leaves me in the dust (or shards). Anyway, I am old enough (68) to have known the Kenton sound for a long time. Was lucky enough to see him live on Broadway (or it might have been Off Broadway, it was in San Francisco!) back in the 60's. Street of Dreams is absolutely the most beautiful album I think he did (though Adventures in Time is also a long time favorite), and I like the title song the best, though find things to love in all of the tracks. As an intro to Stan Kenton in this modern (less time to get into and understand something) time we live in, I would recommend this as the best Stan Kenton album to buy, and buy it from Amazon!

This is...without a doubt my favorite Kenton CD. From the opening "Send In The Clowns" to "My Funny Valentine" which will blow you away...this CD is non stop Kenton at his very best. It's a real pleasure to hear Kenton's piano solos...although they are minimal. What a terrific CD. I play it every day after work just to chill out. The trombone...sax...and trumpet solos are fantastic. If you really want to hear Kenton at his best...buy this CD. You will not be sorry...I promise. If you are not familiar with Kenton...this would be the perfect CD to become acquainted with Stan and his great orchestra.

This is a GREAT compilation! "My Funny Valentine" simply shakes you to your core! Coming from someone who has played (or at least tried!) the bass trombone part to much of Kenton's work, this stands out as one of the best. A must-buy if you enjoy true power in a big band.

Unlike a lot of Kenton discs which only feature the band, this album has a Kenton piano solo on every track. His style is minimalistic, but on these (mostly) ballads, it works perfectly. One of the most powerful, ballsy trumpet solos ever recorded is the one by John Harner on SEND IN THE CLOWNS. This album contains some of Kenton's best (popular) Big Band arrangements, played around colleges everywhere, including his classic Bill Holman arrangement of RHAPSODY IN BLUE, and Ken Hanna's arrangement of BODY AND SOUL. This disc is one for all Big Band archives. The fidelity of this CD Remaster is very good.

This album represents the best of Stan Kenton arrangements. The melodies are right from the American Song book. The chords and harmonies are interesting but never far away from the standard chording of the pieces. For example, My Funny Valentine is arranged in what can only be described as a hushed loving way like a whisper in the ear of one you love. If you love the old songs with some really neat chords you will be happy with this album. And if, by chance, you are a fan of far out Stan, this album will give you a solid home base as a comparison.

I love Stan Kenton, though confess when he gets into some of the more far out things like City of Glass, he leaves me in the dust (or shards). Anyway, I am old enough (68) to have known the Kenton sound for a long time. Was lucky enough to see him live on Broadway (or it might have been Off Broadway, it was in San Francisco!) back in the 60's. Street of Dreams is absolutely the most beautiful album I think he did (though Adventures in Time is also a long time favorite), and I like the title song the best, though find things to love in all of the tracks. As an intro to Stan Kenton in this modern (less time to get into and understand something) time we live in, I would recommend this as the best Stan Kenton album to buy, and buy it from Amazon!

This is...without a doubt my favorite Kenton CD. From the opening "Send In The Clowns" to "My Funny Valentine" which will blow you away...this CD is non stop Kenton at his very best. It's a real pleasure to hear Kenton's piano solos...although they are minimal. What a terrific CD. I play it every day after work just to chill out. The trombone...sax...and trumpet solos are fantastic. If you really want to hear Kenton at his best...buy this CD. You will not be sorry...I promise. If you are not familiar with Kenton...this would be the perfect CD to become acquainted with Stan and his great orchestra.

This is a GREAT compilation! "My Funny Valentine" simply shakes you to your core! Coming from someone who has played (or at least tried!) the bass trombone part to much of Kenton's work, this stands out as one of the best. A must-buy if you enjoy true power in a big band.

Unlike a lot of Kenton discs which only feature the band, this album has a Kenton piano solo on every track. His style is minimalistic, but on these (mostly) ballads, it works perfectly. One of the most powerful, ballsy trumpet solos ever recorded is the one by John Harner on SEND IN THE CLOWNS. This album contains some of Kenton's best (popular) Big Band arrangements, played around colleges everywhere, including his classic Bill Holman arrangement of RHAPSODY IN BLUE, and Ken Hanna's arrangement of BODY AND SOUL. This disc is one for all Big Band archives. The fidelity of this CD Remaster is very good.