Stan Kenton Music

In "The Ballad Style" Stan Kenton proves two points: 1st, that the classic American ballad is a genuine musical genre worthy of the most serious consideration by music lovers the world over, and 2nd that Stan understood the genre as well, if not better, than anyone else. This CD is the best of both!

One of Kenton's best when it come to soft music.

I have been a big Kenton fan for over 50yrs. I also posess most of his recordings on 78rpm,45rpm &of course lps and cds. If Stan was alive today he would be on top of the charts, above the rest when it comes to JAZZ KENTON style.Thank you ,Gene

In listening to the Kenton legacy, the contributions of many arrangers are prevalent. Kenton liked to give new talent opportunity. This selection will re-acquaint you with Kenton's talents as an arranger on some standards... but standards chosen with great discrimination and given a sound and style that you won't forget.

This was my first Amazon purchase. Have been looking for this for 25 years. So excited to see it here!! The most wonderful, sweet, romantic stuff. Takes me back to high school...great music to dream by... dream along with me...I LOVE Stan Kenton AND Amazon.com!!!!!

Excellent! It contains all of his major contributions. It is definetly a keeper. The man was a genius to say the least.

A PRETTY GOOD CD, however, most of the songs are from 1945 to 47, and the renditions are not as good as the Kenton works of
the 1950's, e.g., The Peanut Vendor, etc.

David

I figured that after almost 40 years listening to Jazz and Jazz-related music I should have at least a Best of Kenton...so I got it. And I don't get it. I mean, the playing is awesome. The brass players are giants. The fact that it doesn't really swing isn't a problem. I love Nelson Riddle, Bernard Herrmann...all kinds of Exotica. But is this Exotica? Jazz? Easy Listening? Labels don't matter, but this music seems like an only OK example of each thing that it hints at. For fans of low trombone writing this disc is way up there - faint praise, perhaps. But that's probably the main reason I'll keep it! Kenton fans, it's good you still have each other. But this has the distinction of being one of the least-played discs in my collection.

Kenton at his finest. Good music to listen to. Not for everybody,but he helped the Four Freshman get started ,and Maynard Furgeson played with him. What a sound. Buy it.

I got into Stan Kenton in the strangest way. There is a radio show devoted to shortwave broadcasting called "DXing with Cumbre" hosted by Marie Lamb. I sent her an email about the opening and closing music for her show and that's when I discovered Stan. She used "Intermission Riff" which I fell in love with. The rest of the CD is a wonderful sonic trip through time and some of the tunes remind you of the stuff that Ricky Ricardo played on "I Love Lucy". My daughter calls it "Lucy Music"! Good stuff even if you are not a jazz fan.

An outstanding example of Stan's jazz influenced big band sound.

Mosaic should be commended for producing this landmark compilation of the complete early studio recorded output of this innovative, profoundly influential Giant in the history of jazz. This beautifully packaged set presents Kenton's entire Capitol output between the years 1943-47, with plenty of unreleased alternate versions and variations of many of Stan's classics of this period. The album presents a complete overview of the "Artistry in Rhythm" band and all of the great musicians who populated it during these important 5 years. The album clearly demonstrates how startlingly advanced Kenton's music was in comparison to everything else at the time. Stan's goal of presenting the music as a stimulating listening experience as opposed to merely background for dancing was achieved through the use of his provocative, dynamic arranging style, and the excitingly stellar musicianship of the players involved. This set is ESSENTIAL to the existing Kenton fan, and is the ultimate introduction to this exciting music for those not fully aware of the magnitude of Kenton's work. It is a numbered, limited edition set, highly recommended !

Mosaic should be commended for producing this landmark compilation of the complete early studio recorded output of this innovative, profoundly influential Giant in the history of jazz. This beautifully packaged set presents Kenton's entire Capitol output between the years 1943-47, with plenty of unreleased alternate versions and variations of many of Stan's classics of this period. The album presents a complete overview of the "Artistry in Rhythm" band and all of the great musicians who populated it during these important 5 years. The album clearly demonstrates how startlingly advanced Kenton's music was in comparison to everything else at the time. Stan's goal of presenting the music as a stimulating listening experience as opposed to merely background for dancing was achieved through the use of his provocative, dynamic arranging style, and the excitingly stellar musicianship of the players involved. This set is ESSENTIAL to the existing Kenton fan, and is the ultimate introduction to this exciting music for those not fully aware of the magnitude of Kenton's work. It is a numbered, limited edition set, highly reccomended !

Mosaic should be commended for producing this landmark compilation of the complete early studio recorded output of this innovative, profoundly influential Giant in the history of jazz. This beautifully packaged set presents Kenton's entire Capitol output between the years 1943-47, with plenty of unreleased alternate versions and variations of many of Stan's classics of this period. The album presents a complete overview of the "Artistry in Rhythm" band and all of the great musicians who populated it during these important 5 years. The album clearly demonstrates how startlingly advanced Kenton's music was in comparison to everything else at the time. Stan's goal of presenting the music as a stimulating listening experience as opposed to merely background for dancing was achieved through the use of his provocative, dynamic arranging style, and the excitingly stellar musicianship of the players involved. This set is ESSENTIAL to the existing Kenton fan, and is the ultimate introduction to this exciting music for those not fully aware of the magnitude of Kenton's work. It is a numbered, limited edition set, highly reccomended !

Mosaic should be commended for producing this landmark compilation of the complete early studio recorded output of this innovative, profoundly influential giant in the history of modern music. This beautifully packaged set presents Kenton's entire Capitol output between the years 1943-47, with plenty of unreleased alternate versions and variations of many of Stan's classics of this period. The album presents a complete overview of the "Artistry in Rhythm" band and all of the great musicians who populated it during these important 5 years. The album clearly demonstrates how startlingly advanced Kenton's music was in comparison to existing trends at the time. Stan's goal of presenting the music as a stimulating listening experience as opposed to merely a background for dancing was achieved through the use of his provocative, dynamic arranging style, and the excitingly stellar musicianship of the players involved. This set is ESSENTIAL to the existing Kenton fan, and is the ultimate introduction to this exciting music for those not fully aware of the magnitude of Kenton's work. It is a numbered, limited edition set, highly recommended !

Mosaic should be commended for producing this landmark compilation of the complete early studio recorded output of this innovative, profoundly influential Giant in the history of jazz. This beautifully packaged set presents Kenton's entire Capitol output between the years 1943-47, with plenty of unreleased alternate versions and variations of many of Stan's classics of this period. The album presents a complete overview of the "Artistry in Rhythm" band and all of the great musicians who populated it during these important 5 years. The album clearly demonstrates how startlingly advanced Kenton's music was in comparison to everything else at the time. Stan's goal of presenting the music as a stimulating listening experience as opposed to merely background for dancing was achieved through the use of his provocative, dynamic arranging style, and the excitingly stellar musicianship of the players involved. This set is ESSENTIAL to the existing Kenton fan, and is the ultimate introduction to this exciting music for those not fully aware of the magnitude of Kenton's work. It is a numbered, limited edition set, highly recommended !

Mosaic should be commended for producing this landmark compilation of the complete early studio recorded output of this innovative, profoundly influential Giant in the history of jazz. This beautifully packaged set presents Kenton's entire Capitol output between the years 1943-47, with plenty of unreleased alternate versions and variations of many of Stan's classics of this period. The album presents a complete overview of the "Artistry in Rhythm" band and all of the great musicians who populated it during these important 5 years. The album clearly demonstrates how startlingly advanced Kenton's music was in comparison to everything else at the time. Stan's goal of presenting the music as a stimulating listening experience as opposed to merely background for dancing was achieved through the use of his provocative, dynamic arranging style, and the excitingly stellar musicianship of the players involved. This set is ESSENTIAL to the existing Kenton fan, and is the ultimate introduction to this exciting music for those not fully aware of the magnitude of Kenton's work. It is a numbered, limited edition set, highly reccomended !

Mosaic should be commended for producing this landmark compilation of the complete early studio recorded output of this innovative, profoundly influential Giant in the history of jazz. This beautifully packaged set presents Kenton's entire Capitol output between the years 1943-47, with plenty of unreleased alternate versions and variations of many of Stan's classics of this period. The album presents a complete overview of the "Artistry in Rhythm" band and all of the great musicians who populated it during these important 5 years. The album clearly demonstrates how startlingly advanced Kenton's music was in comparison to everything else at the time. Stan's goal of presenting the music as a stimulating listening experience as opposed to merely background for dancing was achieved through the use of his provocative, dynamic arranging style, and the excitingly stellar musicianship of the players involved. This set is ESSENTIAL to the existing Kenton fan, and is the ultimate introduction to this exciting music for those not fully aware of the magnitude of Kenton's work. It is a numbered, limited edition set, highly reccomended !

Mosaic should be commended for producing this landmark compilation of the complete early studio recorded output of this innovative, profoundly influential giant in the history of modern music. This beautifully packaged set presents Kenton's entire Capitol output between the years 1943-47, with plenty of unreleased alternate versions and variations of many of Stan's classics of this period. The album presents a complete overview of the "Artistry in Rhythm" band and all of the great musicians who populated it during these important 5 years. The album clearly demonstrates how startlingly advanced Kenton's music was in comparison to existing trends at the time. Stan's goal of presenting the music as a stimulating listening experience as opposed to merely a background for dancing was achieved through the use of his provocative, dynamic arranging style, and the excitingly stellar musicianship of the players involved. This set is ESSENTIAL to the existing Kenton fan, and is the ultimate introduction to this exciting music for those not fully aware of the magnitude of Kenton's work. It is a numbered, limited edition set, highly recommended !

Not only do I own the vinyl to go along with the CD, but I was there for both concerts at Butler University. My family has always been big Kenton fans as well as The Four Freshmen fans. For my birthday, my father took me to see both concerts...they performed two nights in a row! Definitely a highlight I will never forget. You won't regret adding this one to your collection!

I have a large collection of the Four freshmen. This collection dates back to lp's.
This CD is the favorite of my entire collection.

The jokes and funtalk with this concert is somewhat dated. But the sound is great.
I heard these folks short after the concert in Holland. Numbers like -there never be another you- are fantastic. I still love the group after 50 years.

I still enjoy the Four Freshmen, and was inspired to buy some more of their music after meeting Ross Barbour at a Stan Kenton concert recently. I like the content of this CD, but as sometimes happens with live recordings,the narration is so soft the sound must be turned up high. Then the music can blow your head off if you aren't ready. Their sound is amazing, as always, and I'm happy that the tradition is being carried on by the newer Freshmen. They are great, too. I can't seem to get enough of that smooth sound.

Stan Kenton and Four Freshmen are among the best in music of their time.I am a big fan of both them, so very reluctantly I have to admit my disappointment. Unfortunately, this concert does not live-up to their reputation. A lot of talk, which may be entertainig in concert itself, but in CD, it is a great waste of time ! And in those few minutes of actual music - none of their great songs . A pity!
Personaly I think , it does not give you a good value for your money. Listen to the samples - you will get the idea.

Not only do I own the vinyl to go along with the CD, but I was there for both concerts at Butler University. My family has always been big Kenton fans as well as The Four Freshmen fans. For my birthday, my father took me to see both concerts...they performed two nights in a row! Definitely a highlight I will never forget. You won't regret adding this one to your collection!

I have a large collection of the Four freshmen. This collection dates back to lp's.
This CD is the favorite of my entire collection.

The jokes and funtalk with this concert is somewhat dated. But the sound is great.
I heard these folks short after the concert in Holland. Numbers like -there never be another you- are fantastic. I still love the group after 50 years.

I still enjoy the Four Freshmen, and was inspired to buy some more of their music after meeting Ross Barbour at a Stan Kenton concert recently. I like the content of this CD, but as sometimes happens with live recordings,the narration is so soft the sound must be turned up high. Then the music can blow your head off if you aren't ready. Their sound is amazing, as always, and I'm happy that the tradition is being carried on by the newer Freshmen. They are great, too. I can't seem to get enough of that smooth sound.

Stan Kenton and Four Freshmen are among the best in music of their time.I am a big fan of both them, so very reluctantly I have to admit my disappointment. Unfortunately, this concert does not live-up to their reputation. A lot of talk, which may be entertainig in concert itself, but in CD, it is a great waste of time ! And in those few minutes of actual music - none of their great songs . A pity!
Personaly I think , it does not give you a good value for your money. Listen to the samples - you will get the idea.

Not only do I own the vinyl to go along with the CD, but I was there for both concerts at Butler University. My family has always been big Kenton fans as well as The Four Freshmen fans. For my birthday, my father took me to see both concerts...they performed two nights in a row! Definitely a highlight I will never forget. You won't regret adding this one to your collection!

I have a large collection of the Four freshmen. This collection dates back to lp's.
This CD is the favorite of my entire collection.

The jokes and funtalk with this concert is somewhat dated. But the sound is great.
I heard these folks short after the concert in Holland. Numbers like -there never be another you- are fantastic. I still love the group after 50 years.

I still enjoy the Four Freshmen, and was inspired to buy some more of their music after meeting Ross Barbour at a Stan Kenton concert recently. I like the content of this CD, but as sometimes happens with live recordings,the narration is so soft the sound must be turned up high. Then the music can blow your head off if you aren't ready. Their sound is amazing, as always, and I'm happy that the tradition is being carried on by the newer Freshmen. They are great, too. I can't seem to get enough of that smooth sound.

Stan Kenton and Four Freshmen are among the best in music of their time.I am a big fan of both them, so very reluctantly I have to admit my disappointment. Unfortunately, this concert does not live-up to their reputation. A lot of talk, which may be entertainig in concert itself, but in CD, it is a great waste of time ! And in those few minutes of actual music - none of their great songs . A pity!
Personaly I think , it does not give you a good value for your money. Listen to the samples - you will get the idea.

There is no bass to boost, and the treble indicates why, according to the amusing notes, the string players were called "the mice" (a likely allusion to Disney's "Cinderella.") Please start your Kenton collection anywhere but here.

This collection of recordings from 1950-51 chronicles what was arguably Kenton's best band and his most creative period. This two-disc set has 30 tracks that showcase not only superb big band arrangements, but also brass ensemble, string ensemble, and 40-piece jazz orchestra. This unique work retains its innovative character even though more than half a century has elapsed since its recording.
Your own tastes will determine how much of this set you will savor over and over again, and how much you will listen to once and say, "Okay, that was interesting..." For me, it was about half and half. Personally, I don't care much for the June Christy vocals or the strings-only pieces. But the 14 tracks from this set that now populate my iPod are absolutely brilliant. The composer/arrangers include Pete Rugolo, Bill Russo, Neal Hefti, Johnny Richards, Manny Albam, and others, but my favorite of the lot is Shorty Rogers. Not to be missed are Shorty's arrangements "Maynard Ferguson," "Art Pepper," "Coop's Solo" (featuring tenor man Bob Cooper), "Sambo" (a combination samba and mambo), and two screaming ensemble charts with catchy riffs and great solos, "Jolly Rogers" and "Round Robin." Another highlight for me is Russo's "Halls of Brass," which is not jazz but rather a very challenging piece of art music for brass ensemble.
Tracks that were formerly available only by acquiring multiple albums are conveniently collected here. To capture the best of this era of the Kenton band, pick up this set and "New Concepts of Artistry in Rhythm."

These are the original recordings of the Kenton Innovations Orchestra of 1951-51, beautifully presented on CD. A classic in its time, the double album still thrills. Arrangements are by Pete Rugolo, Shorty Rogers, Laurendo Almedia, and others. The band includes Maynard Ferguson, Bud Shank, Art Pepper, Shelly Manne, and Bob Cooper. Vocals are by June Christy, in her prime.

No jazz library is complete without this. Kenton fans: Buy it before it's gone.