Stan Kenton Music

Though this CD is listed under Stan Kenton's name, this band was actually organized and led by ex-Kenton lead trumpeter Mike Vax. The full title is "LIVE...On the Road - The Mike Vax Big Band featuring Alumni of the Stan Kenton Orchestra."

Kenton did not want a ghost band to carry on his legacy after his death, and took legal steps to prevent that from happening. Yet I believe Kenton would have greatly approved of this orchestra. Half of the chart come from Kenton's book and 2/3rd's of the musicians played with Kenton, but this is a progressive, forward-looking jazz orchestra in the best Kenton tradition. There are no ghosts here!

The 14 tracks on this 70 minute CD were recorded before appreciative audiences during the band's spring 2001 tour, and everything here from the ensemble work, to the soloists, to the recorded sound, is first rate. (The recorded sound, though very clear, is a bit distant, so you have to turn up the volume for the band's power to really come through). But from the moment you hear the opening track, the classic Johnny's Richards chart on Speak Low with a warm trombone solo by Curtis Fox, you know you are in for a real treat. Naturally, the band evokes the Kenton sound, but once again, this is no ghost band, and even plays the Kenton charts in its own way. Bill Holman's great chart on Stompin' at the Savoy, for example, swings differently than Kenton's versions, and sounds the way Woody Herman might have played it.

The real star of this CD is the lead altoist Kim Richmond, who contributes both an outstanding chart and outstanding solo on
"Everything Happens to Me", plus two challenging original charts - the powerful "Big Sur" and the especially intriguing "Fall Ascending", which requires several listenings to fully absorb. Joel Kaye contributes his orginal "Circe" with outstanding trombone section work and another great Richmond solo. Bruce Johnstone brings his original "Sunrise Lady" (from the Herman book) and scores with his baritone solos. Gary Hobbs is revealed as one of the great big band drummers of our time, setting up each chart perfectly with a great combination of powerful swing, sensitivity, and driving fills. Percussionist John Akal adds a great deal to the rhythmic strength and power of this band. Steve Huffsteter contibutes excellent trumpet solos plus an advanced Spanish-tinged chart in Espania. Tenor saxophonist Pete Gallio is a new name to me, but plays several monster solos.

By any standard, this is a great big band album. The musicians on the band sound really together and were clearly having a great time. Turn up the volume and you will be swept into big band bliss. The producers have strongly hinted that if sales of this CD are adequate, a second CD from the tour will be forthcoming. Therefore, if you're a big band fan, please hit the buy it now button. I want to hear more of this great band, and you will, too. Highly recommended.

This is the same band playing the same charts as on the "Birthday In Britain" album. The best thing about it is we get to hear John Park do another version of his great solo work on "Street Of Dreams." That alone is worth the price. John was perhaps the most inovative alto man ever to play with Kenton.

Very disappointed in this album. I bought both this disc and the original Stan Kenton Christmas album "A Merry Christmas" at the same time. Kenton's release stands head and shoulders above this pale imitation. Not recommended.

Bought this CD and saw a performance live in December. It's really great.
I've heard Boston Brass live four times times, doing various tunes, and they've been terrific each time. For this CD, the group brought in some of the best brass players (including former members of Empire Brass and Canadian Brass among others) in the world to create a Stan Kenton-esque band.
JD Shaw's horn playing blows me away, and I love the sound of Andrew Hitz on tuba.
If you're a brass player (and even if you're not), you should buy this CD.

This is an amazing CD - full Orchestral Brass Section with Rhythmn Section playing with some seriously original and high class arrangements. Anyone who wants a Christmas CD with attitude - this is the one !! Highly recommended.

Wow! What a surprise. Any Kenton entheusiast would recognize the beauty of this. Personally, after hearing some of the more recent Christmas CDs on the radio, regardless of genre, this, I think, should be named Christmas Music CD of the Year.

Aside from "Big Bad Drummin' Dude," the average listener would not be able to tell this is a jazz album. It's got some thick jazz chords, and it has saxes, trombones, and screaming trumpets, but there is no swing and no improv. The album mostly consists of slow, straight-laced hymn-style arrangements of Christmas carols that could be performed by any type of ensemble-- this ensemble just happens to be a jazz band. It's well-performed, just not "jazzy."

This is a phenominal recording of Kenton's christmas charts, and they are finally performed as they should've been! The Capitol Bones Big Band is tremendous. Note after note, each arrangement is flawless. Again, it's great to hear these Kenton Christmas charts recorded with concern for intonation, contrast, and outstanding musicality. Once you've listened to The Capitol Bones blowing down these charts, you'll never listen to Kenton's "Merry Christmas" the same way. Buy it!

I am a big fan of big bands and trombone ensembles. This CD is a spectacular recreation of Kentons wonderfull music.
It's so nice to hear it without the pop and hiss.
If you liked the original you'll like this. If you never heard the original, you can rest assured you're hearing what Kenton intended and hopefully you'll check ot more Kenton.
Definatly worth the money.

My father literally introduced me to Stan Kenton and his music before I was a teenager, and I have been a fan ever since. This Christmas, I had the distinct pleasure of attending a Capitol Bones performance of "A Stan Kenton Christmas" and thought I had reverted to the days of my youth when I attended every Stan Kenton concert that came within driving distance. Whether you are a "bone" aficionado or just a fan of the Stan Kenton style of jazz, you must treat yourself to this excellent collection of music recorded in state-of-the-art HDCD. It will put your sound system and foot tapping to the test.

I'm been a Kenton fan for a half century, so when I say that this is a magnificent album, don't think I'm knocking Stan. The Bones album has added six pieces to the 1961 album (now re-released with a junky monologue and Maynard screaching carols), and the musicianship is higher. Check out that lead trumpet! And the trombone solos are magnificent. This is jazz; Stan's recording is mostly Ralph Carmichael. Get it!