Stan Kenton Music

Excellent for those who enjoy the music of Stan Kenton. This collection clearly illustrates that 'the Kenton Sound' evolved over the years, with the help of a fantastic group of musicians!
I remember talking with Stan Kenton at a college concert in the '50s. He said that he played 'music for the people', and he also enjoyed talking about his music as well. A unique and talented gentleman!!
Thanks to this collection, the mellow sounds of Kenton will remain alive in my memory.

Stan Kenton & June Christy bring back the great memories of the 50"s and the Crystal Ballroom concerts
wow

These Proper box sets are a bargain--competently and intelligently produced. "The Stan Kenton Story" represents Kenton's band from 1942-1952, the period during which he established a distinctive sound, then found his visionary energies leading him to the experiments of the 44-piece Innovations Orchestra and the polytonal arrangements of Bob Graetinger.

Additionally, Kenton fans undoubtedly will wish to acquire music representing the other two chapters in Stan's career--first, the all-star, swinging, neo-bop ensemble that Kenton formed in 1952, culminating in his "Mellophonium Orchestra" and the end of his association with Capitol records; second, the traveling orchestras that he recorded on his own label, Creative World, between 1964 and 1979. If you're limiting your purchases, try "The Best of Stan Kenton" on Capitol and "Live at Redlands University" on Creative World.

Proper records has done everything right here. The CDs are full, no 9-10 tracks per CD, but 18-20+. Better yet, the selection is excellent, and from a hard-to-get era -- 1941-1947. I find myself listening to this early Kenton more than his later recordings, and enjoying it more.
I found the accompanying booklet quite informative, in spite of being a Kenton fan since the 1950's. Another thing -- the notes give date of recording, and personnel. So many liner notes omit these, to my irritation.

This is a 4 Cd box set with a fantastic booklet included, carefully researched by Stan Kenton expert - Joop Visser, with some really great b/w vintage photos that i have never seen before, and i have been an avid fan of the Kenton Sound for 45 years now.

This is a classy product, well presented in a strong carboard surround box and contains some of the "great" original Capitol records recordings from the mid 40's.

All the great Kenton sidemen are here in this collection, Buddy Childers, Shelley Manne,Kai Winding, Edie Safranski and many, many more from that great era.

If you are a Kenton Freak, dont miss this box set because its wonderful stuff!

Absolutely thrilling, breathtaking performance. One of the most exhilarating records I've ever heard in my whole life, at last reissued on CD. A classic and one ultimately recommended.

Gary Husband - Musician, London.

I prefer live recordings for jazz artists, and this release highlights a more modern and youthful touring edition of the Stan Kenton Orchestra, circa early 70's. Like many reviewers, I frequently listened to this recording, originally issued as a London LP, since its sonic qualities were very good. I also had a copy of Kenton At The Tropicana to compare it with, and it's a favorable comparison. This band (orchestra, really) was comprised of young unknowns who clearly enjoyed being with and playing with Stan. A few years after this recording, I saw a later edition of the touring Stan Kenton Orchestra at the Central City Opera House, and can say that the enthusiasm of the musicians that's so in evidence on this recording was also evident in person. While not absolutely essential to any Stan Kenton collection, it is nonetheless a book end in an amazing career. I rate this 3+ stars based on the overall quality of the release, with bonus points for its being a live recording, hence my 4 star overall rating.

My freshman year, college roomate was a big Stan Kenton fan. He had this album. This and his album of Stan K's take on Wagner's "Tristan und Isolde" got me hooked on Stan's arrangement style. The energy and diversity of familiar pieces rearranged by Mr. Kenton caused me to look beyond my musical listening comfort zone. My tastes have since broadened to include styles of music I would not have considered had it not been for Stan and his work. I am thrilled that I can finally have my own copy of this fun album on CD! Thankfully, I can't wear out this CD like I did my roomates' vinyl album.

This 1972 double album, recorded live in London in front of an enthusiastic audience, launched a resurgence in the Kenton band's popularity that lasted until Stan's death in 1979. Having produced nothing noteworthy since the mid-1960s, the band roared back into the jazz spotlight on this concert tour with a mix of old standards from Stan's book (such as Opus in Pastels, Peanut Vendor, and of course Artistry in Rhythm) and new material (Chiapas, What Are You Doing the Rest of Your Life, and others).
This album came out at the time I was finishing high school, and it grabbed me and a whole new generation of fans. College and high school jazz ensembles all over the country wanted to get their hands on these charts, and music students wanted to buy Stan's records, go to his concerts, and attend his week-long summer jazz workshops at universities around the country. (I attended two of these myself.)
The 17 tracks in this set include high-energy crowd pleasers (Malagueña, Malaga, Intermission Riff), nice ballads (Yesterdays, Interlude, Walk Softly), and decent solos. The only tracks that didn't make it onto my iPod are Artistry in Percussion (featuring drummer John von Ohlen), Bogota (featuring conga man Ramon Lopez), and the brief rendition of God Save the Queen, played as a tribute to the British audience. Percussion lovers may enjoy the two drum features more than I did.
A couple of minor flaws: The balance could have been better, but that's often the case with live recordings, especially with a band this large. Also, I was surprised that the CD did not include a complete list of the sidemen or identify the soloists. Kenton fans consider it important to follow the names of those who have been privileged to play in this legendary organization over the years. (Personnel information is partially covered in Ken Hanna's original liner notes.) Nonetheless, this collection will be enjoyable for aficionados of contemporary big band music, and will bring back fond memories for many. If you never made it to a Kenton concert, here's your chance.

AS someone who was privileged to have been at the original concert at the royal festival hall,this brought back not only wonderful memories but also all one associated with the music of stan kenton.This time touring with young talented musicians recruited from colleges and universities throughout the U.S.A.who continued to play in the tight precision one came to expect from their leader but with youthful exuberance.The finale of The National Anthem should have adopted and played throughout the country to show how it should be played!
A true Stan the Man interpretation