The Artistry of Stan Kenton Pt. 2

by | May 16, 2025 | Big Band

Stan Kenton’s music has been described as “combining formal education with big-band jazz.” Blending jazz with other musical genres, he created what became the popular stage (or concert) band movement of the 1960s and ’70s … and each of these tunes is a prime example.

(Above) is Malagueña … an old Spanish folk song with flamenco stylings,dating back to the 1800s, by Cuban composer Ernesto Lecuona. It’s the story of a man telling a woman––from Málaga, Spain––how beautiful she is, and how he would love to be her man, but that he understands her rejecting him for being too poor. (Below) the Kenton Orchestra’s rendition of George Gershwin’s iconic Rhapsody in Blue. The Rhapsody is one of Gershwin’s most recognizable creations, and a key composition that defined the Jazz Age. The video was shot with a personal camcorder during a 1972 Copenhagen concert, but was never produced commercially. Chuck Carter is out front with a memorable solo on baritone sax.

The Artistry of Stan Kenton Pt. 1

by | May 10, 2025 | Big Band, Vocal

Several years ago, it became necessary for me to lay over in Chicago. I was traveling with a fellow who liked folk and country music, and even took his banjo on the road with him for entertainment during sometimes lonely nights in a strange town. Reggie had not ever really listened to jazz. To my profound delight, I discovered that Stan Kenton was playing at a supper club called Mr. Kelly’s … and I conned him into going. Kenton was his usual brand of spectacular. During the first show, all my friend could say was “Outrageous! Outrageous!!” Reg was hooked, and it took absolutely no arm twisting to get him to stay for the second show, which elicited equally enthusiastic responses from the newly christened jazz buff! Such was the magnetism of Stan Kenton and his orchestra. For anyone else who is somehow not familiar with the excellence of Stan Kenton––bandleader, pianist, and composer––you’re in for a treat.

(Above) The riveting Kenton rendition of Jimmy Webb’s Grammy Award winning song, MacArthur Park … recorded during the band’s 1972 European tour. (Top left) is There Will Never Be Another You, a 1976 throwback to the vintage Kenton sound, with Anita O’Day and The Four Freshmen. Finally, (Bottom left) is Intermission Riff, the Stan Kenton standard that was the tune that hooked me on his full, rich style and exceptionally creative arrangements.

Stan Kenton’s West Side Story

by | Mar 17, 2021 | Big Band, Soundtrack

In 1961 The Stan Kenton Orchestra recorded a spectacular jazz album of music from West Side Story that rivaled even the soundtrack of the movie and the Broadway play.  Kenton West Side Story was one of the first ‘mellophonium‘ albums, featuring the newly-developed trumpet/French horn hybrid instrument and won Stan his first Grammy Award in 1962 for Best sound track LP and Best large ensemble jazz LP. Here are three songs from that album:

Kenton’s beautifully mellow rendition of Maria is music from the album itself.  Prologue [on the left] and Cool [on the right] are videos recorded during a live 1961 performance of the album material.

Maria

by Stan Kenton | Kenton's West Side Story

Cool Water – Stan Kenton & Tex Ritter

by | Sep 1, 2019 | Audio, Big Band, Vocal

Cool Water is a supplement to this week’s initial Stan Kenton post.  It is from the album Ritter made with Kenton’s Orchestra that convinced him it was time to move from Hollywood to Nashville. At the conclusion of the recording session, however, Tex received a standing ovation from the entire orchestra..  Overall this wasn’t the world’s worst idea but the public never bought it, and the album was removed from print.  As a result, today it is a rarity.

Cool Water

by Stan Kenton & Tex Ritter | Stan Kenton! Tex Ritter!

Artistry In Rhythm / Tiare – Stan Kenton

by | Aug 31, 2019 | Big Band

Stan Kenton’s Artistry In Rhythm was first recorded and released in 1944. It is one of several songs closely associated with this prolific composer, arranger, bandleader and very underrated pianist.

Like Artistry, Tiare features the high powered Kenton Orchestra and is part of a 1972 London concert. Kenton preferred his bands to not swing, instead employing elements of the popular ballroom and classical concert hall.

WNEW Radio – A New York Institution

by | Jul 5, 2019 | Lighter Side, Stuff

Once upon a time there was a Pop-Jazz radio station in New York City.  It was the station that invented the music and news format as well as the very concept of “DJ” personalities.  This iconic station was called WNEW-AM.  During its 58 year history it developed a nearly cult-like following, becoming the radio home for millions of listeners, entertaining them with air talent that were the very essence of class and decorum … personalities who redefined the image of what a Disc Jockey was supposed to be.

I wish I could say that legacy WNEW went on to live happily ever after, but in 1992 the music died.  The station jingles below were only some that were used on a regular basis between 1958 and 1966 to reinforce the station sound.

Metropolitan Radio Jingle

In the style of Count Basie

In the style of Dave Brubeck

In the style of Charlie Barnet

In the style of Erroll Garner

In the style of Stan Kenton

Intermission Riff – Stan Kenton Orchestra

by | Mar 9, 2017 | Big Band, Video

In music, a riff is an ostinato … a chord progression, pattern or melody that is repeated over and over again.  When pianist, composer Stan Kenton stands in front of his orchestra, a riff is a wall of creative sound that stirs your musical soul from your head right down to your tappin’ toes!