Artistry in Kenton, Vol. 1-3: 1937-1946

• Artist: Stan Kenton
• Rating:
• Release Date: October 02, 2001
• Type: Compilation (best of)
• Genre: Jazz

Review

This intriguing three-CD set is a must for Stan Kenton collectors. It expertly traces the development of the bandleader/pianist/arranger's career during 1937-46. First there is Kenton's first recorded piano solo ("High, Wide and Handsome" with Gus Arnheim's Orchestra in 1937) and five titles with a pickup group from 1938 that was issued under tenor saxophonist Vido Musso's name. Otherwise the Kenton Orchestra is heard in 1941 and during 1943-46, mostly from radio transcriptions, plus some live concerts and a few appearances on the radio. Among the stars are tenor saxophonist/singer Red Dorris, trumpeter Chico Alvarez, Anita O'Day, altoist Boots Mussulli, June Christy, Vido Musso, and trombonist Kai Winding. A young Stan Getz pops up on one song, there are a brief talks between songs that discuss the Kenton evolution, and the radio appearances include a humorous "vocal" by actor Gary Cooper, plus Kenton guesting with the Vaughan Monroe Orchestra. Some of these performances were out previously on LP, but few had appeared on CD. This is a large chunk of early Stan Kenton that does not duplicate his early studio recordings. ~ Scott Yanow, Rovi

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