Search - Stan Kenton :: Kenton Portraits

A Loving Salute - An Inspired Idea Beautifully Fulfilled

John Tapscott | Canada | 07/28/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"On a Stan Kenton internet discussion group, Tantara producer Bill Lichtenauer reported waking up in the middle of the night with a flash of inspiration for his next Kenton-related CD. The idea as it unfolded was not to produce another CD of unissued Kenton material, but to assemble in one package some of the very best pieces written and played in tribute to Stan Kenton from the past twenty years. Not only was the idea inspired, but the execution as heard on this beautiful 120 minute 2-CD set is superb. Ten jazz orchestras inspired by the Kenton sound and vision play 14 selections ranging in length from 3 minutes to 18 minutes.



Much of the music has been available on small or obscure labels, but only the most dedicated Kenton collector could possibly have most of it. In fact, two charts make their debut on this set. Both were recorded by Dallas' Original Jazz Orchestra in April of 2006. "My Foolish Heart" (arranged by Dave Bowman) is pure Kentonia and perfectly captures the distinctive Kenton ballad style. Lennie Niehaus' "Tribute to Kenton" swings hard and reminds us of an aspect of the Kenton sound which was often overlooked by the critics.



Niehaus is also represented by his chart "I Remember Stan" played by the Chicago Metropolitan Jazz Orchestra which kicks off CD 1. And while "I Remember Stan" may be the overall theme of the CD, this is no mere trip down memory lane. It never is, when advanced and adventurous arrangers such as Bob Florence ("Appearing in Cleveland" played by the Mike Vax Big Band), and Bill Holman ("The Tall Guy" played by the Stan Kenton Alumni Band) are involved.



Francois Glorieux is a major European musician and pianist who loves the Kenton sound and his three charts (played by his Belgian Orchestra) are excellent and often moving takes on the Kenton sound and style. (Especially deep is his "In Memoriam to Stan Kenton" written immediately after he learned of Kenton's death in 1979.) "Bus to Nowhere" is a powerful chart by Herb Harrison played by Vaughn Weister's Famous Jazz Orchestra. Excellent performances are turned in by the U.S. Army Jazz Ambassadors on Hank's Levy's bright "With the Old Man in Mind" and the strong "Stan Kenton Medley" by Kenny McCoy. "Stone Canyon" is a roaring and stomping chart by Bobby Lamb played by London's excellent Trinity College big band, and featuring three top British jazz soloists.



Perhaps the chart which will evoke the most emotion among Kenton fans is the lengthy "Kenton in Portrait" by Paul Cacia's Orchestra based largely on Pete Rugolo's album "Plays Stan Kenton". This chart not only features many Kenton alumni among the personnel and soloists but also many spoken tributes to Kenton by prominent Kenton alumni (Bob Gioga, Lee Konitz, Carl Fontana, Laurindo Almeida, Bob Cooper, Jack Sheldon, Shorty Rogers, June Christy, Pete Rugolo, Milt Bernhart, Buddy Childers, Dick Shearer, Paul Cacia) The Kenton fan will both smile and shed a tear as he or she listens to this 14 minute track. CD 2 ends with Don Sebesky's extremely creative remaking of "Artistry in Rhythm" (incorporating other familiar Kenton themes, as do many of the charts here), played by the Canadian Brass Jazz All-Stars and ending on a high note (literally) with all four trumpet players reaching to the stars and holding a super high G.



There is not only much love in the concept and the production (including the sound quality, liner notes and graphics) of "Kenton Portraits", but also in the writing, the ensemble playing, and the solos, all of which are at the highest level. Everyone involved in this project really stretched themselves, as a sign of the honored place Kenton held in the jazz community, both among musicians and legions of fans over four decades. Kenton fans will feel immensely proud and deeply satisfied as they listen to this music. And those new to the Kenton sound will grasp something of the majesty and the swing and the strong emotional power of the Kenton musical concept.



Congratulations to Bill Lichtenauer of Tantara and to everyone involved in this highly recommended project. One cannot imagine a finer and more suitable tribute to the memory of Stan Kenton. "Kenton Portraits" must be strongly considered for the honor of the best big band album of 2006.

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