One of the greatest of Kenton's albums. I first heard the band when Kenton was using "Maria" as the ballad set-opener. The Mellophonium band was one of the best ensembles he ever had.
This is my only full Stan Kenton album....I love it not only because it is so well played...the in the mix is the ...."Jack Spurlock's Strident Trombone..." my Uncle....
I have always loved Jazz and Big Band as a result of this recording...Thanks for posting!
I bought the West Side Story LP when it first came out and still have it with my 30 or so Kenton LPs and now I'm collecting CDs whenever I see them. Fantastic!
This was my first Kenton Orchestra recording. He clearly loved Bernstein's score. It was the most innovative interpretation I had ever heard and started my collection of the work of these fine musicians.
Actually, I believe Bernstein publically praised Kenton's West Side Story charts and said something to the effect of wishing he could have used them for the actual show.
One of my favorite Kenton Albums. From the liner notes: when the Mirisch Company Producers (of the film West Side Story) got wind of the Kenton/Richards interpretation, they stopped by Capitol Tower for a listen. "Registering expressions that seemed to vacillate betwseen shock and awe, gratification and frustration, they commented astonishinggly, "We had no idea!" "If we had only known."
One of the greatest of Kenton's albums. I first heard the band when Kenton was using "Maria" as the ballad set-opener. The Mellophonium band was one of the best ensembles he ever had.
pindaric 10 months ago
This is my only full Stan Kenton album....I love it not only because it is so well played...the in the mix is the ...."Jack Spurlock's Strident Trombone..." my Uncle....
I have always loved Jazz and Big Band as a result of this recording...Thanks for posting!
nascargas 1 year ago
I bought the West Side Story LP when it first came out and still have it with my 30 or so Kenton LPs and now I'm collecting CDs whenever I see them. Fantastic!
KeithWilson1941 1 year ago
This was my first Kenton Orchestra recording. He clearly loved Bernstein's score. It was the most innovative interpretation I had ever heard and started my collection of the work of these fine musicians.
Rareprogeny 1 year ago
Holy crap, this is hot... damn!! I have always loved this tune and played by these guys, SMOKE.
LLJtbone 1 year ago
I'm sure Leonard Bernstein would have had no complaints with regard to this wonderful interpretation.
onejagjeff 3 years ago
Actually, I believe Bernstein publically praised Kenton's West Side Story charts and said something to the effect of wishing he could have used them for the actual show.
nokesmb7 1 year ago
It's a good big band sound, but I think they deviated too much from the composer's score.
anonysquirrel 3 years ago
One of my favorite Kenton Albums. From the liner notes: when the Mirisch Company Producers (of the film West Side Story) got wind of the Kenton/Richards interpretation, they stopped by Capitol Tower for a listen. "Registering expressions that seemed to vacillate betwseen shock and awe, gratification and frustration, they commented astonishinggly, "We had no idea!" "If we had only known."
Thanks for posting
satinwood5464 3 years ago 2
No problem, the world needs to hear more of Stan Kenton's music.
malawolf85 3 years ago 3
amen to that
balaliss 2 years ago
ha!
maidenjuice 2 years ago