Stan KENTON & His Orchestra " Southern Scandal " !!!

RARE OLDIES SOUNDIES WITH MR STAN KENTON & HIS ORCHESTRA ! Stanley Newcomb Kenton (December 15, 1911 August 25, 1979) was a pianist who led a highly innovative, influential, and often controversial American jazz orchestra. In later years he was widely active as an educator. Stan Kenton was born in Wichita, Kansas, and raised first in Colorado and then in California. He learned piano as a child, and while still a teenager toured with various bands. He attended Bell High School, in Bell, California, where he graduated in 1930. In June 1941 he formed his own band, which developed into one of the best-known West Coast ensembles of the Forties. In the Mid 40's Kenton's Band and style became known as "The Wall of Sound", a tag later used by Phil Spector. Kenton played in the 1930s in the dance bands of Vido Musso and Gus Arnheim, but his natural inclination was as a band leader. In 1941 he formed his first orchestra, which later was named after his theme song "Artistry in Rhythm". As a competent pianist, influenced by Earl Hines, Kenton was much more important in the early days as an arranger and inspiration for his loyal sidemen. Although there were no major names in his first band (bassist Howard Rumsey and trumpeter Chico Alvarez come the closest), Kenton spent the summer of 1941 playing regularly before a very appreciative audience at the Rendezvous Ballroom in Balboa Beach, CA. Influenced by Jimmie Lunceford (who, like Kenton, enjoyed high-note trumpeters and thick-toned tenors), the Stan Kenton Orchestra struggled a bit after its initial success. Its Decca recordings were not big sellers and a stint as Bob Hope's backup radio band was an unhappy experience; Les Brown permanently took Kenton's place. By late 1943 with a Capitol Records contract, a popular record in "Eager Beaver", and growing recognition, the Stan Kenton Orchestra was gradually catching on. Its soloists during the war years included Art Pepper, briefly Stan Getz, altoist Boots Mussulli, and singer Anita O'Day. By 1945 the band had evolved quite a bit. Pete Rugolo became the chief arranger (extending Kenton's ideas), Bob Cooper and Vido Musso offered very different tenor styles, and June Christy was Kenton's new singer; her hits (including "Tampico" and "Across the Alley From the Alamo") made it possible for Kenton to finance his more ambitious projects. A popular recording of "Laura" was made, the theme song from the film Laura (starring actress Gene Tierney), and featured the voices of the band.
You can watch all my rare oldies soundies on : http://www.msplinks.com/MDFodHRwOi8vbG5rLm1zLzA3d2hI or http://www.myspace.com/swingcocktail ! Many thanks , NICKY .

Category:

Music

Tags:

• STAN
• KENTON
• OLDIES
• SOUNDIES
• SWING
• FORTIES

[BirdLives1]

Happy 100th, Stanley!

[NanBayKid1]

I agree with gasiraz. I like the older KENTON bands and they dressed like PROFESSIONALS. I am so glad these are the bands I saw and enjoyed so much. I like ALL KENTON, but, I like these bands best.

[charliebear692]

It was a fantastic driving sound. One that made my mother yell time and again..TURN THAT DOWN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[gasiraz]

Kenton produced so much good music during many years. I specially enjoyed the 1950-54 band. He had arrangers like Bill Russo and Bill Holman and players like Frank Rosolino, Buddy Childers, Stan Levy, George Roberts, Bob Burgess, Lee Konitz, Conte Candoli, It was a wonderful jazz band the best I've ever heard. I still have and listen almost everything he recorded.. Very outstanding musician!!!

[squeaty]

Thank you so much for having so many videos of my Great-Uncle Stan! Our family is very grateful! :)

[pindaric]

A lot of fans don't know that this is really the theme from "Gone with the Wind." That's why the title is "Southern Scandal"

[1234517221]

Remarkable.... simply remarkable. It has been years since a single tune has kept me awake at night, as this one has... thinking of a heavenly concert with this master and Woody Herman..... thanks so much for the posting.

[callmeBe]

Great arrangement, stinging interpretation, this is great big band music!!!!!!! Thanks for the posting. (Also, I've never heard this tune before, so this was especially nice). Thanks!!!