Kenton, Stan
One of the most prominent and prolific bandleaders in jazz history, Stan Kenton has left behind an extensive legacy of musical excellence. Born in Kansas in 1911, Kenton began studying piano as a youth, but did not develop any particular affinity for the instrument until being exposed to jazz as a teenager. Kenton formed his first orchestra in 1941 after having toured with several California-based bands during his late teens. Success eluded the band for its first couple years until a contract with Capitol Records and a hit record in Eager Beaver put Kenton and his charges on the map in 1943. Never satisfied with the idea of being just another dance band, Kenton hired several young arrangers starting in the mid-1940s to craft a new sound that he would dub progressive jazz. These arrangers, most notably Pete Rugolo, Bill Russo and Bob Graettinger, would be responsible for crafting the now-iconic Kenton sound: bombastic, dissonant, and aggressive, with screaming brass sections and heavy rhythmic concepts that some critics viewed as non-swinging. Kenton's never-ending searches for new sounds led him to experiment with the size and scope of his organizations. His Innovations in Modern Music orchestra featured a 16 piece string section, while his 1960s groups often featured the mellophonium, a sort of hybrid trumpet and French horn that Kenton himself had been involved in developing. Nevertheless, the definitive traits of the Kenton sound remained all the way up until his passing in 1979. In addition to his lengthy resume as a bandleader, Kenton was one of the first major figures in the world of jazz education. Beginning in 1959, his Stan Kenton Band Clinics played a major role in the development and education of several notable young jazz musicians. Even more notably, Kenton would eventually donate his entire music library to the University of North Texas, whose jazz recital hall is named for and dedicated to him. In addition, several Kenton alumni continue to tour and perform with the Stan Kenton Legacy Orchestra under the leadership of trumpeter Mike Vax.
STAN KENTON A MERRY CHRISTMAS COMPLETE ELEVEN ARRANGEMENT SET
As Recorded by Stan Kenton
Eleven Jazz Big Band Arrangements
Sierra Music
SK-1000
$540.00
STAN KENTON TEN ARRANGEMENT SET
As Performed by Stan Kenton
Ten Jazz Big Band Arrangements
Sierra Music
SK-1001
$500.00
23 DEGREES NORTH 82 DEGREES WEST
Recorded by Stan Kenton
Jazz Big Band Arrangement
Sierra Music
SMP-530
$60.00
Recorded by Chris Conner with Stan Kenton
Jazz Big Band Arrangement with Vocal
Sierra Music
SMP-1032
$50.00
AND HER TEARS FLOWED LIKE WINE
As Recorded by Stan Kenton and Anita O'Day
Jazz Big Band Arrangement with Vocal
Lush Life Music
LL-2254
$65.00
Our Price: $61.75
ARTISTRY IN RHYTHM (SHORT VERSION)
Recorded by Stan Kenton; Updated 2019 Edition
Jazz Big Band Arrangement
Sierra Music
SMP-552
$40.00
BETWEEN THE DEVIL AND THE DEEP BLUE SEA
Recorded by Stan Kenton
Jazz Big Band Arrangement
Sierra Music
SMP-567
$55.00