Artistry in Jazz: From the Creative World of Stan Kenton

AMG Review of Artistry in Jazz: From the Creative World of Stan Kenton

Shawn M. Haney
All Music Guide

With the dazzling sound of percussive timbres and scintillating lead trumpets backed by a sweeping orchestra, here is a record made for adventure. For occasions either on the high seas or in the comfort of one's own home, Stan Kenton's creativity is afloat in rare form with the display of these beautiful arrangements played by a superbly talented orchestra group. The saxophones ring in true melodic form, while the trombone and bass trombone section enacts its deep resonance. Led by Dalton Smith, the trumpet section is full of life, vital to the whole atmosphere encompassing this recording. The mellophonium -- an enchanting instrument given an intriguing name -- is played in rivaling delight, eager to engage in the hurricane of upbeat jazz music Kenton wishes to create. Nothing rivals the enthusiasm and spontaneity of Pat Senatore on walking bass and Jerry McKenzie on percussion and drums. This classic record is a heartwarming and uplifting listening experience, a great reward to those who own this piece of jazz history. With every play of the needle, every spin of this black circle, one can feel an entire spectrum of jazz color, from fall to spring and back to fall again. "Turtle Talk" is written and composed by trombonist Dee Barton, and brought to the record here with flair and swing, at times hinting at the meaning of dissonance within its breath, only to relax into an exciting trombone passage by the writer. The romantic allad "Stairway to the Stars" begins in mellow fashion, only to surface into a crashing finish, leading into the swinging, dashing "Limehouse Blues." This third track is lightning quick, with its undeniable percussion and rapid bass walking. Sam Donahue delivers a swirling, blitzing tenor sax solo in the end. The beautiful sound of the mellophonium, an instrument Kenton worked so hard to develop in the genre of jazz, is played on the second side in a wonderful cover of "Misty." Also featured in "Misty" is a heralded improv done by lead trumpeter Smith. With "Body and Soul" and a compelling, exotic rendition of "Waltz of the Prophets," written and arranged by Barton, this record ends in compelling fashion, only to entice the listener to eagerly play it again. A keeper to include in the collections of all avid jazz fans.