Stan Kenton & His Innovations Orchestra

AMG Review of Stan Kenton & His Innovations Orchestra

Scott Yanow
All Music Guide

The total amount of time (a little over 38 minutes) is quite brief for this CD but the release is selling for a budget price and the previously unreleased performances are quite valuable. Stan Kenton's Innovations Orchestra (39 members strong counting 16 strings) was the bandleader's most ambitious project with the many brilliant soloists (including altoists Bud Shank and Art Pepper, Bob Cooper on tenor, trumpeters Conte Candoli and Maynard Ferguson) being challenged by the very complex arrangements of Bill Russo, Shorty Rogers and Bob Graettinger among others. This recommended set is highlighted by four selections named after their stars ("Shelly Manne," "Conte Candoli," "Art Pepper" and "Bob Cooper"), Bill Russo's "Improvisation" and Bob Graettinger's dense "Reflections."