New Concepts of Artistry in Rhythm

New Concepts of Artistry in Rhythm

ASIN: B000005HFC

Editorial Reviews
Amazon.com
Band leader/pianist Stan Kenton is known for his superheated, shouting brass sections and eccentric conceptualizations for big bands, and this 1952 recording shows why. The set opens with "Prologue (This Is an Orchestra!)," in which Kenton delivers a spoken-word explanation of the unit's purpose and introduces the members to the listener. The star-studded lineup includes Lee Konitz and Vinnie Dean on alto saxophones, Richie Kamuca and Bill Holman on tenor saxophones, Bob Gioga on baritone, five trumpets (including Maynard Ferguson), five trombones (including Frank Rosolino), and Sal Salvador on guitar. The CD reissue contains four additional tracks not on the original release. --John Swenson

Tracks:

Prologue (This Is An Orchestra!)
Portrait Of A Count
Young Blood
Frank Seaking
23 Degrees N-82 Degrees W
Taboo
Lonesome Train
Invention For Guitar And Trumpet
My Lady
Swing House
Improvisation
You Go To My Head

Amazon.com

Band leader/pianist Stan Kenton is known for his superheated, shouting brass sections and eccentric conceptualizations for big bands, and this 1952 recording shows why. The set opens with "Prologue (This Is an Orchestra!)," in which Kenton delivers a spoken-word explanation of the unit's purpose and introduces the members to the listener. The star-studded lineup includes Lee Konitz and Vinnie Dean on alto saxophones, Richie Kamuca and Bill Holman on tenor saxophones, Bob Gioga on baritone, five trumpets (including Maynard Ferguson), five trombones (including Frank Rosolino), and Sal Salvador on guitar. The CD reissue contains four additional tracks not on the original release. --John Swenson

Customer Reviews:

An Old Friend.......2005-02-04

Just found Kenton's New Concepts in Artistry in Rhythm after a long search. It's like renewing a friendship with an old friend. In my opinion the Prologue is a classic and the entire album is wonderful. I guess I just don't agree with those who said Kenton didn't swing. Maybe I'm one of the "cult" members (never been a cult member before!) or just maybe Stan, even many years after his death, is still so far ahead of his time (as I believe he always was) that there are many who "just don't get it."

Guilt-Free Kenton.......2004-02-09

A controversial, marginal jazz figure to some (Kenton barely rated a mention in Ken Burns' 20-hour jazz series on PBS) and a giant who attracts cult-like devotion from many others, Kenton's career from 1941 to 1979 provides plenty of musical evidence for all hypotheses about his originality and influence, not to mention the perennial question of whether he "swings." Of all his recordings, "New Concepts" is the most non-controversial and perhaps the most musical. The emphasis is on fresh, swinging mainstream jazz influenced by the innovations of Bird, Miles, and the beboppers. I can think of no other recording by Kenton, and perhaps by any other musician, that features so many great arrangers and players--from Bill Russo and Bill Holman to Maynard, Rosolino, and Lee Konitz. In fact, in the company of these cutting-edge arrangements and inventive solos, the inclusion of a "pretentious" Kenton production number--"This Is an Orchestra," narrated with great dramatic flare by Stan himself--is a welcome bonus.

The band of 1956 ("Kenton in Hi-Fi" and "Cuban Fire") proved to be Stan's most popular ensemble, but musicians and serious listeners will want to pick up the 1952 "New Concepts" album first. With this one in the collection, you might be forgiven for indulging yourself in Kenton's 44-piece Innovations Orchestra as well as the garish but bracing Wagnerian textures and brassy brilliance of the Neophonic and Mellophonium ensembles that would come later. I won't tell anyone (especially since at the moment I'm luxuriating in the sheer sonic sensuousness of the trombone choir on Stan's "Here's That Rainy Day").

Vintage Kenton Well Done.......2001-11-20

I have been looking for Prologue this is an Orchestra for quite a few years. I was excited to find such a well produced album. I have enjoyed every song on it. This takes me back to when I saw the Kenton Orchestra in 1955-6? in Detroit. This CD is all that I expected and more. Roger Curavo St. Petersburg Fl

Stan Kenton Must.......2001-10-19

This CD is an intimate portrait of one of the best bands ever. It's a "MUST" for any Stan Kenton fan. I never tire of hearing it.

Kenton haters should listen to this one.......2001-03-29

After emerging from his psuedo-symphonic fling, Kenton assembled a hardbodied, swinging (detractors take note) band of phenomenal soloists who were equal to the sometimes overtaxing arrangements. There are some astounding performances here, and those who like to say Kenton's band didn't swing should take another listen to this session. From a jazz perspective, this is probably Kenton's best and most lasting album

Average customer rating:

New Concepts of Artistry in Rhythm
Stan Kenton
Manufacturer: Creative World
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Jazz | Styles | Music

Traditional Jazz General | Traditional Jazz & Ragtime | Jazz | Styles | Music

Classic Big Band | Swing Jazz | Jazz | Styles | Music

Contemporary Big Band | Swing Jazz | Jazz | Styles | Music

Orchestral Jazz | Jazz | Styles | Music

Traditional Vocal Pop | Broadway & Vocalists | Styles | Music

Traditional Pop | Oldies | Pop | Styles | Music
ASIN: B00005RGWJ
Release Date: 2001-12-27

Tracks:

Prologue (This Is an Orchestra!)
Portrait of a Count
Young Blood
Frank Speaking
23 Degrees North, 82 Degrees West
Taboo [*]
Lonesome Train [*]
Invention for Guitar and Trumpet
My Lady
Swing House [*]
Improvisation
You Go to My Head

Album Details

24bit Digitally Remastered Japanese Limited Edition in an LP-STYLE Slipcase.

Jazz Music:

Jazz Music

Jazz Music