New Concepts of Artistry in Rhythm

Stan Kenton, Stan Kenton Orchestra | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (September 20, 1989)
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Blue Note Records
• ASIN: B000005HFC
• Also Available in: Audio CD  |  Vinyl  |  MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (12 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #14,132 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)
  • #1 in Music > Indie Music > Pop > Instrumental Pop & Lounge
  • #8 in Music > Indie Music > Jazz > Swing Jazz
  • #19 in Music > Jazz > Orchestral Jazz

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

Product Description

This 1952 Kenton classic is the ultimate nexus of swinging band and innovative composer. Maynard Ferguson, Lee Konitz, Conte Candoli and others play Invention for Guitar and Trumpet; Young Blood; Portrait of a Count , and more including bonus tracks!

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

27 of 28 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Guilt-Free Kenton, February 8, 2004

By 

Samuel Chell (Kenosha,, WI United States) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: New Concepts of Artistry in Rhythm (Audio CD)

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").

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars An Old Friend, February 3, 2005

By 

Thom Neko - See all my reviews

This review is from: New Concepts of Artistry in Rhythm (Audio CD)

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."

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Kenton haters should listen to this one, March 28, 2001

By 

Onouty (Woolwich, ME United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: New Concepts of Artistry in Rhythm (Audio CD)

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