Customer Reviews

Cuban Fire

5 star:		(16)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

While I have only recently become a Stan Kenton fan, I would recommend this album to ANYONE who appreciates jazz. It combines the hard-hitting brass that was Kenton's signature with the Latin rhythms (mentioned above) that swing nicely. The Johnny Richards arrangements and compositions really create an album that you will want to listen to all the way through -- LOUDLY! Critics held mixed views of some of Kenton's work, but I have yet to hear of anyone who would give this less than five stars.

If you have not yet listened to Stan Kenton, this is a great place to start. 'Cuban Fire' is energetic and innovative without going off the edge of experimentation. I have come to seriously enjoy Kenton's music on many albums, but this is good enough to be one of my 'desert island' selections. Even the bonus tracks are welcome, as they essentially maintain the style of the original album. Highly recommended.

I bought this based on the previous reviews. To call them just faint praise is gross understatement. Even if you didn't study to Stan while in college (on vinyl no less), you will enjoy this CD. Given the opportunity whilst my wife was out shopping and the neighbor was gone, the Bose system was cranking out fabulous sounds (the cat did go hide under the bed). Absolutely a must-have if you appreciate Kenton.

This is Kenton at his best, and that is saying a lot. He was one of the most innovative and exciting artists in the history of jazz. This album is pure Kenton, with powerful brass, a thundering rhythm section, and highly skillful arrangements. This disc includes some tunes from a later recording session that aren't quite as good as the actual Cuban Fire sessions but are a valuable bonus to an album that is essential for any music fan. This is a mandatory purchase.

I bought this album in 1957. It's better today than it was almost 50 years ago. It's probably the only Kenton/Richards collaboration where the former relinquishes control.Richards makes his main statement here but he also shines on two other currently unavailable items; Something Else and Wide Range Cuban Fire is not only Kenton at his best but music at it's best. It's an inspirational piece.

if you own one kenton album, THIS IS THE ONE. i wore out 2 vynyls of this before it became available on cd. jim

Forty odd years ago Kentons' music seem to capture the fire and drive of my generation!! It still re-kindles old flames.His innovations in modern music ushered in a new generation of jazz lovers!

I also wore out an original LP of this recording. I was thrilled to get it on CD. If one is a Kenton aficionado, this is a must in your collection. One must listen to the album as words fail to describe the compositions involved. Truly a great album from a jazz giant.

After Contemporary Concepts, I think this is my favorite Kenton/Richards collaborations. When it came out, I could hardly wait to throw it on my turntable after work. I still have that vinyl, along with all my other Kenton and Richards albums. P.S. Has anyone seen `Popular Favorites` by Kenton on C.D. anywhere?? The only one I don`t have.

I first heard "Cuban Fire" forty years ago. This wonderful Johhny Richards score is as vibrant now as then. The improvisational solo's are brilliant, lyrical and some of the best I have ever heard. You don't find many musicians that play like this anymore. The solos are set against the background of exciting Latin rhythms and Kenton brass reinforced with extra horns. Play this while your wife is out shopping.

Kenton at one of his best albums ever. classic Kenton what more can I say