Customer Reviews

Sketches on Standards

5 star:		(7)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Stan Kenton had a well-deserved reputation for being a musical progressive, but that was only part of his musical persona. Quite frankly, no big band covered the great American standards as well as Kenton's. The fourteen standards included here were recorded between early 1953 and early 1956, a peak period in Kenton's creative world. While these arrangements were part of the Kenton dance book, they are much more than just dance music, but stand up as superb listening music decades later. Each arrangement has great respect for the melodies, but uncovers and adds great depths which makes these tunes very memorable.

Kenton always hired the best arrangers and gave them great musical freedom, although you would never identify Kenton's band as anyone else's. The key arranger here is Bill Russo who contributes 7 arrangements, Kenton himself 3, Joe Coccia 2, Johnny Richards and Lennie Niehaus 1 each.
Kenton not only hired the best arrangers, but also the best musicians. Therefore, the band's performance is brilliant, and you get to hear superb soloists such as Conte Candoli on Pennies From Heaven, Lee Konitz on Lover Man, trombonist Bob Burgess on Over The Rainbow, and Frank Rosolino on Malaguena. Altoist Lennie Niehaus is sparkling form on I'm Glad There is You. Maynard Ferguson's brilliant high note work sparks Sophisticated Lady. The sound is clear and beautifully remastered, warm and clear. Every track is outstanding. Highly recommended.

Another in the first rate series of collections of dance music that the Kenton band recorded in order to remain financially afloat even as its leader pushed the envelope when it came to innovation. Oddly, or perhaps not, these early arrangements (this set recorded in 1953) represent some of the most timeless of Stan Kenton's recordings. Sketches On Standards almost never shouts -- listen to the later Cuban Fire album for gale force brass and rhythm -- but nor does it sleepwalk.

A Latin-tinged 'Begin the Beguine' makes a rare and welcome appearance, arranged by Kenton himself, simply and effectively. Bill Russo's arrangement of 'Fascinatin' Rhythm' is a highlight, more complex and benefitting from Lee Konitz' always capable alto sax. 'There's a Small Hotel' is a nice slow dance number, and the list goes on.

Fans of the louder, leading edge Kenton may find this album quiet. Technically, it represents some very appealing, straightforward recordings of songs that showcase the talent of this group. Most welcome is that Kenton's own piano is not buried in the walls of sound so common to his later efforts.

If you are new to Stan Kenton, this might not be the place to start because there are other better known albums that overshadow Sketches on Standards. Sound quality is excellent for 1953, however, and the tracks are well chosen. For those times when you want to enjoy first rate jazz without necessarily waking up the neighborhood, it would be hard to argue with the current album.

It's amazing how a collaboration between talented arrangers and great players can bring new life to tunes we've heard at least a thousand times. Half of the 14 tracks in this collection were arranged by Bill Russo, the remainder being the work of notables such as Lennie Niehaus, Johnny Richards, and Kenton himself. Among the musicians in this all-star band are Maynard Ferguson, Conte Candoli, and Buddy Childers on trumpet; Lee Konitz, Bill Holman, Bob Cooper, Richie Kamuca, and Jimmy Giuffre on saxes; Frank Rosolino, Bob Burgess, and Carl Fontana on trombone; and Mel Lewis on drums. If you recognize all or most of these names, then you know the caliber of this recording. If you don't, it's time for you to be introduced to them.
Some highlights: a mellow "Sophisticated Lady" with nice solos and a bit of in-your-face brass; an arrangement of "Begin the Beguine" that will make you forget about the way Artie Shaw played it; "Lover Man" as a superb alto feature for Konitz; one of Candoli's best recorded solos in "Pennies From Heaven"; excellent solo and ensemble work in "Fascinatin' Rhythm"; a warm and tender "I'm Glad There Is You" with a gorgeous Niehaus alto solo; and Rosolino, brilliant as always, soloing on four tracks. Need I say more?
The original 1953 release was a 10-inch LP that included only the first eight tracks. Two of the six bonus tracks came from the same session, while the rest were recorded in 1955-56. The package includes a booklet with informative liner notes written for the CD release. The tracks are short, yielding a total time of only about 42 minutes, but you'll be impressed with how much big band enjoyment can be packed into three-quarters of an hour.

This album was originally intended to be more commercial "dance music" by the Kenton band and it is that. But it is also a great collection of standard evergreens arranged by his best arrangers ever played by his best band ever. Conte Condoli, Buddy Childers and a very young Maynard Ferguson shine on trumpet, Frank Rosolino on trombone and Lee Konitz provides the musical gems one would expect from him on alto. Who says the Kenton band couldn't swing! That depends on who's on drums and who wrote the charts. On this album the drummer is Mel Lewis, the arrangers are Bill Russo and Bill Holman. This is a must have for Kenton fans along with it companion album "Portrait on Standards" with the same arrangers and for the most part the same personnel. Also a must for anyone that just loves great classic American music. I love this album both from a standpoint of beautiful memories of the days in my life it represents and for being just plain beautiful jazz.

A great example of Kenton at his finest. The type of recording that you can listen to over and over and still find little subtletys each time. A must for any Kenton lover.

This is the quintessencial Kenton. The arrangements are classic. The sidemen are all stars in their own right. I don't believe they all played together again after the year (1953) this album was made.

If you don't have "Sketches on Standards" your Kenton collection is incomplete.

A great addition to my Stan Kenton library. Thanks for making this available for purchase.

While there are reviewers who pick and pull at Kendon albums, I'm not one of them. I grew up on Stan's unique big band sound and he (and crew) can pretty much do no wrong for me. I love this album -- just like all the rest of the many on my shelf. Each has it's own personality, strengths and weaknesses, but they're all a pleasure to hear. And I play each of them regularly.

Stan Kenton was a talented musician but this disc makes me think of the days when you went to the barber shop and there was always a radio on the shelf playing big band music. None of that Basie or Ellington stuff, but toned down versions of standards for background music. This disc has the same mellow tone and approach and every time I listen to it I feel like I am back in a barber shop thirty years ago.