A Stan Kenton Christmas

The Capitol Bones Big Band (Performer) | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Performer: The Capitol Bones Big Band
• Audio CD (November 15, 2002)
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Ars Nova Singers
• ASIN: B00007GU62
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (11 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #288,721 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Track Listings

1. Angels We Have Heard On High

2. O Tannenbaum

3. We Three Kings

4. Adeste Fideles

5. Christmas Time Is Here

6. Good King Wenceslas

7. Greensleeves

8. The Holly And The Ivy

9. My Favorite Things

10. O Holy Night

11. God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen

12. The Christmas Song

13. Once In Royal David's City

14. Big Bad Drummin' Dude

15. Away In A Manger

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

20 of 20 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Better than the original?, December 1, 2002

By 

"mkaiserme" (Deer Isle, ME USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: A Stan Kenton Christmas (Audio CD)

All the Kenton Christmas selections are here--bigger and better than ever. Seriously, the charts are true to the originals but actually performed (dare I say) *better* than the Kenton band did 40 years ago.

Since the original Kenton recording is so hard to find, there should be no reason for any fan not to purchase this new one. There are also 5 great new arrangements, written in the style of the Carmichael and Kenton selections (for the most part).

This is a very special recording--not just because of the music, but because of the outstanding musicianship on display. Don't think twice, buy it. You won't be sorry.

Oh yeah, Liesl Whitaker rocks on lead trumpet--and the mellophoniums soar, scream, and are in tune. Matt Neiss and the bone section are as Kentonesque as they come. I really can't say enough good things about this one.

19 of 19 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Stan Kenton Christmas by the Capitol Bones Big Band, November 25, 2002

By 

Denny Seifried (near Dayton OH) - See all my reviews

This review is from: A Stan Kenton Christmas (Audio CD)

I just received in the mail today, another one of those MUST HAVE CD'S for all trombonists, that being "A Stan Kenton Christmas" by the Capitol Bones Big Band. This is some of the old Kenton/Ralph Charmichael charts, plus some new, additional Christmas charts for trumpets, bones, mellophones and rhythm section. The Capitol Bones Big Band is under the direction of former Dayton, OH arranger and trombonist, Mark Taylor. Some great trombone jazz by Jay Gibble, Matt Niess, and Jim McFalls. The trombone section is Matt, Jay, Jim, Todd Baldwin, with bass bones, Jerry Amoury & Jeff Cortazzo.
The last track, "Away in a Manger", arranged by Tony Nalker, is just the bones, without accompaniment. The bass bones sound like pipe organs---beautiful playing!!! This would make a great Christmas gift for the trombone/brass player who has everything.

The big band playing is really awesome with some of the finest Washington D.C./ U.S. Army Blues Big Band brass players used on this CD. I also found the mellophones to be much better "in-tune" than the original Kenton Christmas Album, which was recorded back in the late 1960's, by Kenton.

If this new CD doesn't get you into the Christmas Spirit, nothing will!

11 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Incredible! A real treat for the ears!!!, November 23, 2004

By 

JD Bone Man "JD" (Midwest) - See all my reviews

This review is from: A Stan Kenton Christmas (Audio CD)

This is a phenominal recording of Kenton's christmas charts, and they are finally performed as they should've been! The Capitol Bones Big Band is tremendous. Note after note, each arrangement is flawless. Again, it's great to hear these Kenton Christmas charts recorded with concern for intonation, contrast, and outstanding musicality. Once you've listened to The Capitol Bones blowing down these charts, you'll never listen to Kenton's "Merry Christmas" the same way. Buy it!