Customer Reviews

A Stan Kenton Christmas

5 star:		(10)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(1)
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1 star:		(0)

 

 

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.

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!

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!

If you are a Kenton fan, a brass orchestra fan or a Christmas music fan this is the one to buy!

My father literally introduced me to Stan Kenton and his music before I was a teenager, and I have been a fan ever since. This Christmas, I had the distinct pleasure of attending a Capitol Bones performance of "A Stan Kenton Christmas" and thought I had reverted to the days of my youth when I attended every Stan Kenton concert that came within driving distance. Whether you are a "bone" aficionado or just a fan of the Stan Kenton style of jazz, you must treat yourself to this excellent collection of music recorded in state-of-the-art HDCD. It will put your sound system and foot tapping to the test.

I'm been a Kenton fan for a half century, so when I say that this is a magnificent album, don't think I'm knocking Stan. The Bones album has added six pieces to the 1961 album (now re-released with a junky monologue and Maynard screaching carols), and the musicianship is higher. Check out that lead trumpet! And the trombone solos are magnificent. This is jazz; Stan's recording is mostly Ralph Carmichael. Get it!

I am a big fan of big bands and trombone ensembles. This CD is a spectacular recreation of Kentons wonderfull music.
It's so nice to hear it without the pop and hiss.
If you liked the original you'll like this. If you never heard the original, you can rest assured you're hearing what Kenton intended and hopefully you'll check ot more Kenton.
Definatly worth the money.

the mastery of instruments by todays musicians makes this CD fantastic.any fan of large ensembles must have this.if you are a kenton fan buy it NOW.

A wide array of Christmas music that is excellently performed by the bones! It will bring much joy to its listeners.

The musicianship on this recording is spectacular. It's wonderful to hear the music of the great Stan Kenton kept alive and refreshed by these fabulous musicians.