Viva Kenton! [ORIGINAL RECORDING REMASTERED]

Stan Kenton

Product Details

• Audio CD (June 7, 2005)
• Original Release Date: 1963
• Number of Discs: 1
• Format: Original recording remastered
• Label: Blue Note Records
• ASIN: B0009IW9SO
• Also Available in: Audio CD  |  MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #230,190 in Music (See Bestsellers in Music)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description

Afro-cuban music has been an important part of the Kenton sound since the late '40s. When the 1957 album Cuban Fire proved to be one of the band's most successful, Stan Kenton approached composer-arranger Gene Roland about writing a new all-Latin album. The result was Viva Kenton, recorded in New York in 1959 with a driving four-man percussion ensemble added to the orchestra. Soloists on this gem include Conte Candoli, Don Sebesky and Charlie Mariano. Added to the original album are six tracks from the 1961 album "Artistry In Bossa Nova". All the selections are newly remixed and mastered in 24 bit.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Subtle Stan, July 22, 2005

By	J. Gibson "X-DJ" (Lubbock, TX USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

Most of the selections fall into the subtlety category--most danceable and refreshingly Latin. The soloists are most apt and the arrangements seem to spotlight their best efforts. The Latin tempos are secure and the percussion keeps them pleasant. I particularly like the novelty gang-sing on Chocolate Caliente; the reminisces of Opus in Chartreuse, Adios, Opus in Pastels, Artistry (both versions), and Concerto. The trombone of Don Sebesky is a surprise on Chartreuse--altho' quite pleasant. I could say something complimentary about all of the cuts, but then I'm a most biased Kenton fan. If anyone likes the Stan sound, plus subtle tempos and solos from (to me) new artists, they will love this journey south..

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Stan Kenton's artistry in rhythm, June 21, 2007

By	Matthew G. Sherwin (last seen screaming at Amazon customer service) - See all my reviews (TOP 50 REVIEWER)

Stan Kenton conducted his band for several decades during the twentieth century; and they often drew upon classical and Latin influences when they performed. This CD gives us excellent examples of Kenton and his band mates using Latin musical influences of the early 1960s to make some mighty beautiful music.

The CD starts with a number called "Mexican Jumping Bean;" and when the liner notes comment that this number "moves at a fast lick" they sure weren't kidding! The ultra fast tempo mimics the action of a jumping bean to get the track set off to a very strong start.

"Siesta" starts off with some great bass; and when the entire band gets playing in a minor key the number really shines! The slower tempo suggests that this would be very romantic music for dancing, too. The arrangement uses the horns and percussion very well. In addition, "Cha Cha Sombrero" really sounds like that awesome cha cha music everyone loved in the early 1960s. The horns are great and the beat is perfect for dancing, also.

"Chocolate Caliente" features some great vocals; the men sing of how they want nothing more in life than the pleasure of hot chocolate. The melody moves along at an even beat and the men harmonize well. This somewhat silly, playful ode to hot chocolate is sure to please you!

Other gems on this CD taken from the record album of the same name include "Opus In Chartreuse Cha-Cha-Cha" which boasts a magical yet classic cha cha music type of continental flair; and "Mission Trail" has another beat that will grab your attention. "Mission Trail" is music that practically begs you to dance to it; it's THAT good. Great percussion and horns on "Mission Trail," too!

The CD also provides us with six bonus tracks taken from another record album which was entitled Artistry In Bossa Nova. "Artistry In Bossa Nova (aka Artistry In Bolero)" plays with key changes to enhance the beauty of the number all the while keeping a solid, steady beat. This is another number that you just might enjoy while you dance with your partner. "Opus In Pastels" works well; Stan Kenton himself solos on the piano very well. I think "Opus In Pastels" comes off sounding better than it would have if the trumpets had been allowed into the musical arrangement.

The CD closes with the playful number entitled "Loco-Nova." The tempo changes for this number depending on which instrument each band member played; but the overall result is a golden nugget shining brightly! "Loco-Nova" makes for an excellent finish to this superb CD.

The liner notes feature the song credits; and Michael Sparke writes an informative essay about the making of the record albums, Stan Kenton and his band, too. The cover art shows good judgment.

Stan Kenton remains a force for younger musicians to emulate and study as they go on their way to becoming their own artists. Stan's music and his arrangements always worked well and they entertained millions of people in their day. I recommend this CD for fans of band music; and people who enjoy a more traditional American band sound influenced by a Latin beat will love this CD also.

¡Viva Kenton!