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Michael Sparke

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Stan Kenton: This Is an Orchestra! (North Texas Lives of Musician Series) Hardcover – April 20, 2010

by Michael Sparke (Author)

48

Book 4 of 11: North Texas Lives of Musician

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Stan Kenton (1911–1979) formed his first full orchestra in 1940 and soon drew record-breaking crowds to hear and dance to his exciting sound. He continued to tour and record unrelentingly for the next four decades. Stan Kenton: This Is an Orchestra! sums up the mesmerizing bandleader at the height of his powers, arms waving energetically, his face a study of concentration as he cajoled, coaxed, strained, and obtained the last ounce of energy from every musician under his control.

Michael Sparke’s narrative captures that enthusiasm in words: a lucid account of the evolution of the Kenton Sound, and the first book to offer a critical evaluation of the role that Stan played in its creation. Insightful and thought-provoking throughout, and supported by liberal quotes from the musicians who made the magic, even at his most contentious the author’s high regard and admiration for his subject shines through. The most knowledgeable of Stan’s fans will learn new facts from this far-reaching biography of a man and his music. Stan Kenton will be essential reading for every Kenton devotee and jazz historian.

Book 4 of 11

North Texas Lives of Musician
Print length

384 pages
Language

English
Publisher

University of North Texas Press
Publication date

April 20, 2010
Dimensions

6 x 0.75 x 9 inches
ISBN-10

1574412841
ISBN-13

978-1574412840
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Editorial Reviews

Review

“A delightful read, start to finish. The inclusion of so much primary source material makes this the most authoritative account of Kenton’s story to date. He ‘gets’ the man and the music and tells it like it was.”—Terry Vosbein, Washington and Lee University

“I read this book with mounting excitement and finished it confident that it is the best yet written on Kenton’s professional life. It is an irresistible volume that ought to be devoured in one sitting.”—Anthony Agostinelli, Kenton newsletter publisher

“Michael Sparke’s book, the first general history of the Kenton Orchestra, is the best evaluation yet of Kenton’s 40-year musical development.”—The Wall Street Journal

"This detailed and fascinating look at Kenton's long career is the best book on this musician and impresario since Carol Easton's Straight Ahead: The Story of Stan Kenton (1973). Recommended for all readers with an interest in Americana, jazz, or music generally."—Library Journal

"Packed with fascinating anecdotes and exhaustive research this book will be welcomed not only by Stan Kenton devotees but by all aficionados of the big band era."—Jazz Journal

"Michael Sparke has written a detailed, fascinating chronicle of the Stan Kenton Orchestra that enjoyed a performing and recording career covering four decades ('40s-70s). . . . Sparke's devotion to his subject is evident in his attention to detail and in presenting Kenton both as a person and as a professional."—All About Jazz-New York

"Stan Kenton: This Is an Orchestra! by Michael Sparke is an exciting addition to jazz literature. . . . This is, I believe, the single best source of information for anyone who wants to get to the crux of Stan Kenton and his music."--Jersey Jazz

About the Author

Michael Sparke was born in Greater London, England, and continues to live there after retiring from teaching. He was first switched on to good music after hearing Woody Herman’s First Herd in 1945, and with Stan Kenton soon afterwards via Capitol shellac 78s from America sent by a pen-pal. Collaboration with the Dutch discographer Pete Venudor resulted in the discographies Kenton on Capitol and The Studio Sessions. Sparke has written liner notes for Kenton CDs on several labels, but this is his first full historical narrative about his favorite subject.

Product details

Publisher ‏ : ‎ University of North Texas Press; 1st edition (April 20, 2010)
Language ‏ : ‎ English
Hardcover ‏ : ‎ 384 pages
ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 1574412841
ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1574412840
Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 1.5 pounds
Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 6 x 0.75 x 9 inches

Best Sellers Rank: #2,985,084 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
- #646 in Jazz Musician Biographies
- #3,158 in Jazz Music (Books)

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Michael Sparke

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Michael Sparke is a retired teacher living in London, England and was introduced to good music by Woody Herman's First Herd in 1945. Stan Kenton quickly followed on Capitol 78 rpm imported from America. Michael was thus involved with Stan's music almost from the beginning, allowing an insight into all stages of the leader's long and eventful career.

Several Kenton discographies (compiled in collaboration with Pete Venudor and Jack Hartley) culminated in 1998 with "Stan Kenton - The Studio Sessions", published by Balboa Books, and sometimes referred to by collectors as "The Bible".

Stan himself helped with the discography, both from his own recollections, and by setting up introductions at Capitol and other sources of information. Michael first met Kenton in 1963, a relationship that developed during the Orchestra's many visits to Britain in the Seventies, when Stan volunteered several interviews that provided first-hand material from the maestro himself, as well as valuable insights on less "formal" occasions, often detailed in Michael's new book, "This Is an Orchestra!", a title adopted from Stan's iconic 1952 recording "Prologue".

Though many fans will already be familiar with Michael's writing from his many CD liner notes, "Stan Kenton - This Is an Orchestra!" is his first full-length narrative, and as the title implies, is a critical evaluation of the music and musicians, not unsubstantiated incidents in Kenton's private life. Thought-provoking throughout, and at times contentious, "Stan Kenton - This Is an Orchestra!" reflects Michael's deep admiration and regard for both the man and his music, expressed both by the author and in carefully selected quotes by the musicians who made the music. The book is backed up by a companion 2-CD set with the same title on the prestigious Tantara label.

"Stan Kenton - This Is an Orchestra!" has already received critical acclaim from musicians, including Mike Vax, Bob Curnow and Joel Kaye, and also UK critic and Jazz Journal author Steve Voce, who wrote: "(I found it) breathtaking … Impossible to put down. It's unusual to find a book packed with so much research to be a riveting read. I recommend it 100 per cent!"

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Anthony J. Agostinelli

Unlikely to be bettered in our lifetime

Reviewed in the United States on July 11, 2010

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I've given this book a five-star rating. Without being over the top and too fanciful, this is the definitve Stan Kenton biography, which is unlikely to be bettered in our lifetime. I have read through these pages at many stages of the development of this project; and can tell you, that as I read, andontinue to read from the work, I am renewed in my commitment to Michael Sparke as a writer of fact, content and devotion to his mission. The work should be in everyone's library. I exhort you, if you haven't purchased your copy, please do.

I've already given STAN KENTON: THIS IS AN ORCHESTRA! (North Texas Lives of Musicans Series)(Hardcover) five stars; now I will add to it for the soft cover version recently published.
5 out of 5 stars
I have read the reviews of others at this site, and would like to comment about them. It is strange that W. Butler's perception of this musical biography is so misrepresentative of a book that has been so successful among Stan Kenton devotees, that it has recently enjoyed a second printing, this time in papterback format!
Mr. Butler seems to have completely misinterpreted the one indisputable fact, that author Michael Sparke's admiration and respect for Stan Kenton is evdent throughout the book, most vividly expressed in comments such as "Stan Kenton was a heroic figure on a creative plane far removed from that of mere dance music;" and, "In a role comparable with that of the famous classical conductors, Stan's direction and authority lay behind every fresh conception that the band created."
When Mr. Butler offers a blanket description of the alumni quoted at length in the book as "contemporaneous lesser lights" and "nonentities," he is referring to the contributions from musicians like Bill Russo, Pete Rugolo, Milt Bernhart, Conte Candoli, Lee Konitz, Bill Holman, Dick Shearer, John Worster and Mike Vax, as well as Stan himself. All are major alumni of the Kenton orchestra, and their opinions are certainly no "banal" or "spiteful."
It is true that Sparke evaluates the music, inevitably deeming some more important than others, but he also makes clear every reader's opinion is as valuable as his own. Since its original publication over a year ago, STAN KENTON: THIS IS AN ORCHESTRA! Has received near-unanimous acclaim as the definitive Kenton biography - from Will Friedwald's review in the Wall Street Journal to the English writer Steve Voce's declaration: "Michael Sparke's wonderful book "This Is An Orchestra!" is an unmissable bargain. Everyone should read it!"
I urge everyone interested in the big bands, and Stan Kenton in particular, to read this book and make up their own minds who is more correct!
Anthony J. Agostinell, October 18, 2011

Tony Agostinelli
Portsmouth, Rhode Island, USA

3 people found this helpful

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Steve Bollas

My 92 year old friend

Reviewed in the United States on June 19, 2023

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Really liked this book. He thought it was a very interesting and important story of life in America around WWII

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James A. Vedda

The band's four-decade history, warts and all

Reviewed in the United States on April 3, 2011

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For long-time Kenton followers, this is an excellent read that will bring back great memories and illuminate the ups and downs of the band's history. Sparke is not shy about expressing his opinions on the musical and business decisions made over the years, and not all readers will agree with his assessments. But it's clear that this book is a labor of love by a lifelong fan, who fortunately doesn't try to sugar-coat this tribute to his jazz idol.
This is not a traditional biography. The book's treatment of Kenton the man is mostly found at the beginning and end, while the bulk of the text is about Kenton in the context of the organization he led (which was, admittedly, the overwhelmingly dominant aspect of his life). Still, there's plenty to be learned about his devotion to his music, his generosity as a leader, and the sad decline of his health in the 1970s.
Sparke has compiled research spanning decades, including interviews and correspondence with many of the key players, including Kenton. The result is a thorough treatment that will warm the hearts of those of us who have been steeped in Kenton lore for most of our lives. However, readers may quickly get bogged down if they are only marginally familiar with the man and his music. This book is aimed at Kenton aficionados, not at winning over new fans. The cast of characters is large, encompassing musicians, singers, arrangers, managers, and others over the band's four-decade history. Specific recordings and arrangements are discussed at length. The author makes some assumptions about the reader's familiarity with all of this, and doesn't always adequately explain the identity or importance of certain people, events, or pieces of music.
Overall, I found this to be a satisfying portrayal of one of the most memorable leaders in jazz. As Sparke and others have noted, the orchestra was Kenton's instrument. On a good day, there was no one who played it better. This book chronicles how hard he worked, and what he sacrificed, to make that happen.

4 people found this helpful

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dale campbell

Absolutely outstanding book!

Reviewed in the United States on June 16, 2021

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Gave a very real look at how it was regarding the big bands. Not only gave insights into individual players, but outlined the trends in music of that era. Read this!

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Jacqueline Portik

A must for Kenton fans.

Reviewed in the United States on January 17, 2017

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By far, the most informative and comprehensive book about Kenton and his orchestras through the years. My husband and I became followers in the mid fifties and have hundreds of recordings. Reading about the many talented jazz musicians, vocalists and their dynamic leader makes it all seem like yesterday. Many thanks Michael Sparke.

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Robert Gilbert

Excellent history of the Stan Kenton Orchestra

Reviewed in the United States on July 10, 2013

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Gained a lot of insight into the orchestra members who I was familiar with over the Kenton years. Also I have a more educated perspective on the music, orchestrations, arrangers and composers during the Kenton era. I can go back and review my Kenton collection with a deeper appreciation.

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Stan Garlick

Marvellous work

Reviewed in the United Kingdom on February 14, 2022

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Reading this excellent bòok was important. After some 50 years or more engrossed in jazz i felt it time to explore Kenton. This very readable work gave me all the information to start that exploration. While the author is clearly passionate about Kenton's music the account is objective and doesn't lapse into the sycophancy that mars so many musician biographies. The author is modest about his standing as a writer. He shouldn't be. His fext flows beautifullyand his description of the music is meaningful and adroit. If only more books on music had this balance and this clarity. Thank you Mr Sparke.

Gabriele

Avvincente

Reviewed in Italy on December 3, 2018

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Avvincente, ricco di testimonianze e di informazioni verificate, scritto in maniera fluida e 'catchy'. Soldi ben spesi!

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Nicholas Ronai

A man with impressive stamina.

Reviewed in Germany on August 5, 2014

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I'm not a great fan of Stan Kenton's music but I found this book to be fascinating. At the end you just can't help but admire Kenton's belief in his musical vision although it didn't always work out as he had hoped. The writer, Michael Sparke, is a great Kenton fan but his writing is objective and honest.

LRG

Five Stars

Reviewed in the United Kingdom on January 6, 2015

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A great book.

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