Stan KENTON – Live At Newport 1959 – 1963 – 1971

This is an interesting package that provides the Kenton fan the opportunity to compare three distinct editions of Stan's orchestra. The sound quality is excellent on the first two discs, slightly less on the third. The '59 band really screams on this one, featuring one of the best recorded versions of "Intermission Riff". The '63 Mellophone band tears through the set taking NO prisoners, much to the delight of the 4th of July crowd, who can be heard going absolutely nuts at the conclusion of "Malaguena"!! The 71' band is featured minus Stan, who at the time was recovering from surgery. This does not detract from the thrilling performance presented here. Arranger Ken Hanna's "Macumba suite" is performed and is ample proof that Stan's 70's band was fully equal to the previous bands, capable of heading into wild, unexplored territory with ease !! Detailed notes and great packaging make this well worth the investment.

Track Listing

Disc 1: 1959
1.    THEME AND VARIATIONS
2.    KINGFISH
3.    ARTISTRY IN RHYTHM
4.    THE BIG CHASE
5.    STELLA BY STARLIGHT
6.    IT’S ALL RIGHT WITH ME
7.    INTERMISSION RIFF
8.    MEXICAN JUMPING BEAN
9.    MY OLD FLAME
10.  LA SUERTE DE LOS TONTOS
Disc 2: 1963
1.    WALTZ OF THE PROPHETS
2.    ARTISTRY IN RHYTHM
3.    TURTLE TALK
4.    STAIRWAY TO THE STARS
5.    INTERMISSION RIFF
6.    MY FUNNY VALENTINE
7.    STOMPIN’ AT THE SAVOY
8.    THE BLUES STORY
9.    IT’S A BIG, WIDE, WONDERFUL WORLD
10.  SLEEPY LAGOON
11.  DAYDREAM
12.  YOU’RE THE TOP
13.  MALAGUEÑA
Disc 3: 1971
1.    Introduction by George Wein & Mike Vax
2.    MARIA
3.    HANK’S OPENER
4.    THEME FROM “LOVE STORY”
5.    MACUMBA SUITE in Four Movements
Twilight In The Favelas
Procession To The Terreiro
Omulu
Cumprimento
6.    MALAGA