This excellent outing by the 1961 edition of
Stan Kenton's orchestra has one classic (
Bill Holman's arrangement of "Malaguena"), a superior solo by altoist
Gabe Baltazar on "Stairway to the Stars," a feature for
Ray Starling's Mellophonium ("Misty"), a good workout by veteran tenor
Sam Donahue on "Body and Soul,"
Holman's reworking of "Limehouse Blues," and two colorful
Dee Barton composition/arrangements. This well-rounded LP (which also has some solos by trumpeter
Marvin Stamm) is one of
Kenton's best of the era. [A 1999 reissue by Blue Note added three bonus tracks and remixed sound.]