This LP contains six
Bill Russo arrangements, five from
Stan Kenton, and one by
Lennie Niehaus. The repertoire features many songs not associated with
Kenton (such as "Sophisticated Lady," "Pennies from Heaven," and "Over the Rainbow"), but the inventive yet melodic treatments certainly sound like the
Kenton band. The main soloists are altoist
Lee Konitz, guitarist
Sal Salvador, trumpeter
Conte Canoli, and trombonist
Frank Rosolino and, although these concise interpretations (none of the dozen performances is much over three minutes) are not essential, the music is quite pleasing. This collection is a change of pace for
the Stan Kenton Orchestra.