Stan Kenton's 1952
Orchestra was a very interesting transitional band, still performing some of the complex works of the prior Innovations orchestra but also starting to emphasize swing. This CD contains the rather pompous "Prologue" and
Bill Holman's complex "Invention for Guitar and Trumpet" (starring guitarist
Sal Salvador and trumpeter
Maynard Ferguson) but also
Gerry Mulligan's boppish "Young Blood" and
Bill Russo's features for trumpeter
Conte Candoli ("Portrait of a Count"), trombonist
Frank Rosolino ("Frank Speaking") and altoist
Lee Konitz ("My Lady"). ~ Scott Yanow