Stan Kenton - The Classic Albums Collection: 1948-1962 (2018)

A pivotal figure in the development of big band music during the 20th century, Stan Kenton's work opened up a whole new world of possibilities within the genre, dragging it up from its traditional roots into a thrilling form that had previously been unimaginable.

A highly skilled pianist, arranger and composer, Kenton's style brought together jazz with elements of classical and avant-garde, producing a new sound that he dubbed ''progressive jazz''.

Even within the ambitious nature of his most left-field music, Kenton remained a success during his entire lifetime, both commercially and critically, releasing as he did an eclectic array of classic albums across the tenure of his career, but with a notable pioneering spirit from the advent of progressive jazz in the late 1940s, through to his most challenging work in the early 1960s.

Without equal in so many respects, Stan Kenton remains one of the finest jazz bandleaders of all. This collection, spanning over five hours of music across four discs, provides a taste of the most pioneering music the great man was responsible for and a fraction of his enormous body of work, albeit one that illustrates well his eclectic and challenging spirit. Providing a perfect introduction to the best of this musical genius' output, the collection additionally acts as a welcome reminder to those already familiar with Kenton's esteemed catalogue.