Stan Kenton - Four Classic Albums (The Ballad Style Of Stan Kenton / Standards In Silhouette / The Romantic Approach / Sophisticated Approach) (2021)

AVID Jazz continues with its Four Classic Albums series with a re-mastered 2CD release from Stan Kenton, complete with original artwork, liner notes and personnel details;

‘The Ballad Style Of Stan Kenton’; ‘Standards In Silhouette’; ‘The Romantic Approach’ and ‘Sophisticated Approach’

Perhaps we have been a little unfair to Mr Stan Kenton? Way back before our highly successful remastered 2CD re-release programme we modestly called The Classic Album Series began we featured many great jazz names. (Please check our online catalogue for a complete listing). Mr Kenton was one of the first names chosen in the as yet un-named but early iteration of the Classic Album series. We called the album ‘Artistry In Rhythm’ (AMSC912). The 2CD set contained two complete albums, the classic ‘Kenton in Hi-Fi’ and ‘Cuban Fire!’ on the second side while the first side contained a selection of top Kenton tracks. Although it didn't feature our as yet distinctive artwork I always had a soft spot for the cover! Later on when the Classic Series was under way we not only wanted to feature the top names but were also looking for perhaps less heralded jazz men to honour. From our early Kenton release we discovered Kenton bass-man Don Bagley (AMSC1231). Here we presented three hard to find Don Bagley albums but for our fourth title we hit upon the man himself for the ground-breaking ‘New Concepts In Artistry And Rhythm’. For our first authentic Classic Album release from Stan Kenton we were trying to set a mood for the entire set. Checking out his albums our four selections initially stood out for their titles! They all suggested a cool, mellow mood and indeed on listening to them all that's exactly what they did! This set features a mellow Stan Kenton enjoying a cool relaxed time with his fellow musicians both in band and orchestra format who include the likes of Bill Perkins, Richie Kamuca, Lennie Niehaus, Mel Lewis, Charlie Mariano, Don Sebresky, Pete Chivily, Jimmy Campbell, Don Fagerquist and Red Kelly. The cast is impressive, the music is even more impressive, take a listen.