I am a lifelong classical pianist who played big band music from age 13 to 18. During these years, my father, a former big band trumpet player, introduced me to the music of Stan Kenton. The effect was that of steel being drawn to a huge magnet. I have come to realize there was no force in ALL OF MUSIC like Stan Kenton. I remember hearing Kenton live in the St. Louis Kiel Auditorium. It was like going to an orchestra concert, except he didn't use strings. We bathed in the intense washes of sound, as entire sections played solos. Polychords abounded. It was an absolutely amazing experience. Kenton presided at the 9' Steinway, and was a gracious "host" of the evening. Sadly, since he was on tour, he was carrying a core of regulars, while picking up quite a few players at each stop. A purist or historian may have been able to tell the difference between what we heard and the sound of musicians who played with Kenton all the time, but for me, it was an unforgettable experience. It is sad that this video has--in 2024--only 129 "likes". Stan Kenton was an important American musician, as Alkan was important in piano composition in the late 19th Century. Both of these men deserve to be remembered for their singular and unforgettable contributions to music.
Although I knew the name, I had never known of Stan Kenton’s important role - the missing link in the evolution of jazz out of the ballroom and into the concert hall. So this an important step in the birth of the cool - American classical music, as it evolved from a spontaneous expression of joy and celebration into a complex and totally new art form that helped define the new post-war age of America and its own unique musical forms. Invaluable lesson in the history of American culture Richard. You should teach all this at degree level.
I had the same experience. I knew of him and always viewed him as a swing orchestra leader. Little did I know of his leaving swing behind and exploring progressive music. My father inlaw who grew up with swing at his popular music, is not aware of Kenton's "modern" leanings and would be abhorred if he heard his later music. I relish knowing that fact!
Look… I’m a musician and journalist who actually met Basie, Kenton and others. Stan Kenton IS brilliant… and absolutely could not swing PERIOD. And Innovations in Modern Music is among the most important works of art made during the 20th century. Both things - he’s a genius and yet can’t swing - can be and are simultaneously true.
Saw Iron butterfly in wait chapel... Next week saw Kenton's band... excellent orchestra seats for both... Kenton's band was louder...😅 As loud as led Zeppelin 😂
I am a lifelong classical pianist who played big band music from age 13 to 18. During these years, my father, a former big band trumpet player, introduced me to the music of Stan Kenton. The effect was that of steel being drawn to a huge magnet. I have come to realize there was no force in ALL OF MUSIC like Stan Kenton. I remember hearing Kenton live in the St. Louis Kiel Auditorium. It was like going to an orchestra concert, except he didn't use strings. We bathed in the intense washes of sound, as entire sections played solos. Polychords abounded. It was an absolutely amazing experience. Kenton presided at the 9' Steinway, and was a gracious "host" of the evening. Sadly, since he was on tour, he was carrying a core of regulars, while picking up quite a few players at each stop. A purist or historian may have been able to tell the difference between what we heard and the sound of musicians who played with Kenton all the time, but for me, it was an unforgettable experience. It is sad that this video has--in 2024--only 129 "likes". Stan Kenton was an important American musician, as Alkan was important in piano composition in the late 19th Century. Both of these men deserve to be remembered for their singular and unforgettable contributions to music.
I love Stan Kenton's music and I loved this documentary! Thank you for producing it!
Kenton was such a hip arranger and had the movie star looks as well
Lifelong fan here. Thanks for this!
Thank you for this incredible bio on Kenton.
Although I knew the name, I had never known of Stan Kenton’s important role - the missing link in the evolution of jazz out of the ballroom and into the concert hall. So this an important step in the birth of the cool - American classical music, as it evolved from a spontaneous expression of joy and celebration into a complex and totally new art form that helped define the new post-war age of America and its own unique musical forms. Invaluable lesson in the history of American culture Richard. You should teach all this at degree level.
I had the same experience. I knew of him and always viewed him as a swing orchestra leader. Little did I know of his leaving swing behind and exploring progressive music. My father inlaw who grew up with swing at his popular music, is not aware of Kenton's "modern" leanings and would be abhorred if he heard his later music. I relish knowing that fact!
Great job!
What a great channel! I mean such great topic stan kenton!!!
Well done.
Stan Kenton changed my musical approach while attending his clinics with Erskine on drums.
Would like to hear more about Michael F.
Great presentation. Instead of it being a Jazz Orchestra, he was an Orchestra that had a Jazz Style
Look… I’m a musician and journalist who actually met Basie, Kenton and others. Stan Kenton IS brilliant… and absolutely could not swing PERIOD. And Innovations in Modern Music is among the most important works of art made during the 20th century. Both things - he’s a genius and yet can’t swing - can be and are simultaneously true.
The bill Russo chris Connor era ,my favorite
Richard, help me out w the 'Pillow Farm' euphemism, please ? ("would've ended up in some pillow-farm, high in the Hollywood Hills")
It means a rest home, or an asylum, or a drug rehab where you rest all day, on a pillow.
Saw Iron butterfly in wait chapel... Next week saw Kenton's band... excellent orchestra seats for both... Kenton's band was louder...😅 As loud as led Zeppelin 😂
Bob Thurber
He told me not to quit guitar after hearing me solo!
It's a well known fact listening to Stan Kenton can sometimes cause your ears to produce excess ear wax ...and that's a cool thing 😎😎