Album: New Concepts of Artistry in Rhythm
Artist: Stan Kenton
Year: 1953
Genre: Big Band,
Grade: A-
Of the four Stan Kenton albums released in 1953, New Concepts of Artistry in Rhythm is the best, featuring the most confident and assured conducting of the eccentric bandleader’s career. Just listen to the opening prelude, “This is an Orchestra,” a formal introduction to the Kenton philosophy as voiced by Kenton himself. In truth, I can’t decide whether I love or hate the piece — it is both pretentiously overbearing and sardonically humorous, with Kenton’s dry remarks and exquisite vocabulary serving up both thrills and chills. The climax, however, is a worthy payoff to the extensive buildup, which I guess means I love the piece after all.
The rest of the album is a progressive big band jamboree, highlighted by solos from trumpeter Maynard Ferguson and saxophonist Lee Konitz. With relatively reined-in arrangements in comparison to other Kenton recordings of the era (e.g., City of Glass), New Concepts is a welcome change of pace, still indulging his avant-garde tendencies but carefully weaving them within a pop framework. The music is challenging yet accessible.
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Hey man it’s been a while. I’ve been reading your true detective reviews (always wanted to watch it but people complaining that it was overrated and the backlash S2 got kept me from it) I got my own blog now if you ever have time I’d appreciate it if you’d read and comment on it. https://popcultureforfanatics.wordpress.com.
Let me know when you’re back to reviewing tv
Also, have you happened to watch the new seasons of Bojack Horseman and better call Saul yet?
Sorry for the late reply!
I’ve been looking to get back into TV reviewing finally now that I have some more free time, summer has been crazy busy. Obviously I’ll have to pick up with The Sopranos, but are there any shows you might suggest?
And no I haven’t been able to catch up with Better Call Saul or Bojack Horseman yet, though they are probably two of the best shows currently on TV.
Nice work on the blog, that’s some good stuff!
Thanks!