Artist: Stan Kenton
Year: 1953
Genre: Avant-Garde Jazz
Put-it-on-a-Playlist: “This is an Orchestra,” “Lonesome Train”
Grade: A-
Following the highly experimental City of Glass, Stan Kenton took a necessary step backward, rightfully deciding to rein in his more serialist influences. What resulted was an artistically abundant year for his new-and-improved Orchestra — four essential LPs that earn Kenton his stature as a trailblazing jazz innovator.
Of the four albums released in 1953, New Concepts of Artistry in Rhythm is the best, featuring the most confident and assured conducting of his 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 don’t know 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, which takes a while to reach, is volcanic, making it all worthwhile, I guess.
The rest of the album is a hard-swinging jamboree, highlighted by solos from Maynard Ferguson and Lee Konitz. And though it bears more in common with traditional big band than Kenton’s earlier LPs, New Concepts is still a very avant-garde affair. Atonal melodies and dissonant harmonies clash in every composition, occasionally moving from fringe to full-blown at the drop of a hat. “Lonesome Train,” a June Christy vocal, is a surreal ballad-gone-wrong — cool jazz with a sense of dread.
The fact remains that I want to like Kenton more than I actually do. I greatly appreciate his eccentric leftism yet I do not cherish it. I’ve always found his work to be somewhat cold and distant, June Christy notwithstanding. Nevertheless, New Concepts is the most upbeat and welcoming album of the entire Kenton catalogue.
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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!