“Encores” Album Review
“Encores” captures the Stan Kenton Orchestra in transition. Despite the lack of cohesion, the musical performances still deserve praise.
“A Presentation of Progressive Jazz” Album Review
“A Presentation of Progressive Jazz” topped the charts in 1948. It remains one of Stan Kenton’s best albums.
“Artistry in Rhythm” Album Review
“Artistry in Rhythm,” Stan Kenton’s debut album, features top-notch performances and highly advanced big band music.
“Liberian Suite” Album Review
Duke Ellington’s “Liberian Suite” was commissioned to celebrate the country’s centennial. It was released as an album in 1948.
“Black, Brown and Beige” Album Review
Duke Ellington’s original “Black, Brown and Beige” suite premiered in 1943. Read this album review of the 1946 LP release.
“Stan Kenton Presents” Album Review
“Stan Kenton Presents” is a combination of modern classical and big band jazz that sounds remarkably ahead of its time.
Greatest Albums of the 1930s
The popularization of radio and the onset of the Great Depression led to a new era in popular music. Read about the Greatest Albums of the 1930s.
1956: A Stan Kenton Resurgence
Reviews of two Stan Kenton albums from 1956.
New Concepts of Artistry in Rhythm – Stan Kenton
Stan Kenton finally adds a little emotion and humanism to his music, which makes for his most upbeat and welcoming LP.
Ellington Uptown – Duke Ellington
The greatest album by one of jazz’s greatest musicians.
Grade: A
“Innovations in Modern Music” Album Review
Stan Kenton’s “Innovation in Modern Music” is as the title describes: one of the most ahead-of-its-time jazz albums ever made.
“Masterpieces by Ellington” – Duke Ellington
This 1951 recording is one of the first to truly show the capabilities of the album. An exceptional and highly underrated record from one of the greatest jazz musicians of all time.