Kenton Showcase Explained

Kenton Showcase
Type:	Studio
Artist:	Stan Kenton
Cover:	Kenton Showcase.jpg
Released:	1954
Recorded:	March 1, 2 & 3, 1954
Studio:	Capitol Recording Studios, Melrose Avenue, Hollywood, CA
Genre:	Jazz
Label:	Capitol H 525/526
Producer:	Lee Gillette
Chronology:	Stan Kenton
Prev Title:	Portraits on Standards
Prev Year:	1953
Next Title:	The Kenton Era
Next Year:	1955

Kenton Showcase refers to two 10-inch LPs by bandleader Stan Kenton recorded in early 1954 on Capitol, one each featuring compositions by Bill Holman and Bill Russo. These albums were combined as a 12-inch LP in 1955.^{[1] [2] [3] [4]}

Critical reception

The Allmusic review by Scott Yanow states "It's a fine showcase for the two talented writers".

Track listing

All compositions by Bill Russo (tracks 1-8) or Bill Holman (tracks 9-17 & 20) unless noted.

1. "A Theme of Four Values" - 2:51
2. "A Study for Bass" - 3:34
3. "Blues Before and After" - 2:01
4. "Bacante" - 4:20
5. "Thisbe" - 2:49
6. "Egdon Heath" - 3:09
7. "Sweets" - 2:35
8. "Dusk" - 3:21
9. "Bags" - 3:05
10. "Hav-a-Havana" - 2:52
11. "Solo for Buddy" - 2:50
12. "The Opener" - 3:02
13. "Fearless Finlay" - 3:05
14. "Theme and Variations" - 2:45
15. "Kingfish" - 3:08
16. "In Lighter Vein" - 2:42
17. "Of All Things" - 3:18 Bonus track on CD reissue
18. "Lover Man" (Jimmy Davis, Ram Ramirez, Jimmy Sherman) - 4:21 Bonus track on CD reissue
19. "My Funny Valentine" (Richard Rodgers, Lorenz Hart) - 3:17 Bonus track on CD reissue
20. "Bags" [alternate take] - 2:32 Bonus track on CD reissue

• Recorded at Capitol Recording Studios in Hollywood, CA on March 1, 1954 (tracks 14 & 16-19), March 2, 1954 (tracks 1, 4, 8, 10-13 & 15) and March 3, 1954 (tracks 2, 3, 5-7, 9 & 20).

Personnel

• Stan Kenton - piano, conductor
• Buddy Childers - trumpet
• Vic Minichiello - trumpet
• Sam Noto - trumpet
• Don Smith - trumpet
• Stu Williamson - trumpet
  • Joe Giavardone - trombone Milt Gold - trombone
• Bob Fitzpatrick, Frank Rosolino - trombone
  • George Roberts - bass trombone Charlie Mariano - alto saxophone
• Dave Schildkraut - alto saxophone
• Mike Cicchetti - tenor saxophone
• Bill Perkins - tenor saxophone
  • Tony Ferina - baritone saxophone Bob Lesher - guitar
• Don Bagley - bass
• Stan Levey - drums
• Candido Camero - bongos, congas (tracks 4 & 10)

Notes and References

1. Vosbein, P. Stan Kenton Discography: Kenton Showcase - The Music of Bill Russo accessed April 17, 2016
2. Vosbein, P. Stan Kenton Discography: Kenton Showcase - The Music of Bill Holman accessed April 17, 2016
3. Watts, R., Edwards, D., Eyries, P. and Callahan, M. Capitol Album Discography, Part 4: The 12" LPs: 450-599 accessed April 17, 2016
4. http://jazzdiscogcorner.pagesperso-orange.fr/discographies_%20labels/c/capitol/instrumentals/k/kenton_stan/discography/capitol_stankenton_1954.htm The Capitol Sessions of Stan Kenton: 1954