Stan Kenton Kenton For Collectors, Vol. 2 CD

The second volume of this intriguing series of rare and previously unreleased Stan Kenton material features live and studio big band favorites from three decades of the bandleader's orchestras. It includes performances from dynamic musicians like the saxophonist Art Pepper, the drummer Shelley Manne, and the singer Anita O'Day in a variety of innovative arrangements like the Latin-inflected "Artistry Jumps," a bluesy version of Duke Ellington's "Do Nothin' Til You Hear From Me," and the gorgeously delicate "Lonely Windrose."
This second volume in the Kenton for Collectors series compiles cuts from 1940 to 1978 and is made up of live recordings, TV appearances, and audition tapes. Those familiar with the first volume in this series will no doubt be used to the dodgy sound quality of many of these performances. Still there is great volume in what has been unearthed here even if the source material comes form acetates or decaying reels of tape. There are no less than 14 arrangers involved in this material including Pete Rugolo, Bill Russo, Lennie Niehaus, Gene Roland, Bill Holman and Bill Fritz. There are numerous vocal cuts as well that feature either June Christy or Ray Wetzel. Some of the outstanding cuts include: "Opus in Pastels" from an audition tape; "Get out of Town," from the Stan Kenton Show in 1958; "Do Nothing 'Til You Hear from Me" from 1950; and a truly beautiful and lyric rendition of "My Way," recorded in concert in May of 1973. Sound quality aside, for the true Kenton fan, these volumes are indispensable. ~ Thom Jurek

Vol. 2 features more live titles of rarely heard selections, issued for the first time. The 74 minutes cover the full spectrum of Kenton's band leading career, 1940-78. Whether you're a Kenton aficionado or a casual fan, chances are you'll find several i