Proper TCD1131 music/sound recording CD Jazz Stan Kenton Orchestra

This previously unreleased live session fills a vital gap in the Stan Kenton Orchestra discography as it is the only recording of the orchestra during 1969. Equally notable is the presence of the 23 year-old trumpeter Tom Harrell who began his illustrious career with the Kenton Orchestra, soloing on seven of the eleven tracks.

Following his break with Capitol Records this orchestra was an important step along the route that led to the formation of the Stan Kenton's 1970s full-time road band. Among the personnel were several players that would become key members, including trombonist Dick Shearer, lead trumpet Jim Kartchner, high-note specialist Dennis Noday, and saxophone/arranger Willie Maiden, who was already expanding the book with fresh charts like "A Little Minor Booze". But the player causing the biggest buzz around the bandstand was the young Tom Harrell who brought with him all the solo skills and originality associated with an experienced professional even though this was his first job with a name band.

Personnel: Stan Kenton (piano), Jim Kartchner, Dennis Noday, Tom Harrell, Rob Hicks, Skip Pfyl (trumpet), Dick Shearer, Mike Heathman, Jeff Apmadoc, Larry Moser (trombones), Graham Ellis (trombone,tuba). Charles Deremo, Mike Morris, Bob Crosby, Willie Maiden, Bob Suckosi (saxophones), Gary Todd (bass), Ray Price (drums), Efrain Logreira (bongos,congas)