Stan Kenton: This Is an Orchestra! (North Texas Lives of Musician Series)


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Stan Kenton: This Is an Orchestra! (North Texas Lives of Musician Series)

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Stan Kenton (1911–1979) formed his first full orchestra in 1940 and soon drew record-breaking crowds to hear and dance to his exciting sound. He continued to tour and record unrelentingly for the next four decades. Stan Kenton: This Is an Orchestra! sums up the mesmerizing bandleader at the height of his powers, arms waving energetically, his face a study of concentration as he cajoled, coaxed, strained, and obtained the last ounce of energy from every musician under his control.

Michael Sparke’s narrative captures that enthusiasm in words: a lucid account of the evolution of the Kenton Sound, and the first book to offer a critical evaluation of the role that Stan played in its creation. Insightful and thought-provoking throughout, and supported by liberal quotes from the musicians who made the magic, even at his most contentious the author’s high regard and admiration for his subject shines through. The most knowledgeable of Stan’s fans will learn new facts from this far-reaching biography of a man and his music. Stan Kenton will be essential reading for every Kenton devotee and jazz historian.




    Stan Kenton: This Is an Orchestra! (North Texas Lives of Musician Series) Reviews


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    6 of 7 people found the following review helpful:
    2.0 out of 5 stars ONLY FOR THOSE WHO WANT "ILLUMINATING" KENTON ANECDOTES", December 20, 2010
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    I can't help wondering if any of the 5-star reviewers really like Stan Kenton's music? If they do what then is to be gained by reading endless mean-spirited "Kenton gossip" when surely the main purpose of any biography about a musician is to increase one's pleasure in listening to their music? In this instance extremely easy because thankfully Stan Kenton's entire output is safely preserved to be discovered (and demanded) by an entirely new generation who are beginning to realize he was a monumental American original (still ostracized by the jazz establishment. I.e. only 3 unflattering pages in Ken "Burns's Jazz TV/book).

    Clearly Mr. Sparke is catering for another kind of "fan" who want Stan Kenton's musical career spiced up with quotes from contemporaneous lesser lights - who more often than not contribute something derogatory to fill Mr. Sparke's filing cabinet. Thus one learns Stan wasn't such a great composer, eventually lost his touch as an arranger and had a very... Read more
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    6 of 7 people found the following review helpful:
    3.0 out of 5 stars Good but biased, October 4, 2010
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    First let me say that I am thrilled that a new book has been written on Stan! Really
    While there are some often poetical poetic passages contained within I cant help but cringe at the unfaltering bias the author has towards the end of Stans career. As a 42 year old who first heard Kenton live with my father at the at of 6, I can say that the 70's bands were Thrilling and Fantastic! The comments in regards to comparing solos from the early years to the 70's is completely wrong. Ill give you one example of Hey Jude - I heard the Kenton version before I even knew who the Beatles were and I still prefer Kentons. The solos in this piece are breakthrough and highly engaging. Also the authors criticism of Levy's chart smake me wonder if his sentimentalty overrides his enthusiam for music. Kenton was a god. Period. Not only was he the warmest individual I ever met but the most inspiring! So for Kentons fans do read this latest bio but overlook the authors attempt to be a music critic and... Read more
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    2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:
    4.0 out of 5 stars The band's four-decade history, warts and all, April 3, 2011
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    James A. Vedda (Alexandria, VA USA) - See all my reviews
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    For long-time Kenton followers, this is an excellent read that will bring back great memories and illuminate the ups and downs of the band's history. Sparke is not shy about expressing his opinions on the musical and business decisions made over the years, and not all readers will agree with his assessments. But it's clear that this book is a labor of love by a lifelong fan, who fortunately doesn't try to sugar-coat this tribute to his jazz idol.
    This is not a traditional biography. The book's treatment of Kenton the man is mostly found at the beginning and end, while the bulk of the text is about Kenton in the context of the organization he led (which was, admittedly, the overwhelmingly dominant aspect of his life). Still, there's plenty to be learned about his devotion to his music, his generosity as a leader, and the sad decline of his health in the 1970s.
    Sparke has compiled research spanning decades, including interviews and correspondence with many of the key players,... Read more
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