Search - Stan Kenton Alumni Band :: Stan Kenton Alumni Live on the Road

No Ghosts Here!!

John Tapscott | Canada | 03/10/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Though this CD is listed under Stan Kenton's name, this band was actually organized and led by ex-Kenton lead trumpeter Mike Vax. The full title is "LIVE...On the Road - The Mike Vax Big Band featuring Alumni of the Stan Kenton Orchestra."Kenton did not want a ghost band to carry on his legacy after his death, and took legal steps to prevent that from happening. Yet I believe Kenton would have greatly approved of this orchestra. Half of the chart come from Kenton's book and 2/3rd's of the musicians played with Kenton, but this is a progressive, forward-looking jazz orchestra in the best Kenton tradition. There are no ghosts here!The 14 tracks on this 70 minute CD were recorded before appreciative audiences during the band's spring 2001 tour, and everything here from the ensemble work, to the soloists, to the recorded sound, is first rate. (The recorded sound, though very clear, is a bit distant, so you have to turn up the volume for the band's power to really come through). But from the moment you hear the opening track, the classic Johnny's Richards chart on Speak Low with a warm trombone solo by Curtis Fox, you know you are in for a real treat. Naturally, the band evokes the Kenton sound, but once again, this is no ghost band, and even plays the Kenton charts in its own way. Bill Holman's great chart on Stompin' at the Savoy, for example, swings differently than Kenton's versions, and sounds the way Woody Herman might have played it. The real star of this CD is the lead altoist Kim Richmond, who contributes both an outstanding chart and outstanding solo on
"Everything Happens to Me", plus two challenging original charts - the powerful "Big Sur" and the especially intriguing "Fall Ascending", which requires several listenings to fully absorb. Joel Kaye contributes his orginal "Circe" with outstanding trombone section work and another great Richmond solo. Bruce Johnstone brings his original "Sunrise Lady" (from the Herman book) and scores with his baritone solos. Gary Hobbs is revealed as one of the great big band drummers of our time, setting up each chart perfectly with a great combination of powerful swing, sensitivity, and driving fills. Percussionist John Akal adds a great deal to the rhythmic strength and power of this band. Steve Huffsteter contibutes excellent trumpet solos plus an advanced Spanish-tinged chart in Espania. Tenor saxophonist Pete Gallio is a new name to me, but plays several monster solos.By any standard, this is a great big band album. The musicians on the band sound really together and were clearly having a great time. Turn up the volume and you will be swept into big band bliss. The producers have strongly hinted that if sales of this CD are adequate, a second CD from the tour will be forthcoming. Therefore, if you're a big band fan, please hit the buy it now button. I want to hear more of this great band, and you will, too. Highly recommended."