Search - Stan Kenton :: With the Danish Radio Big Band

Unearthed Treasure

John Tapscott | Canada | 03/18/2003

(4 out of 5 stars)

"In March 1966, Stan Kenton was invited to bring some of his band's music to Denmark and conduct the Danish Radio Big Band in concert. Some 36 years later the concert recording has finally been unearthed and made available on this 74 minute CD. There is no doubt that Kenton's appearance in Denmark was a major triumph. The Danish Band took on Kenton's challenging music and plays it very well. The audience responded with sustained and vigorous applause. The program is typical of what Kenton's own band would have played at the time. Most of the charts come from the fertile mid '50's and early 60's period. Six charts come from the mellophonium era (seven if you count the Cuban Fire Suite Medley which was played by the Mellophonium band). These charts sound complete as the mellophonuim parts are played by a 4 man French horn section. Several of the charts such as Love for Sale and Interlude reach further back into Kenton's history. The latter chart in particular, is intriguing. Taken at a very slow tempo, the six(!) trombones bring out a depth to this chart which I've never quite noticed before. Every track on the CD is strong, but a couple of them are particularly outstanding, espcially Bill Holman's arrangements of Limehouse Blues and Stella by Starlight. Stella features the brilliant Swedish alto saxophonist Rolf Billbeg who occasionally guested with the band. Billbeg died shortly after this date, but his Lee-Kontiz inspired alto is particularly inspired on this track. Other strong soloists and performers throughout the CD include tenor axohonist Uffe Karsov (featured on
Yesterdays), lead trombonist Torolf Molfaard (always a key chair in Kenton's music) and drummer Bjarne Rostvold (who swings the band with finesse and power). Two percussionists, John Steffensen and Per Neilsen, help to give a strong latin groove to several of the charts. Many jazz fans will recognize the names of trumpeters Palle Mikkleborg and Idress Sulieman who both make impressive solo contributions. But as with most Kenton recordings, this one will be remembered for the overall sound and strength of the band and the distinctive arrangements. (Besides Holman, the other arrangers represented here include Kenton, Gene Roland, Pete Rugolo, and Johnny Richards). The recorded sound is very good, and you can sometimes hear Kenton conducting the band in his distictive way. Overall, this is a very good CD, presenting a generous slice of Kentonia. Those new to Kenton may want to start with recordings by his own bands, but if the Kenton sound is to your liking, you will find this CD to be a most enjoyable and stimulating listening experience."