The Jazz Project Salutes Stan Kenton by Don Scaletta

30 Jun

Written by George W. Carroll
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It's refreshing to hear a band do a tribute to a luminary such as Stan Kenton, & not sound like a 'ghost band.' It's all here: great arrangements, superb players, dynamics, taste, consummate musicianship..............Performed in the vernacular of the great master & role model. Kenton's style of band leadership was very much from a percussive backdrop...........Thus, his band rang with power, vigor, & raw force. Jazz pianist-conductor Don Scaletta has captured the ethos of Stan's musical spirit succinctly, in that his charts are delivered in a deliberate manner..........Yet, with an exciting logic. Scaletta's use of sidemen with prodigious improvisational talents is indicative of the utter acceptance this disc deserves, as well as the air play I hope it presently enjoys. The band's progressive jazz mainstream repertoire is an effective contrast & counterpoint to the many other bands out there as well who try to keep this vital idiom alive. Thanks to you all guys!!