Stan Kenton - the Swing Era DVD (1 Disc) (UK)

Starring: Stan Kenton
Dvd Release: 3rd March, 2003
Number Of Discs: 1
Format: NTSC, Region 2 Encoding

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Stan Kenton, was an American jazz pianist, vocalist & bandleader known for his innovations in jazz music. He was born in Wichita, Kansas, but raised in California. He learned piano as a child & toured with various bands in his teens. In 1941 he formed his own band & reached the height of his popularity by 1953. Many of his band arrangements were written by Kenton himself, as well as other composers such as Gene Roland, Pete Rugolo & Ken Hanna. The music made use of powerful brass sections & unconventional saxophone voicings, demonstrating his love of experimentation. Innovations Orchestra, Neophonic Orchestra & Mellophonium Orchestra. Artistry in Rhythm was Kentons theme song throughout many recordings & concert performances. Noted band personnel included Art Pepper, Shelly Manne & Buddy Childers. Kentons music evolved with the times throughout the 1960s & 70s & included elements from classical music as well as rock music rhythms. His final performance was in August 1978, a year before he passed away.