Stan Kenton: Elegy for Alto

Track

Elegy for Alto

Group

Stan Kenton and His Orchestra

CD

Stan Kenton Retrospective (Capitol 97350)

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Musicians:

Stan Kenton (piano), Buddy Childers (trumpet), Ray Wetzel (trumpet), Al Porcino (trumpet), Chico Alvarez (trumpet), Milt Bernhart (trombone), Eddie Bert (trombone), Bob Cooper (tenor sax), Laurindo Almeida (guitar), Eddie Safranski (bass), Shelly Manne (drums),

Ken Hanna (trumpet), Harry Betts (trombone), Harry Forbes (trombone), Bart Varsalona (bass trombone), George Weidler (alto sax), Frank Pappalardo (alto sax), Warner Weidler (tenor saxophone), Bob Gioga (baritone saxophone), Jack Costanzo (bongos)

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Composed by Pete Rugolo

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Recorded: Hollywood, September 24, 1947.

Albumcoverskentonretro2

Rating: 88/100 (learn more)

After disbanding his "Artistry in Rhythm" ensemble, Kenton reformed the band and called the resulting music "Progressive Jazz." Desiring to play concert tours rather than dance jobs, Stan allowed Rugolo a great deal of musical freedom, and listeners either embraced Kenton's new direction or argued that his band was pretentious, the music wasn't jazz, and it didn't swing. "Elegy for Alto" is through-composed in the then unusual time signature of 5/4. George Weidler is soloist.

Reviewer: Jeff Sultanof

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  • 1 Bob Williams // Jan 27, 2009 at 11:44 AM
    When I was in the army during the Korean conflict, I had a 45rpm recording featuring, I belive, Charlie Mariano on also. The name of the album was Stan Kentons City Of Glass. This was a very beautiful piece of music in 4/4 time in ballad format. I have been trying to find it over the years but can't seem to. I wonder has anyone familiar with this particular piece of music? Thanks for the opportunity to comment. Bob Williams