Kenton Showcase

Kenton Showcase refers to two 10-inch LPs by bandleader Stan Kenton recorded in early 1954 on Capitol, one each featuring compositions by Bill Holman and Bill Russo. These albums were combined as a 12-inch LP in 1955.

Critical reception

The Allmusic review by Scott Yanow states "It's a fine showcase for the two talented writers".

Track listing

All compositions by Bill Russo (tracks 1–8) or Bill Holman (tracks 9–17 & 20) unless noted.

1. "A Theme of Four Values" - 2:51
2. "A Study for Bass" - 3:34
3. "Blues Before and After" - 2:01
4. "Bacante" - 4:20
5. "Thisbe" - 2:49
6. "Egdon Heath" - 3:09
7. "Sweets" - 2:35
8. "Dusk" - 3:21
9. "Bags" - 3:05
10. "Hav-a-Havana" - 2:52
11. "Solo for Buddy" - 2:50
12. "The Opener" - 3:02
13. "Fearless Finlay" - 3:05
14. "Theme and Variations" - 2:45
15. "Kingfish" - 3:08
16. "In Lighter Vein" - 2:42
17. "Of All Things" - 3:18 <small>Bonus track on CD reissue</small>
18. "Lover Man" (Jimmy Davis, Ram Ramirez, Jimmy Sherman) - 4:21 <small>Bonus track on CD reissue</small>
19. "My Funny Valentine" (Richard Rodgers, Lorenz Hart) - 3:17 <small>Bonus track on CD reissue</small>
20. "Bags" [alternate take] - 2:32 <small>Bonus track on CD reissue</small>

• Recorded at Capitol Recording Studios in Hollywood, CA on March 1, 1954 (tracks 14 & 16–19), March 2, 1954 (tracks 1, 4, 8, 10–13 & 15) and March 3, 1954 (tracks 2, 3, 5–7, 9 & 20).

Personnel

• Stan Kenton - piano, conductor
• Buddy Childers - trumpet
• Vic Minichiello - trumpet
• Sam Noto - trumpet
• Don Smith - trumpet
• Stu Williamson - trumpet
• Joe Giavardone - trombone
• Milt Gold - trombone
• Bob Fitzpatrick, Frank Rosolino - trombone
• George Roberts - bass trombone
• Charlie Mariano - alto saxophone
• Dave Schildkraut - alto saxophone
• Mike Cicchetti - tenor saxophone
• Bill Perkins - tenor saxophone
• Tony Ferina - baritone saxophone
• Bob Lesher - guitar
• Don Bagley - bass
• Stan Levey - drums
• Candido Camero - bongos, congas (tracks 4 & 10)

References