Stan Kenton - Chiapas

YouTube ^ | January 8, 2008 | Stan Kenton Orchestra

[DoodleBob]

Stan Kenton and his Orchestra recorded in London 6 February 1972

Chiapas

Stan Kenton, Mike Van, Dennis Noday, Jay Saunders, Ray Brown, Joe Marcinkiewicz, Dick Shearer, Mike Jamieson, Fred Carter, Mike Wallace, Phil Herring, Quin Davis, Richard Torres, Kim Fritzel, Willie Maiden, Chuck Carter, Ramon Lopez, John Worster, John Von Ohlen

[DoodleBob]

The composition is from Hank Levy, who had a successful collaborative partnership with Kenton, written mostly in 5/4. It starts out as a medium tempo tune, then after the break, at the 3:10 mark, the composition and band explode into (in my opinion) a raucous big band/borderline progressive heavy metal (literally and figuratively) uptempo FFF masterpiece.

I got into Kenton after he died so I missed him live. I caught a tribute Orchestra performance a while back and was blown away by how the charts stand the test of time.

FWIW, the drummer in this performance was nicknamed Baron Von Ohlen. He was still active in Cincinnati until he died late last year. RIP.

[Steely Tom]

I loved that piece, and could play Dick Shearer's solo note for note.

This piece also shows off the Kenton trombone section: A Step Beyond.

[Fester Chugabrew]

Great band. Drummer John “The Baron” Von Ohlen was one of my mentors back in the day. Our high school band played this tune. Still comes to mind from time to time.

[Steely Tom]

Great band. Drummer John “The Baron” Von Ohlen was one of my mentors back in the day. Our high school band played this tune. Still comes to mind from time to time.

At that time, Jeff Porcaro was playing his first professional gig as drummer for the Sonny & Cher road show, having just graduated from high school.

When I listen to this music now, after so many years, I realize how many licks and musical cliches that have been revolving in my head for decades are from the Stan Kenton band.

John Van Ohlen was really awesomely good. I remember the description of the "drum shed" that enclosed his drum set, even when playing live on stage. You can hear its effect in the acoustics of these recordings.

[Menehune56]

Great music, thanks!

[Governor Dinwiddie]

A lot of great female vocalists were associated with Kenton over the years. Chris Connor, Anita O'Day, and my particular favorite June Christy.

Kenton really knew how to pick 'em.
 

[DoodleBob]

I love the Baron’s drumming. He may not have been a technical guy like Peter Erskine (who followed John in the Kenton Orchestra), but man oh man could he drive and play HARD. I was saddened to see he just recently passed away.

[DoodleBob]

I remember the description of the "drum shed" that enclosed his drum set

You can see it in the picture above.

[DoodleBob]

Ping - this may not be your cup of tea, but I’d be interested in a metal guy’s thoughts on this piece.

[Cecily]

The Four Freshmen sang with Stan Kenton too. Lovely voices.

[The Great RJ]

Saw Kenton’s band three times in 1971-72...twice in concert and for my college prom. Loved the concerts but dancing to Kenton’s music at my prom was most memorable. Still enjoy his albums.