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.
You can see it in the picture above.