Personnel:
Al Porcino, Buddy Childers, Don Fagerquist (tp), Milt Bernhart, Frank Rosolino, Dick Nash (tb), Bud Shank, Harry Klee (fl, as), Bob Cooper, Dave Pell (ts), Chuck Gentry (bs), Claude Williamson (p), Howard Roberts (g), Don Bagley (b), Shelly Manne (d)
Reference: FSRCD 461
Bar code: 8427328604611
Most of these fine 1958 recordings are re-creations of some of the great instrumentals made famous by the Stan Kenton orchestra of the Forties, with all writing done by Stans former chief arranger, Pete Rugolo. Describing Petes musical talents, Kenton declared: His thorough training in the technique of creating music has given him the knowledge to build music of rich harmonic content. The years spent in close association with Pete have been some of the most rewarding in my career. As well as contributing to my orchestra to a tremendous extent, in being able to work with him in collaboration, he also became my teacher. Its no surprise that The PETE RUGOLO Orchestra plays compositions introduced by STAN KENTON is a challenging and stimulating album.
"Since Pete Rugolo came to fame for his many arrangements for the Stan Kenton Orchestra and this was one of his last important jazz albums before he became largely a full-time writer for the studios, it seems only proper that the date finds Rugolo paying tribute to his former boss. Rugolo rearranged a dozen numbers originally recorded by Stan Kenton, including four -"Minor Riff," "Theme to the West," "Artistry in Boogie," and "Capitol Punishment"- he had co-written with Kenton. Using a big band that includes such Kenton alumni as trumpeter Buddy Childers, trombonists Milt Bernhart and Frank Rosolino, altoist Bud Shank, tenor saxophonist Bob Cooper, and drummer Shelly Manne, Rugolo does not merely re-create the past but instead comes up with fresh variations to such songs as "Eager Beaver," "Concerto to End All Concertos," "Artistry in Rhythm" and "Southern Scandal."
Scott Yanow -All Music Guide
