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.Vosbein, P. Stan Kenton Discography: Kenton Showcase - The Music of Bill Russo accessed April 17, 2016Vosbein, P. Stan Kenton Discography: Kenton Showcase - The Music of Bill Holman accessed April 17, 2016Watts, R., Edwards, D., Eyries, P. and Callahan, M. Capitol Album Discography, Part 4: The 12" LPs: 450-599 accessed April 17, 2016The Capitol Sessions of Stan Kenton: 1954 accessed April 17, 2016
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. "A Theme of Four Values" - 2:51 "A Study for Bass" - 3:34 "Blues Before and After" - 2:01 "Bacante" - 4:20 "Thisbe" - 2:49 "Egdon Heath" - 3:09 "Sweets" - 2:35 "Dusk" - 3:21 "Bags" - 3:05 "Hav-a-Havana" - 2:52 "Solo for Buddy" - 2:50 "The Opener" - 3:02 "Fearless Finlay" - 3:05 "Theme and Variations" - 2:45 "Kingfish" - 3:08 "In Lighter Vein" - 2:42 "Of All Things" - 3:18 Bonus track on CD reissue "Lover Man" (Jimmy Davis, Ram Ramirez, Jimmy Sherman) - 4:21 Bonus track on CD reissue "My Funny Valentine" (Richard Rodgers, Lorenz Hart) - 3:17 Bonus track on CD reissue "Bags" [alternate take] - 2:32 Bonus track on CD reissue 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