Friday, November 4, 2011

The Neophonic Music of Stan Kenton


The distinct, artistic vision of Stan Kenton was one of many attributes he possessed as a musician, composer, arranger, and band leader.

By World War II, when many musicians were called to serve and lots of big bands were dissolving, Kenton aimed to lead a concert orchestra accented with high-note trumpeters and thick-toned tenors. Kenton-organized groups include his first band, Artistry in Rhythm, in 1941, 19 and 39-piece bands in the 1950's, and a mellophonium band in the 1960's. His self-described style of "Progressive Jazz" has enjoyed success with Grammy Award winning albums "Adventures in Jazz" and "West Side Story".

A strong advocate for music education, Stan Kenton has been widely recognized as an innovator, composing advanced harmonies over the standard big band swing sound. To this day, the "Kenton Style" continues to be studied in jazz clinics in both high school and collegiate levels.

On Saturday November 5th, the Kentucky Symphony Orchestra celebrates the Neophonic Music of Stan Kenton - circa 1960's. This extraordinary event takes place at the Florence Baptist Church at Mt. Zion; in Florence, KY. The show starts at 8:00pm, and tickets are $28, $23, $18 (seniors), and $10 (students).

Now here's where the good news gets better:
To order tickets, visit www.kyso.org, or call 859.431.6216. As a member of the Jazz Half Inner Circle, When placing your order, specify offer code "JH2011" and get $5.00 off each ticket!

The KSO is under the direction of James Cassidy. The KSO and this event is in association with the Arts Wave and the Kentucky Arts Council.

- jh