HutchFan

Yes. Absolutely.

Now: Jarrett's American Quartet at the top of their game. My LP is a 1980s MCA reissue. Earlier this morning: I LOVE Quincy's arrangement of Paul Simon's "Bridge Over Troubled Water." Quincy makes the song's roots in the black church much more clear compared to S&G's version. Those choir-like trombone voicings! Yowza! And amazing singing by Valerie Simpson. . . . I think this LP is right up there with Quincy's very best records. And, incidentally, the AQ of the vinyl is superb -- just like the music.

O.K. I'll check it out! Thanks.

Yeah, that makes complete sense. Kenton's reliance on arrangers sort of reminds me of the way arrangers -- like, say, Neal Hefti, Quincy Jones, or Sammy Nestico -- influenced the sound of Basie's New Testament band. But with Kenton the arrangers are even MORE central & influential. With Basie, there's a through-line, a sonic consistency, regardless of the arranger. Basie has his sound on piano and his approach to rhythm. That signature is always there. OTOH, with Kenton's band, it seems like the music is much more subject to change, depending on the arranger and/or composer. Interesting that you say that. The record that prompted this splash-about in the Kenton pool is Live at Brigham Young University from 1971. It's definitely late-in-the-game "true believer" stuff. Lots of Willie Maiden (as soloist and arranger). And Ramon Lopez too. You hipped me to the Redlands University record, and I like that one. But the BYU album is the one that really grabbed my ear -- especially the Latin-flavored pieces like "Malaga" and "Macumba Suite."

Helen Humes - Songs I Like to Sing! (Contemporary/OJC, rec. 1960) arranged & conducted by Marty Paich

Next up: Ahmad Jamal's Alhambra (Argo, 1961) with Israel Crosby and Vernell Fournier; mono pressing I've waxed rhapsodic about this cover photo in the past, so I won't do it again.

Back on my turntable: Stan Kenton - The Comprehensive Kenton (Capitol, 2 LPs) Lately, I've been listening to quite a bit of Kenton, trying to get a better handle on his body of work. For me, it's (mostly) unexplored territory. Just curiosity, I guess, even if I don't feel like I have a all that much natural affinity for Kenton's music. . . . But maybe that will come with time and repeated hearings. Who knows?

Yes, @bresna!!! The world is manifold. Our experiences -- of both music and almost everything else -- vary. These sorts of binary arguments rarely -- if ever -- change people's point of view. So it seems pointless. Besides, comparing notes is more fun. Jim, we discuss all sorts of "old" music every day here on the forum. How is this any different?

Yes! I haven't plopped for that complete set. I'm trying to hold off. But it's tough -- because everything I've heard from that Maiden Voyage gig has been terrific.

Next up: Don Patterson - Movin' Up! (Muse, 1977) with Richie Cole (as), Vic Juris (g), and Billy James (d)

Now spinning: Vasant Rai - Spring Flowers (Vanguard, 1976) Sarod, Acoustic Guitar, Flute, Tambura – Vasant Rai Electric Guitar – Dilip Naik Oboe, French Horn – Paul McCandless Piano, Bass – Glen Moore Tabla, Congas, Percussion, Sitar, Electric Bass – Collin Walcott Violin – Jerry Goodman (4 of 7 cuts) My kind of afternoon!

Excellent. Top-shelf Hawk!

I enjoy George Benson -- both his singing & his guitar work. My father loved Weekend in L.A. and played it often. I still have the album from my dad's collection. It's music I grew up with.

Next up: Sam Rivers' Rivbea All-Star Orchestra - Inspiration (RCA Victor, 1999) Calling this group an "All-Star Orchestra" is no exaggeration: - Soprano Saxophone, Tenor Saxophone, Flute – Sam Rivers - Tenor Saxophone – Chico Freeman, Gary Thomas - Alto Saxophone – Greg Osby, Steve Coleman - Baritone Saxophone – Hamiet Bluiett - Trumpet – Baikida Carroll, James Zollar, Ralph Alessi, Ravi Best - Trombone – Art Baron, Joseph Bowie, Ray Anderson - Baritone Horn – Joseph Daley - Tuba – Bob Stewart - Bass – Doug Mathews - Drums – Anthony Cole

Tito Puente - Night Beat (RCA, 1957) Koch CD reissue

NP: I agree that Kako's music is much more classically-oriented than, say, Satoh or Kikuchi. Even so, I think he's made some excellent music. For example, I like these two albums very much: I've never heard Colour of Dream -- it sounds like I need to -- or Valencia.

Tico All-Stars - Descargas at the Village Gate (Vampi Soul) Originally released on three Tico LPs in 1966 Trumpet – Pedro Boulong, Victor Paz, Vincent Frisaura, Alfredo "Chocolate" Armenteros Trombone – Jose Rodrigues Alto Saxophone – Bobby Porcelli Tenor Saxophone – Alfred Abreu Flute – Johnny Pacheco Vibraphone, Timbales – Tito Puente Piano – Eddie Palmieri, Charlie Palmieri, Richard Maldonado Bass – Bobby Rodriguez, Israel "Cachao" Lopez Timbales – Jimmy Sabater Bongos, Cowbell – John Rodriguez Congas – Joe Calderon, Ray Barretto Cowbell – Francisco "Chino" Pozo Vocals – Jose "Cheito" Feliciano, Rafael "Chivirico" Davila, Ramon "Monguito" Sardiñas, Santos "Santico" Colon

It's surprisingly good. Or, more accurately, I should say that I like it very much. Some of it might initially strike you as cheesy, but keep listening -- because it will grow on you. Honestly, I think Tito was an astounding arranger. Plus, I find his approach to rhythm irresistible.

Arturo O'Farrill ‎- Risa Negra (ZOHO, 2009)

Now streaming: Tito Puente & His Orchestra - My Fair Lady Goes Latin (Roulette, 1964)

Rush was the meat-and-potatoes music of my high school years -- along with Genesis. Of course, I don't listen to them like I used to. But I still love them.

My daughter bought this for me: She only gave it to me last night. Looking forward to diving in.