Lush Interlude

Don Gold. "Record Review. Lush Interlude." Down Beat. 5 February 1959. 27.

LUSH INTERLUDE—Capitol T1130; Interlude; Collaboration; Opus in Pastels; A Theme for My Lady; Artistry in Bolero; Concerto to End All Concertos; Machito; Theme to the West; Lush Waltz.

Personnel: Kenton, piano and leader; Milt Bernhart, Kent Larsen, Jim Amlotte, Bob Fitzpatrick, Kenny Shroyer, trombones; George Spelvin, flute; Laurindo Almeida, guitar; Red Mitchell, Joe Mondragon, Don Bagley, bass (no tracks specified); Shelly Manne, Larry Bunker, Frank Flynn, drums (no tracks specified); plus a string section.

Rating: ★ ★ ½

The alluring aspect of Kenton’s music is that his individualistic efforts often defy classification. This means that listeners must devote some thought to his work.

This latest chapter is no exception, although it is less successful than past Ken­ton ventures. Here, Pete Rugolo has re­-orchestrated, for trombones, strings, and rhythm section, material from the Kenton library, much of which Rugolo originally composed.

There are few solos and an abundance of weaving string lines. The strings carry the load throughout, which lends a same­ness to many of the tracks, a sameness which wasn’t present originally. Although the strings are slickly handled, there is a studied air in many places that exists apart from the improvisational zest of the Kenton band.

Much of the content is strikingly melodic, indicating, at least to me, that there is material for many jazz groups in the Kenton book. Although this isn’t a set for the hard boppers, the melodic worth of the compositions makes it of interest.

Coss, Bill. "Record Review. Lush Interlude." Metronome. March 1959: 34.

STAN KENTON’s Lush Interlude, (Capitol T 1130) : Interlude, Collaboration, Opus in Pastels, Theme for My Lady, Artistry in Bolero, Concerto to End All Concertos, Machito, Theme to The West, Lush Waltz and Artistry in Rhythm, all, except Lush Waltz, re-orchestrations of Kenton classics by Pete Rugolo. Written this time for piano. five trombones, flute, guitar, bass and drum (Shelly or Larry Bunker) and over twenty strings. Kenton fans are bound to enjoy these further explorations of the familiar, filled with deep, rich sounds. Others will question the Jazz quality or more particularly the real function of the finished product. My own opinion goes along that latter line but I nonetheless enjoy the musicianship involved. (BC)

"Record Review. Lush Interlude." Billboard, 19 January 1959: 30.

LUSH INTERLUDE
Stan Kenton Ork—Capitol T 1130

Kenton presents revised. lush of his earlier favorites. Warm strings and a smooth, brass choir are creatively featured. Kenton also has several solo passages. Tempos are varied. Excellent sound is a feature. Set will appeal in both pop and jazz markets. Numbers include “Theme to the West,” “Artistry in Bolero” and “Interlude.” Attractive cover.