Sketches on Standards

New Concepts
23º N-82º W
Portrait of a Count
Invention for Guitar and Trumpet
Improvisation
My Lady
Young Blood
Frank Speaking

album rating B–

Sketches on Standards
Sophisticated Lady
Begin the Beguine
Lover Man
Pennies from Heaven
Over the Rainbow
Fascinating Rhythm
There’s a Small Hotel
Shadow Waltz

album rating B

The most remarkable thing about this band is its identity. For many years now, Stan has led a variety of musicians, with different sounds different styles, different playing experience—all united only by the leader at the head. Whatever the differences, however, it has always come out the same–loud. precise, brilliant in its technical execution and almost never swinging, whatever the effort towards that end. The impression remains the same in these albums, the first offering no really new concepts. revealing little but the addition to the band of quite a few new Bill Russo scores, lots of room given Lee Konitz for solos, and the continuing loudness, precision, technical brilliance and unswinging force of the band. Sal Salvatore on guitar is as impressive a musician as Lee, I would gather from this album, as I would understand from the second set that the band plays an effective dance date but still misses getting a good beat. (Capitol LPs 383 426)

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Ulanov, Barry. “Record Review. New Concepts of Artistry in Rhythm / Sketches on Standards.” Metronome, June 1953: 26.