An appropriately titled collection; I can do no more than quote off the liner note: "AMONG THE MOST SWINGING OF ALL KENTON BANDS. THE '56 ENSEMBLE STRUTS ITS STUFF IN A PULSATING CONCERT PERFORMANCE LOADED WITH BILL HOLMAN CHARTS."
The major pluses for me are the informative liner notes without the usual excess of reverence; accurately placing the band in time and explaining the artistic differences between the leader and Bill Holman.
The album cover neatly uses colour coding as above to indicate the character of individual tracks to a less informed buyer rather than trying to impress black belt supporters with inside knowledge that confuses or discourages a casual buyer.
The fact that the consumate recording artist of the time WALLY HEIDER was involved is another considerable plus.
12 of the 17 tracks involve Bill Holman's arrangements. I have noted the feverish way collectors seek out unreleased performances by the Kenton Orchestra. Many are lamentable in sound quality. No problem here, the sound is well defined and will appeal to listeners other than the completist collectors.
For me this is one of the better Stan Kenton releases. Watch out for some of the finest Fontana and Perkins you will here.
You can obtain it, or get further information via the Tantara link above or check out Amazon.
Stan Kenton Orchestra: Cool Hot And Swinging 'LIVE'
San Bernadino Civic Auditorium , California February 2nd 1956