Pete Rugolo

PETE RUGOLO - RUGOLO PLAYS KENTON (1958)

1. Eager Beaver
2. Painted Rhythm
3. Minor Riff
4. Concerto for Dog House
5. Sunset Tower
6. Concerto to End All Concertos
7. Artistry in Rhythm
8. Southern Scandal
9. Opus in Pastels
10. Theme to the West
11. Artistry in Boogie
12. Capitol Punishment

Since Pete Rugolo came to fame for his many arrangements for the Stan Kenton Orchestra and this was one of his last important jazz albums before he became largely a full-time writer for the studios, it seems only proper that the date finds Rugolo paying tribute to his former boss. Rugolo rearranged a dozen numbers originally recorded by Stan Kenton, including four -- "Minor
Riff," "Theme to the West," "Artistry in Boogie," and "Capitol Punishment" -- he had co-written with Kenton. Using a big band that includes such Kenton alumni as trumpeter Buddy Childers, trombonists Milt Bernhart and Frank Rosolino, altoist Bud Shank, tenor saxophonist Bob Cooper, and drummer Shelly Manne, Rugolo does not merely re-create the past but instead comes up with fresh variations to such songs as "Eager Beaver," "Concerto to End All Concertos," "Artistry in Rhythm" and "Southern Scandal." ~ Scott Yanow, All Music Guide