When I was 15 in 1975, I worked at Gilbert's 5-10&25 on Platt Ave in Canoga Park, California. Next door was a bar by the name of "King Arthur's Court" that was used by Stan Kenton and his orchestra for practice. My boss, the late Mr. George Yetton was an alcoholic and a regular at the bar took me in for lunch one day and I got to see the full band in action for 2 hours. He got drunk. I was mesmerized by the music. My brother held his wedding reception there in 1977. Lol P.S. We would see Rosemary Clooney arrive and go into the bar frequently as well as she sang with them at times.
God, I've loved this song ever since I first heard it fifty years ago or more (and at least three times live): lush scoring, beautiful overall shape, love the double-time section, the perfect ending. Sigh.
OK, Saxes ID’d, L-R: Teddy Anderson, Roy Reynolds (t), Terry Layne (a), Greg Metcalf (b), Alan Yankee (b). NOTES (by other posters): Teddy Anderson: “Danish (I think) guy named Teddy Anderson who filled that chair on the tour, because the American saxist bailed out of the tour at the last moment due to fear of flying." Greg Metcalf: “A good friend; unfortunately passed away in Dec. 2013."
The sax player that bailed was Dave Sova... I was in the Air Force band w/him before he got the gig. Not sure what happened to him , but I do know that he quit playing after Kenton's band...
Love the TWO BARITONES. I played baritone in my band, almost seventy years ago. This is a good rendition. But, just a little bit slower, I would like. Bass player was right on.
This was played by 5 saxophones, bass, and drum set. Piano and trombones were not present. Hand drums and trumpets did not play. It was said that his writing for the sax section was a mystery that no one could figure out, and that he took his secret to the grave.
Yes it is! Both he and Terry Layne came out of SW Washington. Not sure if Jeff Usitelo was in the band at this time, but he was ALSO another SW Washington native
I believe Jeff "Useless" Uusitalo was indeed on this tour ~ actually 1976 from the roster. Jeff left the band after December's break to return to Portland OR area.
The only thing I wish the arrangement had was an improvised solo (one of the saxes). There a few songs of Kenton’s that didn’t have an improvised solo. It’s still a great song.
It started in 1940 with alto, alto, tenor, tenor, baritone. In 1956 it became alto, tenor, tenor, baritone; during 1957 it changed into alto, tenor, tenor, baritone, baritone. From 1960 until 1971 the second baritone also doubled on bass sax.
So, Katella & Pete, is this right, L-R: XXXXXX, Roy Reynolds (t), Terry Layne (a), Greg Metcalf (b), Alan Yankee (b). Ie, Terry Layne on lead alto? Thanks!! PS: I love this! This was one of my Father's favorites (he was a bari player), and mine too.
Yes, that's right...now to find out who the far left tenor is! I'm friends with Terry and Gary Hobbs (drums) so I'll ask. Greg Metcalf (also a good friend) unfortunately passed away in December 2013.
It's a Danish (I think) guy named Teddy Anderson who filled that chair on the tour, because the American saxophonist bailed out of the tour at the last moment due to fear of flying.
Certaintly not the best of Stan Kenton. The lead alto at times sounds laboured with questionable intonation. There are betters examples of this piece. Perhaps being a live recording puts it at a disadvantage over studio versions.
@@esteer4468 I almost wish that I hadn’t originally posted my feelings about his playing. The man himself took tremendous exception to my evaluation of his poor playing and hounded me on social media for a while. Aggressive and abusive DMs and general trolling. Obviously touched a raw nerve….
Can’t ever have too much bari sax. What a lush sound.
Mas só tem um. O outro é um sax baixo. 😏
When I was 15 in 1975, I worked at Gilbert's 5-10&25 on Platt Ave in Canoga Park, California. Next door was a bar by the name of "King Arthur's Court" that was used by Stan Kenton and his orchestra for practice. My boss, the late Mr. George Yetton was an alcoholic and a regular at the bar took me in for lunch one day and I got to see the full band in action for 2 hours. He got drunk. I was mesmerized by the music. My brother held his wedding reception there in 1977. Lol
P.S. We would see Rosemary Clooney arrive and go into the bar frequently as well as she sang with them at times.
Saw Kenton at the Frog and Nightgown in Raleigh in this period -small room with phenomenal acoustics -best musical night of my life
Bravo ! Great sax section playing !
God, I've loved this song ever since I first heard it fifty years ago or more (and at least three times live): lush scoring, beautiful overall shape, love the double-time section, the perfect ending. Sigh.
simply beautiful--the Kenton sound lives on
Just Gorgeous.
Mystery or not, it is Kenton at his finest
AH>>>>the days before SUPER SAX came into it!!>.nice work boys!
The King!
It’s hilarrious when he dang the bell with his finger.
OK, Saxes ID’d, L-R: Teddy Anderson, Roy Reynolds (t), Terry Layne (a), Greg Metcalf (b), Alan Yankee (b).
NOTES (by other posters):
Teddy Anderson: “Danish (I think) guy named Teddy Anderson who filled that chair on the tour, because the American saxist bailed out of the tour at the last moment due to fear of flying."
Greg Metcalf: “A good friend; unfortunately passed away in Dec. 2013."
The sax player that bailed was Dave Sova... I was in the Air Force band w/him before he got the gig. Not sure what happened to him , but I do know that he quit playing after Kenton's band...
Love the TWO BARITONES. I played baritone in my band, almost seventy years ago. This is a good rendition. But, just a little bit slower, I would like. Bass player was right on.
I would be very grateful if the whole concert could be posted.
Que beleza!
Played Opus in WSU for Sheryl Moore's Senior Recital 1980.
This was played by 5 saxophones, bass, and drum set. Piano and trombones were not present. Hand drums and trumpets did not play. It was said that his writing for the
sax section was a mystery that no one could figure out, and that he took his secret
to the grave.
There is no mystery to Stan's writing. Just but the scores from Sierra Music :)
Kenton wrote this tune for tuning of the saxophones--as I've read.
What ever the reason, I'm glad it was written.
Is that: (left to right)_ two tenor sax, one alto, two baritone?
wowoowowo
Ashame Pete Rugolo didn't write more stuff for Kenton
Is that Gary Hobbs on drums ?
Yes it is! Both he and Terry Layne came out of SW Washington. Not sure if Jeff Usitelo was in the band at this time, but he was ALSO another SW Washington native
I believe Jeff "Useless" Uusitalo was indeed on this tour ~ actually 1976 from the roster. Jeff left the band after December's break to return to Portland OR area.
@@stevedavenport594
The Mt. Hood Community College crowd!
The only thing I wish the arrangement had was an improvised solo (one of the saxes). There a few songs of Kenton’s that didn’t have an improvised solo. It’s still a great song.
One alto sax? I always thought Kenton had two of each Sax. I guess not.
It started in 1940 with alto, alto, tenor, tenor, baritone. In 1956 it became alto, tenor, tenor, baritone; during 1957 it changed into alto, tenor, tenor, baritone, baritone. From 1960 until 1971 the second baritone also doubled on bass sax.
Eric Stegeman ok that makes sense, thanks
"Brass, take 5." >Stan Kenton
Can someone please ID the Saxes, L-R. Thanks!
all I know for sure is second from left is Roy Reynolds on tenor
And the next three towards the camera are Terry Layne, Greg Metcalf and Alan Yankee. Don't know the far left tenor.
So, Katella & Pete, is this right, L-R: XXXXXX, Roy Reynolds (t), Terry Layne (a), Greg Metcalf (b), Alan Yankee (b). Ie, Terry Layne on lead alto? Thanks!! PS: I love this! This was one of my Father's favorites (he was a bari player), and mine too.
Yes, that's right...now to find out who the far left tenor is! I'm friends with Terry and Gary Hobbs (drums) so I'll ask. Greg Metcalf (also a good friend) unfortunately passed away in December 2013.
It's a Danish (I think) guy named Teddy Anderson who filled that chair on the tour, because the American saxophonist bailed out of the tour at the last moment due to fear of flying.
Is it me, or was Terry Layne the most unsuitable of lead alto players for Stan's music?...Shockingly bad.....
are you an idiot?!
Shockingly bad?? This is one of the most tight versions of Opus in Pastels I ever heard. Perhaps your ears are shockingly bad.
Certaintly not the best of Stan Kenton. The lead alto at times sounds laboured with questionable intonation. There are betters examples of this piece. Perhaps being a live recording puts it at a disadvantage over studio versions.
@@esteer4468 I almost wish that I hadn’t originally posted my feelings about his playing.
The man himself took tremendous exception to my evaluation of his poor playing and hounded me on social media for a while. Aggressive and abusive DMs and general trolling. Obviously touched a raw nerve….