Pete Rugolo - Rugolo Plays Kenton

In this period of the development of music, when many know how to orchestrate but few are gifted with the ability to also compose, Pete Rugolo stands as one of the rare. 

His thorough training in the technique of creating music has given him the knowledge to build music of rich harmonic content. The years spent in close association with Pete have been some of the most rewarding in my career. As well as contributing to my orchestra to a tremendous extent, in being able to work with him in collaboration, he also became my teacher. 

Today the Rugolo influence on music is heard everywhere. His voicings, phrasings, harmonic progressions, and technique in general are copied by all of us. 

In spite of all he has done, I feel his greatest is yet to come. I'm grateful and flattered that Pete Rugolo felt enough for some of my music to devote this album to it. *Stan Kenton (liner notes)*

Most of these fine 1958 recordings are re-creations of some of the great instrumentals made famous by the Stan Kenton orchestra of the Forties, with all writing done by Stans former chief arranger, Pete Rugolo. Describing Petes musical talents, Kenton declared: His thorough training in the technique of creating music has given him the knowledge to build music of rich harmonic content. The years spent in close association with Pete have been some of the most rewarding in my career. As well as contributing to my orchestra to a tremendous extent, in being able to work with him in collaboration, he also became my teacher. Its no surprise that The Pete Rugolo Orchestra plays compositions introduced by Stan Kenton is a challenging and stimulating album. *Jordi Pujol*

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* 

Side 1

1 - Eager Beaver

(Stan Kenton)

2 - Painted Rhythm

(Stan Kenton)

3 - Minor Riff

(Stan Kenton, Pete Rugolo)

4 - Concerto For Doghouse

(Stan Kenton)

5 - Sunset Tower

(Stan Kenton)

6 - Concerto To End All Concertos

(Stan Kenton)

Side 2

7 - Artistry In Rhythm

(Stan Kenton)

8 - Southern Scandal

(Stan Kenton)

9 - Opus In Pastels

(Stan Kenton)

10 - Theme To The West

(Stan Kenton, Pete Rugolo)

11 - Artistry In Boogie

(Stan Kenton, Pete Rugolo)

12 - Capitol Punishment

(Stan Kenton, Pete Rugolo)

#1, #7, #12:

Al Porcino, Ollie Mitchell, Buddy Childers, Don Fagerquist (trumpets); Milt Bernhart, Frank Rosolino, Harry Betts (trombones); Kenny Shroyer (bass trombone); Bud Shank, Harry Klee (flute, alto sax); Bob Cooper, Dave Pell (tenor saxes); Chuck Gentry (baritone sax); Claude Williamson (piano); Howard Roberts (guitar); Don Bagley (bass); Red Callender (tuba); Shelly Manne (drums).

Recorded at Capitol Studios, October 25, 1958.

#2 to #6 and #8 to #11:

Al Porcino, Ollie Mitchell, Buddy Childers, Don Fagerquist (trumpets); Milt Bernhart, Frank Rosolino, Dick Nash (trombones); Kenny Shroyer (bass trombone); Bud Shank, Harry Klee (flute, alto sax); Bob Cooper, Dave Pell (tenor saxes); Chuck Gentry (baritone sax); Claude Williamson (piano); Howard Roberts (guitar); Don Bagley (bass); Red Callender (tuba); Shelly Manne (drums).

Recorded at Capitol Studios, October 26, 1958.

Arranged and directed by Pete Rugolo