{"product_id":"stan-kenton-this-is-an-orchestra-paperback","title":"Stan Kenton: This Is an Orchestra! - Paperback","description":"\u003cp\u003eby \u003cb\u003eMichael Sparke\u003c\/b\u003e (Author)\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eStan Kenton (1911-1979) formed his first full orchestra in 1940 and soon drew record-breaking crowds to hear and dance to his exciting sound. He continued to tour and record unrelentingly for the next four decades. \u003ci\u003eStan Kenton: This Is an Orchestra \u003c\/i\u003e sums up the mesmerizing bandleader at the height of his powers, arms waving energetically, his face a study of concentration as he cajoled, coaxed, strained, and obtained the last ounce of energy from every musician under his control.\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eMichael Sparke's narrative captures that enthusiasm in words: a lucid account of the evolution of the Kenton Sound, and the first book to offer a critical evaluation of the role that Stan played in its creation. Insightful and thought-provoking throughout, and supported by liberal quotes from the musicians who made the magic, even at his most contentious the author's high regard and admiration for his subject shines through. The most knowledgeable of Stan's fans will learn new facts from this far-reaching biography of a man and his music. \u003ci\u003eStan Kenton \u003c\/i\u003ewill be essential reading for every Kenton devotee and jazz historian.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch3\u003eAuthor Biography\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eMichael Sparke was born in Greater London, England, and continues to live there after retiring from teaching. He was first switched on to good music after hearing Woody Herman's First Herd in 1945, and with Stan Kenton soon afterwards via Capitol shellac 78s from America sent by a pen-pal. Collaboration with the Dutch discographer Pete Venudor resulted in the discographies \u003ci\u003eKenton on Capitol \u003c\/i\u003eand \u003ci\u003eThe Studio Sessions\u003c\/i\u003e. Sparke has written liner notes for Kenton CDs on several labels, but this is his first full historical narrative about his favorite subject.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eNumber of Pages:\u003c\/strong\u003e 345\u003c\/div\u003e\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eDimensions:\u003c\/strong\u003e 1 x 8.9 x 6 IN\u003c\/div\u003e\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eIllustrated:\u003c\/strong\u003e Yes\u003c\/div\u003e\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePublication Date:\u003c\/strong\u003e June 01, 2011\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Books by splitShops","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":51771430043936,"sku":"9781574413250","price":14.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0974\/9764\/5344\/files\/8d36c1f1146cc2af80330cf67b592d5a.webp?v=1780386450","url":"https:\/\/ebocreations.com\/products\/stan-kenton-this-is-an-orchestra-paperback","provider":"The E-Book Oasis LLC","version":"1.0","type":"link"}