Kenton Showcase refers to two 10-inch LPs by bandleader Stan Kenton recorded in early 1954 on Capitol, one each featuring compositions by Bill Holman and Bill Russo. These albums were combined as a 12-inch LP in 1955.
Critical reception
The Allmusic review by Scott Yanow states "It's a fine showcase for the two talented writers".
Track listing
All compositions by Bill Russo (tracks 1-8) or Bill Holman (tracks 9-17 & 20) unless noted. "A Theme of Four Values" - 2:51 "A Study for Bass" - 3:34 "Blues Before and After" - 2:01 "Bacante" - 4:20 "Thisbe" - 2:49 "Egdon Heath" - 3:09 "Sweets" - 2:35 "Dusk" - 3:21 "Bags" - 3:05 "Hav-a-Havana" - 2:52 "Solo for Buddy" - 2:50 "The Opener" - 3:02 "Fearless Finlay" - 3:05 "Theme and Variations" - 2:45 "Kingfish" - 3:08 "In Lighter Vein" - 2:42 "Of All Things" - 3:18 Bonus track on CD reissue "Lover Man" (Jimmy Davis, Ram Ramirez, Jimmy Sherman) - 4:21 Bonus track on CD reissue "My Funny Valentine" (Richard Rodgers, Lorenz Hart) - 3:17 Bonus track on CD reissue "Bags" [alternate take] - 2:32 Bonus track on CD reissue Recorded at Capitol Recording Studios in Hollywood, CA on March 1, 1954 (tracks 14 & 16-19), March 2, 1954 (tracks 1, 4, 8, 10-13 & 15) and March 3, 1954 (tracks 2, 3, 5-7, 9 & 20).
Personnel
Stan Kenton - piano, conductor
Buddy Childers - trumpet
Vic Minichiello - trumpet
Sam Noto - trumpet
Don Smith - trumpet
Stu Williamson - trumpet
Joe Giavardone - trombone
Milt Gold - trombone
Bob Fitzpatrick, Frank Rosolino - trombone
George Roberts - bass trombone
Charlie Mariano - alto saxophone
Dave Schildkraut - alto saxophone
Mike Cicchetti - tenor saxophone
Bill Perkins - tenor saxophone
Tony Ferina - baritone saxophone
Bob Lesher - guitar
Don Bagley - bass
Stan Levey - drums
Candido Camero - bongos, congas (tracks 4 & 10)