Stanley Newcomb “Stan” Kenton (Dec. 15, 1911 – Aug. 25, 1979) was a white pianist, composer, arranger and bandleader of original and often controversial bands.
Kenton grew up in California and learned playing piano as a teenager. Throughout the years, he performed with various territory bands, theater groups and dance bands. His early influence on piano was Earl Hines.
In 1940, Kenton formed a rehearsal band, later named “Artistry in Rhythm” after his theme song, and in the summer of 1941, they were playing regularly at the Rendezvous Ballroom in Balboa Beach, CA, and were gaining a strong following.
Like Jimmie Lunceford, Kenton loved screaming trumpets and thick-toned tenors. He admired the bands of Count Basie and Duke Ellington, but he wanted to go in another direction.
During 1941-1942, he made his first recordings, but they didn't sell well.
The orchestra struggled for a couple of years. In late 1943, the orchestra began its 25-year association with Capitol by recording the hit “Eager Beaver”. Singer Anita O'Day and tenor saxophonist Stan Ketz were with the orchestra for a brief moment.
Tabby The Cat
From that period is our song of the week. Although it was never Stan Kenton's goal to lead a band that played swing for dancers, this tune works great for dancing.
A nice, relaxed song with the typical “sharp” Stan Kenton big band sound!
[easyazon-image align=”left” asin=”B0050LKMQQ” locale=”us” height=”160″ src=”https://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/61jbqJt-KwL._SL160_.jpg” width=”160″]Title: [easyazon-link asin=”B0050LKOH8″ locale=”us”]Tabby The Cat[/easyazon-link]
Artist: Anita O'Day with Stan Kenton & His Orchestra
Recorded: 1944
Album: [easyazon-link asin=”B0050LKMQQ” locale=”us”]Great Big Band Singers – 25 Song Collection[/easyazon-link]
Tempo: 132 bpm
Dance: Lindy Hop
Click the link to download the song at
iTunes CH/EU ･ iTunes US ･ [easyazon-link asin=”B004YX5QJY” locale=”de”]Amazon.de[/easyazon-link] ･ [easyazon-link asin=”B0050LKOH8″ locale=”us”]A'zon.com[/easyazon-link] ･ [easyazon-link asin=”B004YXQ5GM” locale=”uk”]A'zon.co.uk[/easyazon-link] ･ emusic
What do you think about the this song? Share your thoughts in the comment section below!
Every Monday, I post a new “Song of the Week“.
You can find the songs also on my Spotify playlist or on 8tracks.
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Related Songs:
Song of the Week #8: “Alreet” by Anita O'Day
Song of the Week #130: “Diminuendo And Crescendo In Blue” by Duke Ellington
Song of the Week #129: “At The Clambake Carnival” by Cab Calloway
Song of the Week #128: “Me, Myself And I” by Billie Holiday
Song of the Week #127: “I Like Pie, I Like Cake” The Four Clefs
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