Paul Cacia - The Alumni Tribute To Stan Kenton (1987)

This critically acclaimed album was the first time the music of Stan Kenton and his orchestra had been performed since his passing, and the last time so many of the original Kenton stars would gather together to record in the studio again. This pivotal project, gave impetus, to countless live tributes to Stan Kenton's music the world over, since its release in 1987. It was the trust in Paul Cacia as a producer, why so many stars participated, garnering accolades for the production quality, as well as the trumpet work of Paul Cacia. This album includes the memorable track "Kenton In Portrait" with the spoken thoughts of each star with music, and also includes one of Paul Cacia's most remarkable solos, Shorty Roger's arrangement of "What's New". The album features Kenton Alumni: Pete Rugolo, June Christy, Lee Konitz, Bill Russo, Shorty Rogers, George Roberts, Buddy Childers, Laurindo Almeida, Shelly Manne, Bob Fitzpatrick, Dick Shearer, Bob Gioga, Dr. Jack Wheaton, Carl fontana, Jack Sheldon, Dalton Smith, as well as the top call studio musicians that comprised the Paul Cacia Jazz Orchestra of the late 1980's.

CADENCE The American Review of Jazz & BluesVol. 14 No. 6 June 1988 Record Review - "The Alumni Tribute To Stan Kenton

Would-be producers of "tributes" should use "The Alumni Tribute To Stan Kenton" produced by trumpeter Paul Cacia as a textbook. With one exception, no attempt is made to mimic the original Kenton band. Rather, the feeling of the Kenton sound is captured in this offering. (The exception being Cacia recreating the original excitement with his upper register playing on "What's New"). Lesson One: "Stick to the 3 R's - Rugolo, Rogers, and Russo." Let them each arrange and conduct some classic Kenton pieces. Add the advanced work of the fourth "R," Johnny Richards, to get a perfectly balanced equation. Lesson Two: "Like good wine, good musicians get better with age." Take Kenton alumni like Bob Cooper, Buddy Childers, Lee Konitz, Jack Sheldon, Laurindo Almeida, Dick Shearer, and Carl Fontana; let them solo on the vintage Kenton number they played night after night in their younger years; but let them musically "comment" on these once familiar tunes with the accumulated insights and experiences of thirty-odd intervening years. Lesson Three; "Variety is the spice of a good tribute." Take a representative sampling, ranging from Kenton's classics of the '40's to one of the last compositions written just before his death. Add two previously unrecorded arrangements. Mix for contrast and balance. The result is a compilation that does more than evoke nostaligic remembrances of the honoree. Kenton vehemently bequeathed that no ghost band follow his passing. Kenton collectors will snatch up, "The Alumni Tribute," on the basis of the personnel alone. But every Cadence reader who appreciates first-class jazz, take note. Thanks to Paul Cacia, "The Alumni Tribute To Stan Kenton" lives on its own. Paul B. Matthews - Audio Critic

Paul Cacia …is recognized throughout the world and has already earned his place alongside the other legendary names in trumpet history. He is among the youngest and most renowned protege's to master teacher Claude Gordon and Cat Anderson. His early talents were acknowledged by jazz greats Louie Bellson, Don Ellis and Stan Kenton, his professional career began as 1st trumpet to Ray Anthony and the great Al Hirt Big Band in New Orleans. Signed to his first recording contract at age 21, he opened before 60,000 people with the rock group "Chicago". He also recorded with Tito Puente and Stevie Wonder, and led the powerful horn section of the Buddy Miles Express in San Francisco. His diverse career includes 7 world-class studio albums featuring his soaring unique trademark trumpet sound. Leaving Los Angeles after a quarter of a century, as a studio musician his credentials include the winter "Olympic Fanfare's" for Bill Conti, to "Highway To Heaven" for David Rose. As an orchestra leader for more than 25 years, many jazz legends have appeared in concert, and or, recorded for Paul Cacia among them: Anita O'day, Marshall Royal, Harry "Sweets" Edison, Lee Konitz, June Christy, Laurindo Almieda, Shelly Manne, Conte Candoli, Bill Watrous, Maria Muldaur, Morgan Brittany, Herb Jefferies, Paula Kelly Jr. and The Modernaires, Louie Bellson, Al Viola, Chuck Findley, Pete Candoli, Conti Candoli, Shorty Rogers, Sammy Nestico, William Russo and Pete Rugolo, et al…

~~ SESSIONOGRAPHY ~~

"The Alumni Tribute To Stan Kenton"

Paul Cacia

Trumpet Artist

Producer - Conductor - Master Mixdown Engineer

The Composers & Conductors

Pete Rugolo, Shorty Rogers, William Russo

Posthumus Arrangers

Johnny Richards, Willie Maiden, Bob Graettinger
Joe Coccia, Stan Kenton

The Guest Stars

Laurindo Almeida, June Christy, Lee Konitz
Jack Sheldon, Carl Fontana, Bob Cooper, Bob Gioba
Ray Reed, Buddy Childers, Dalton Smith
Milt Bernhart, Bob Fitzpatrick, Dick Shearer, George Roberts

The Modern Studio Masters

The Trumpet Section

Charlie Davis, Walt Johnson, Wayne Bergerson,
George Graham, and Joe Davis

The Trombone Section

Dick Shearer, Bob Fitzpatrick, Gary Tole
Rich Bullock, and Mike Wimberely

Tuba

Jim Self

The Horn Section

Jim Avery and Nathan Campbell

The Sax Section

Ray Reed, Dr. Ruben Leon
Dr. Thom Mason, Phil Feather and Jim Quam

The String Section

Concert Master - Bill Henderson
Violin - Vanessa Kibbe, Susan Chatmar, Pamels Henderson, Jimbo Ross
Viola - Arthur Zadinsky, Terence Glenny
Cello - Matthew Cooker, Kevin Torfeh

The Rythm Section

Piano - Alex Galvan, Bass - Roger Spencer / Dave Stone Guitar - Peter Woodford
Drums - Jerry McKenzie / Gregg Fields / Dave Marks
Percussion - Brad Dutz

The Guest Soloists

Sydney Lehmen, Dr. Jack Wheaton and Roy Wiegand

Special Participants

Mike Angelos, Louise Baptist, Tom Barrett, Gary Bueschart, Eric Byak,
Tony Candella, Steve Cannon, Dan Gotschall, Reese Henson, Karen Kinnier,
Joe Mericle, Pierre Michelou, Mike Pacheco, Mike Price,
John Sandhagen, Mike Snyder, John Madrid,
Joe Marcinkiewicz

TRACK LIST:

1. 23 N & 82 W 3:57
2. Lonesome Road 4:15
3. What's New 3:25
4. Stella By Starlight 5:26
5. Artistry In Silhouette 3:37
6. Autumn In New York 3:05
7. Solitaire 4:30
8. Kenton In Portrait 14:13
9. All Or Nothing At All 4:06
10. I Have Dreamed 4:16
11. Nightingale 4:05
12. Artistry In Rhythm 2:22