Band leader/pianist Stan Kenton is known for his superheated, shouting brass sections and eccentric conceptualizations for big bands, and this 1952 recording shows why. The set opens with "Prologue (This Is an Orchestra!)," in which Kenton delivers a spoken-word explanation of the unit's purpose and introduces the members to the listener. The star-studded lineup includes Lee Konitz and Vinnie Dean on alto saxophones, Richie Kamuca and Bill Holman on tenor saxophones, Bob Gioga on baritone, five trumpets (including Maynard Ferguson), five trombones (including Frank Rosolino), and Sal Salvador on guitar. The CD reissue contains four additional tracks not on the original release. --John Swenson