by Scott Yanow
Stan Kenton's final studio recording features his young no-name crew (only trumpeter Tim Hagans among the soloists is notable today) showing enthusiasm and impressive musicianship on charts by Hank Levy, Mark Taylor, and Alan Yankee. Highlights include Yankee's adaptation of Chick Corea's &Celebration Suite,& Levy's &Pegasus,& and Hagans' solos. The leader's piano is featured on Stevie Wonder's &Too Shy to Say.& This decent recording closed Stan Kenton's rather remarkable career.