This great edition of the Kenton band performs one of composer/arranger Johnny Richards' masterpieces. It's a seven part suite called "Cuban Fire". Richards was born in Mexico of Spanish and Mexican parentage and this suite reflects not only his influences from the great modern classical composers like, Bartok, Stravinsky, Hindemith etc but also his Latino background. This edition of the Kenton band was fill of great soloists and they add to the expansive drama of this suite. Players like saxophonists, Lucky Thompson, Bill Perkins and Lennie Niehaus all solo here as do trombonists Carl Fontana, Bob Fitzpatrick and Kent Larsen. Trumpeters, Vinnie Tano and Sam Noto are heard as well . The Kenton band is driven by guitarist Ralph Blaze, bassist Curtis Counce and drum great Mel Lewis and is also driven by a Latin percussion ensemble and two tympani players. "Cuban Fire" is one of Kenton's best recordings and a favorite of people who don't really like the Kenton band! "Fuego Cubano!" on tap tonight!

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