Stan Kenton - Stan Kenton Plays for Today

Legendary bandleader Stan Kenton brings his unmistakable orchestral jazz sound to contemporary songs of the 1960s on Stan Kenton Plays for Today. Rather than simply covering popular material, Kenton reshapes these familiar melodies with bold brass, sophisticated harmonies and inventive arrangements characteristic of his celebrated progressive big-band style.

The album includes imaginative interpretations of The Beatles' “Yesterday,” “It Was a Very Good Year,” “Sabre Dance,” “Spanish Eyes,” “The Sound of Music,” “Somewhere, My Love (Lara's Theme),” “Never on Sunday,” “Michelle,” “Strangers in the Night” and “Anna.”

Released on Capitol Records in 1966, the album showcases Kenton's ability to bring the distinctive Kenton Sound to the popular music of a new era while retaining the powerful brass and adventurous arrangements that made his orchestra famous.