RIAS Big Band: Kenton Tribute

Germany is an alphabet soup of fabulous big bands supported by radio stations. These orchestras include the WDR, SWR, HR, NDR and RIAS big bands. In 1995, the RIAS (Radio In American Sector) Big Band's leader, Jiggs Whigham (above), led the orchestra in a sweeping and fabulous tribute to Stan Kenton. The video recently went up at YouTube.

Among the Kenton alums embedded in the band are Conte Candoli, Bud Shank, George Roberts and John von Ohlen with an appearance by Bob Flanigan.

Here's the full personnel: Conte Candoli (above), Till Brönner, Greg Bowen, Dieter Bilsheim and Christian Grabandt (tp); George Roberts, Thomas Loup, Dan Gottshall, John Marshall and Andreas Grossmann (tb); Bud Shank and Stephan Abel (as); Walter Gauchel and Gregoire Peters (ts); Helmut Brandt (bs); Kai Rautenberg (p); Hajo Lange (b) and John von Ohlen (d).

The playlist...

1. Eager Beaver
2. Collaboration
3. Fascinating Rhythm
4. Lover Man
5. Pennies From Heaven
6. Concerto to End All Concertos
7. Makin' Whoopee
8. Intermission Riff
9. Peanut Vendor
10. A Little Minor Booze (comp./arr. by Willie Maiden)
11. My Old Flame
12. Cherokee
13. Portrait Of a Count
14. Stompin' at the Savoy
15. Bein' Green
16. Day In, Day Out (Four Freshmen)
17. Angel Eyes (Four Freshmen)
18. After You (Four Freshmen w/ Bob Flanigan)
19. There'll Never Be Another You (Four Freshmen)
20. Artistry In Rhythm

Here's the video...