Sketches on Standards


Sketches on Standards is an album by pianist and bandleader Stan Kenton featuring performances of jazz standards recorded in 1953 and originally released on the Capitol label as a 10-inch LP.

Critical reception

The Allmusic review by Scott Yanow noted "although these concise interpretations are not essential, the music is quite pleasing". On All About Jazz Jack Bowers said "One can’t help noticing that, unlike many of today’s inseparable clones, Kenton’s soloists — most of them, anyway — are almost instantly identifiable. No one, for example, would mistake Konitz, Candoli, Rosolino or Kamuca for anyone else, and their resourceful improvisations sound as fresh today as they did half a century ago".

Track listing

  1. "Sophisticated Lady" – 3:19
  2. "Begin the Beguine" – 3:04
  3. "Lover Man (Oh, Where Can You Be?)" – 2:50
  4. "Pennies from Heaven" – 3:00
  5. "Over the Rainbow" – 3:05
  6. "Fascinating Rhythm" – 2:46
  7. "There's a Small Hotel" – 2:43
  8. "Shadow Waltz" – 2:37
  9. "Harlem Nocturne" – 3:06 *bonus track on CD
  10. "Stella By Starlight" – 3:18 *bonus track on CD
  11. "Dark Eyes" – – *bonus track on CD
  12. "Malaguena" – – *bonus track on CD
  13. "Spring is Here" – *bonus track on CD
  14. "I'm Glad There Is You – *bonus track on CD

Personnel