The intro... so beautiful. Each time the chord modulates, the melody adds on a new layer, but in a fresh way so that it doesn't sound obvious. Each melody is diatonic to its chord, but since the keys modulate so often the overall melody seems chromatic. I love this... Kenton- so great!
This particular recording was recorded for an album Kenton did with a large string section and low brass in the late 1950's. It was reissued by Blue Note/Capitol on the "Kenton in Hi Fi" CD pictured above. The earlier recording is taken at a much more frantic pace. Both versions are classics on their own accords.
"Machito" was recorded on March 31,1946 by Stan Kenton and His Orchestra and was released in 1947 by Capitol Records as a 78 single, Capitol 408. The record was an early Latin jazz classic. "Machito" was composed by pianist Stan Kenton and arranger Pete Rugolo.
