playing with the Kenton orchestra and would avoid playing within a big band format during the rest of his playing career. Mathieu is very generous with his praise in this respect for the band, "...and I was especially happy with the soloists, Roger, Rolf and most especially Archie. As far as Charlie, his playing, especially on 'Django,' provided the spark and authenticity the album needed." The influence of Gil Evans writing during that period and Mathieu's admiration for Gil's writing is acknowledged. The comparison fits well but Mathieu's scores do not sound like cheap knock-offs of Evans'; his work on "Standards In Silhouette" is able to stand firmly upright on its own. Ironically, the one score which does not make the original LP is "Lazy Afternoon" (included on CD). This arrangement is directly comparable to the style and mood to Evans' originals "La Nevada" or "Bilboa Song". At 3:26 in length, "Lazy Afternoon" is far shorter than anything else recorded. Reception Reviews ...Standards in Silhouette is one of Kenton's finest albums of ballads, and is unusual in that it features exclusively the arrangements of the then 22-year-old Bill Mathieu. The selection of tunes is outstanding. From well known standards like "Willow Weep for Me" (also recorded previously by Kenton with a vocal by June Christy), Harold Arlen's "Slow Wind" and Hoagy Carmichael's "I Get Along Without You Very Well" to numbers you would not expect to hear a Kenton band performing like John Lewis' "Django," this album is an aural delight for Kenton cognoscenti and newcomers alike. WILLIAM GRIM, All About Jazz.com Track listing All arrangements written by Bill Mathieu Tracks 1-8 comprised the original LP Recording Sessions September 21–22, 1959 at the Riverside Plaza Hotel, New York City Personnel Musicians Conductor – Stan Kenton (piano on "Django" only) Arranger - Bill Mathieu Alto saxophone – Charlie Mariano Tenor saxophone – Bill Trujillo, John Bonnie Baritone saxophone – Jack Nimitz, Marvin Holladay Trumpet – Bud Brisbois, Clyde Reasinger (tracks #3,8), Bill Chase, Rolf Ericson, Roger Middleton, Dalton Smith (all track except #3,8) Trombone – Archie LeCoque, Don Sebesky, Kent Larson Bass Trombone – Jim Amlotte, Bob Knight Bass – Pete Chivily Drums – Jimmy Campbell Bongos - Mike Pacheco ("Lazy Afternoon" only) Production Producer (LP): Lee Gillette Recording (CD): Michael Cuscuna Remixing and remastering (CD): Ron McMaster Liner notes: Michael Sparke (CD) See also Stan Kenton W.A. Mathieu Charlie Mariano