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A great example of the Kenton powerhouse in action – a 90 minute double-live recording that really set a new standard for jazz sets of its type! The album features a side apiece dedicated to each of the three acts – one by Kenton's orchestra, one by Christy on vocals, and one by the Four Freshmen – the latter two supported by Kenton's group on their own sides, then joining together for a final fourth side that features all artists together. The approach is a great one – very vibrant, and certainly crowd-pleasing – and titles include "Artistry In Rhythm", "My Old Flame", "I Want To Be Happy", "Midnight Sun", "Day In Day Out", "Angel Eyes", and "Love For Sale".

Genius, pure genius! If you've ever wondered why folks think Stan is so great, check out this landmark set of postwar modern swing tunes – some of the most groundbreaking work of its generation, and proof that there was still a lot of room to grow within the big band format. June Christy provides some icy vocals on a few numbers, and other strong players on the set include Vido Musso, Boots Mussulli, Kai Winding, Eddie Safranski, and Shelly Manne. Arrangements are by Pete Rugolo, Gene Roland, and Stan – and titles include "Artistry In Bass", "Artistry In Percussion", "Fantasy", "Come Back To Sorrento", "Soothe Me", "Opus In Pastels", and "Artistry In Bolero".

Excellent work by composer/leader Pete Rugolo – Stan Kenton's old partner in modernist jazz, and the force behind excellent work by June Christy, The Four Freshmen, and others. This album's got a great "crime jazz" sound – with an approach that sort of starts at the Peter Gunn level, but which gets much crazier as the record goes on. Titles include "The Teaser", "Richard Diamond Theme", "Who's Sam?", "All Star", and "Teen Age Rock".

One of the few albums ever recorded by 50s vocalist Ann Richards – best known for her work with Stan Kenton in the post-June Christy days, stepping out very nicely here in a small group session! Ann's definitely got a touch of the June in her approach – but she's also a bit warmer, and slightly more lusty, and sings here with good backing that includes guitar by Barney Kessel, playing in that spare moody way he used with Julie London on her Liberty sides. Titles include "An Occasional Man", "There's A Lull In My Life", "You Go To My Head", "And That's All", "Bewitched", and "How Do I Look In Blue".