The Kenton Touch (subtitled Portraits in Strings) is an album by bandleader and pianist Stan Kenton featuring a string section. As with his previous album Lush Interlude, the trumpet and sax sections were omitted and Bud Shank's flute and alto sax is the only woodwind used. It was recorded in 1958 and released on the Capitol label.[1][2][3]
The Allmusic review by Ron Wynn noted "A 1958 Kenton album that's pretty straightforward and less ambitious than many during that period. The arrangements are standard, the brass section plays with more restraint and less volume, and it's among his best conventional jazz releases".[4]
Track listing
All compositions by Stan Kenton and Pete Rugolo except where noted.
"Salute" (Rugolo) - 3:52
"Monotony" - 3:41
"Elegy for Alto" - 3:34
"Theme for Sunday" (Kenton) - 5:16
"Ballade for Drums" (Rugolo) - 3:09
"Minor Riff" - 3:28
"The End of the World (Early Duke)" (Rugolo, Steve Allen) - 2:27