Of all of the sine qua non orchestras, Stan Kenton is the most “unique” of them all. Director Mike Vax brings back the bold strokes of the legendary band with a handful of alumni and stars such as Kim Richmond/as, Jennifer Leitham/b, Scott Whitfield/tb and Charlie Ferguson/p. Signature sounds such as tight charts and big brash swing are in abundance as on “Artistry Jumps” and the saxy section work with Rich Condit and Phil Hilger on “Shazam.” Wild Latin percussion creates and avalanche for Richmond and Whitfield along with the rhythm section flying over the top on “El Manisero, La Ultima Vez” while Vax/tp and Richmond go bel canto on “ O Mio Babbino.” The woodwinds create a film noir mood for “Young At Heart” while the team bops with eas on the earnest “How High the Moon/Ornithology” which gives Ginger Berglund and Whitfield a chance at the mic. This album reminds you of an era and attitude when the name of the bandleader conjured up immediate sonic images; who does that today?