Christy appeared as guest vocalist on a number of Kenton's albums including Artistry in Rhythm (1946), Encores (1947), Innovations in Modern Music (1950) and Stan Kenton Presents (1950). Known for her silky-smooth vocals, this 49-track 2CD set comprises a significant proportion of the studio and 'live' recordings she made with Kenton's orchestra through until 1950, by which time she had embarked on a successful solo career, and also includes some of the duet recordings she did with Kenton accompanying her on piano in 1955. It includes their 1945 No.2 hit with Tampico along with the Top 10 hits It's Been A Long Long Time and Shoo Fly Pie And Apple Pan Dowdy and five other Billboard chart entries. It's a substantial overview of her work with Stan Kenton, and a great showcase for her distinctive talent. (Acrobat Music) 


Price:  £12.99 

Shirley Luster, Sharon Leslie and finally using the name that would bring her world-wide renown, June Christy, began her singing career at age just thirteen when she joined the local Illinois orchestra of Bill Oetzel. In 1945 after hearing that Anita O'Day would be leaving the Stan Kenton Orchestra she auditioned and successfully got the gig that would lead her to jazz stardom. Throughout the 1940s and 1950s she played, toured and recorded with the Kenton orchestra and it was while she was still with the outfit that she began her solo recording career. The high regard she was held in can be seen by the incredible line up of jazz musicians who are featured on our four fine selections. The first three are arranged and conducted by her long-time collaborator, the mighty Pete Rugolo (AMSC1176) and the fourth "Ballads For Night People" by her husband Bob Cooper (AMSC1180) who is also heard playing tenor sax and clarinet. Perhaps not surprisingly after her classic album "Something Cool" became a great success, June Christy became known as the singer from the "cool school" which was taking hold on the U.S. West Coast. Musicians you will hear on our selections include the following... Pete Rugolo, Bob Cooper, Shorty Rogers, Bud Shank, Jimmy Giuffre, Conte Candoli, Russ Freeman, Shelly Manne, Buddy Collette, Frank Rosolino, Maynard Ferguson, John Graas, Red Callender, Stan Levey and Mel Lewis. (AVID Entertainment) 


Price:  £8.99