Progressive bandleader Stan Kenton emerged during the early 1940’s during the Swing Era. Like Jimmie Lunceford before him, Kenton favored high-note trumpeters and a showy approach even while he embraced then-controversial bebop along with Afro-Cuban sounds and modern classical music. Unlike most big bands of the era, Kenton’s orchestra wasn’t dance-oriented but was supposed to be a serious listening experience, with the accent on intricate arrangements and overall oomph. Many great musicians and singers were incubated in his ranks--Maynard Ferguson, Art Pepper, Lee Konitz, June Christy, and Chris Connor top the list of alumni. From the ‘60s onward, Kenton also became immersed in jazz education.