City of Glass cover

City of Glass

Stan Kenton · 1952

63 min · 16 tracks · jazz · swing · progressive jazz

A sprawling orchestral jazz journey that blends complex arrangements with a cinematic feel.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

  • dynamic exploration of orchestral textures
  • wave-like pacing with cinematic feel
  • immersive journey through soundscapes
  • thoughtful reflections during listening
  • afternoon relaxation with rich arrangements

Maybe skip if you want

  • seekers of instant gratification
  • prefer straightforward, single tracks

Where this album fits

Career context
Released in 1952, 'City of Glass' was a pivotal moment for Stan Kenton, coming after his successful album 'New Concepts of Artistry in Rhythm' from 1953. This album marks a significant evolution in Kenton's orchestral approach, embracing more ambitious and avant-garde structures. The work showcases his innovative vision at the height of the West Coast jazz movement.
Stylistic neighbors
Buddy Rich· Maynard Ferguson· Bill Holman

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

  • 1 Thermopylae 2:56
  • 2 Everything Happens to Me 3:02
  • 3 Incident in Jazz 3:28
  • 4 House of Strings 4:17
  • 5 A Horn 4:06
  • 6 City of Glass: First Movement, Part 1: Entrance Into the City 4:33
  • 7 City of Glass: First Movement, Part 2: The Structures 3:49
  • 8 City of Glass: Second Movement: Dance Before the Mirror 4:25
  • 9 City of Glass: Third Movement: Reflections 3:55
  • 10 Modern Opus 3:17
  • 11 A Cello 5:02
  • 12 You Go to My Head 3:22
  • 13 A Trumpet 4:49
  • 14 An Orchestra 4:06
  • 15 A Thought 4:55
  • 16 Some Saxophones 3:13

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata