Controversial book on Stan Kenton

[brownie]

I'm not really sure I want to read that book...

from The Telegraph today.

[Big Beat Steve]

Unpleasant for sure, but as far as I can tell from that description still quite a bit away from that book that the daughter of actress Joan Crawford wrote about their love-hate relationship and her mother's ongoing cruelty etc., for example.

Not nice at all but unfortunately I guess that doesn't spare the celebrities. What I still feel hard to grasp is how somebody who suffered this actually thinks she can work this out and get it over with by draging every bit of it out in PUBLIC on purpose HERSELF after all this time. Is the public limelight the best place to apply a therapy to yourself if what you are after is NOT trying to get even with somebody?

What I'd regret so see, at any rate, is if all these incidents were lumped in with whatever self-proclaimed jazz arbitrators still have to say about the controversial aspects of the MUSICAL life and achievements of Stan Kenton. I seem to recall there have been many instances of noted jazzmen whose rather seedy/shady/shabby offstage doings and behavior had come out into the public light being defended by each and everyone on account of their artistic achievements. Quite understandable. It would be regrettable, however, if a different yardstick were applied vs. Stan Kenton by the very same ones if they happen to be among those who disliked his music in the first place.

Edited January 30, 2010 by Big Beat Steve

[John Tapscott]

There was definitely a melancholy mood to a lot of Kenton's music which may be related to something deep in his personality, an unresolved sense of regret, guilt and sadness. Who knows? But the booze sure got the better of him. This article is very sad reading, for sure. My big question is why is Leslie bringing this out now - 30+ years after his death?

[AllenLowe]

I think someone who has been victimized like that can make the decision about when or if they share it - I don't think we can possibly judge her timing; it's another form of victimization to say that this proves she is lying or exaggerating (which, John, I'm NOT saying you are claiming) - my point is that people who go through these types of things should be allowed to acknowledge or not acknowledge that they happened, according to their own time table.

anyone who has ever suffered parental abuse understands how complicated and private the feelings are, and how sometimes you have to talk about it and sometimes you have to keep it to yourself.

Edited January 30, 2010 by AllenLowe

[John Tapscott]

I think someone who has been victimized like that can make the decision about when or if they share it - I don't think we can possibly judge her timing; it's another form of victimization to say that this proves she is lying or exaggerating (which, John, I'm NOT saying you are claiming) - my point is that people who go through these types of things should be allowed to acknowledge or not acknowledge that they happened, according to their own time table.

anyone who has ever suffered parental abuse understands how complicated and private the feelings are, and how sometimes you have to talk about it and sometimes you have to keep it to yourself.

That's fair enough, Allen. A lot of Kenton fans seem to be in denial , but I think she's likely telling the truth. In any case, a couple of people "in the know" have quietly corroborated her story.

Edityed for the sake of fairness -

I have been chatting with another person today "in the know" who vehemently denies Leslie's claims.

Edited January 31, 2010 by John Tapscott

[AllenLowe]

it's terrible, and a bit like the McKenzie Phillips thing. Incest just may be the most depraved act known to man.

[Chuck Nessa]

An old friend, later not friend, told me of a sexual encounter with Kenton about 45 years ago. I thought it was "bravado" at the time. Not now.

[Tom Storer]

Edityed for the sake of fairness -

I have been chatting with another person today "in the know" who vehemently denies Leslie's claims.

Difficult to see how someone who wasn't in the room can possibly be "in the know"...

[Guest Bill Barton]

Probably not high on my list of "must-reads."

I find it rather interesting that the Telegraph editor chose to put shamanic practitioner in quotes. I have friends who are shamanic practitioners and teachers and it is serious stuff.

[JSngry]

[GA Russell]

This story is so horrible that my first reaction was that I would never be able to enjoy his music again. But after a few hours' reflection, it occurred to me that when confronted, he apparently sincerely repented.

I believe that there is redemption for all who repent, even the worst among us. So this is an opportunity for me to ask myself if I truly believe that, and I do.

[Chuck Nessa]

This story is so horrible that my first reaction was that I would never be able to enjoy his music again. But after a few hours' reflection, it occurred to me that when confronted, he apparently sincerely repented.

I believe that there is redemption for all who repent, even the worst among us. So this is an opportunity for me to ask myself if I truly believe that, and I do.

I think that is crap and I can can still enjoy the music (with another patina added for my consideration). At this point the only "redemption" available is from/for the daughter. YMMV.