Sophisticated Approach

Professional ratings

Review scores
Source	Rating
Allmusic	[4]
All About Jazz	[5]

The Allmusic review by Ron Wynn noted "Sophisticated Approach features the ensemble when it was beginning to acquire a reputation for being more interested in structure and discipline than swing. The arrangements are tight, there's a minimum of solo space, and the songs are uneven".[4] On All About Jazz Chris May said "Listening to Sophisticated Approach for more than about five minutes is an experience akin to having a sumo wrestler sit on your face. It isn't fun, it isn't jazz, and you need to come up for air".[5]

1. "But Beautiful" (Jimmy Van Heusen, Johnny Burke) - 3:18
2. "Darn That Dream" (Van Heusen, Eddie DeLange) - 2:12
3. "It Might As Well Be Spring" (Richard Rodgers, Oscar Hammerstein II) - 5:12
4. "Moonlight Becomes You" (Van Heusen, Burke) - 3:50
5. "How Do I Look In Blue" (Gene Roland, Johnny Richards) - 2:50
6. "You Stepped Out of a Dream" (Nacio Herb Brown, Gus Kahn) - 2:52
7. "How Long Has This Been Going On?" (George Gershwin, Ira Gershwin) - 4:32
8. "Memoirs of a Lady" (Richards, Blanca Webb) - 2:48
9. "Time After Time" (Jule Styne, Sammy Cahn) - 4:16
10. "Easy to Love" (Cole Porter) - 2:53
11. "My One and Only Love" (Guy Wood, Robert Mellin) - 2:37
12. "Like Someone in Love" (Van Heusen, Burke) - 4:35

• Recorded at Capitol Studios in Hollywood, CA on July 5, 1961 (tracks 1-7 & 12) and July 7, 1961 (tracks 8-11).

• In 2006, Sophisticated Approach was digitally remastered and reissued on CD with the bonus tracks:

13. "Some Enchanted Evening" (R. Rogers, O. Hammerstein) - 3:27

14. "Make Someone Happy" (Styne, Comden, Green) - 3:09

15. "Come Rain or Come Shine" (H. Arlen, J. Mercer) - 2:29

16. "Gigi" (A. J. Lerner, F. Lowe) - 2:59

17. "Bewitched, Bothered, and Bewildered" (R. Rogers, L. Hart) - 2:32

18. "Magic Moment" (H, Dietz, A. Schwartz) - 2:56

• Recorded at Capitol Studios in Hollywood, CA on December 5, 6 & 12, 1961

• Stan Kenton - piano, conductor
• Bob Behrendt, Bud Brisbois, Dalton Smith, Bob Rolfe - trumpet
• Bob Fitzpatrick, Bud Parker, Jack Spurlock - trombone
• Jim Amlotte - bass trombone
• Dave Wheeler - bass trombone, tuba
• Dwight Carver, Keith LaMotte, Gene Roland, Carl Saunders - mellophone
• Gabe Baltazar - alto saxophone
• Sam Donahue, Paul Renzi - tenor saxophone
• Marvin Holladay - baritone saxophone
• Wayne Dunstan - baritone saxophone, bass saxophone
• Red Mitchell - bass
• Jerry McKenzie - drums
• Lennie Niehaus - arranger