The Kenton Era is a compilation album by pianist and bandleader Stan Kenton featuring recordings from 1940 to 1954 which was originally released in two limited edition box sets, as fifteen 7 inch 45 rpm discs and four 12 inch LPs, on Capitol in 1955.

[1][2][3][4][5][6][7][8][9][10] The Allmusic review by Scott Yanow states "Kenton is heard reminiscing about his first 15 years in the business, there are some selections taken from his famous 1941 stint at the Rendezvous Ballroom in Balboa, CA, numbers from rehearsals in 1944, radio airchecks dating from 1944-48, some startling performances by Kenton's Innovations orchestra of 1950-51 and a few swinging numbers from his 1952-53 big band.

Virtually all of the music is rare, making this an essential acquisition for collectors".

[11] Part 1: Prologue Part 2: Balboa Bandwagon Part 3: Growing Pains Part 4: Artistry in Rhythm Part 5: Progressive Jazz Part 6: Innovations Part 7: Contemporary Part 8: Epilogue