The contrasting characteristics between "Ballad Style of Stan Kenton" and "Standards in Silhouette" are as follows:

1. Emotional Impact: "Standards in Silhouette" is known for its lugubrious tempos, which are so slow they add an extra dimension of emotion to the overall effect All About Jazz. In contrast, "Ballad Style of Stan Kenton" does not have the same emphasis on extreme slowness to evoke emotion.

2. Dynamic Control: "Standards in Silhouette" demonstrates dynamic control so profound that it seems at times as if the band is playing in the silence All About Jazz. This level of control and the resulting effect on the silence is not as pronounced in "Ballad Style of Stan Kenton."

3. Musical Style: "Standards in Silhouette" has been described as not producing 'jazz' in the traditional sense, but rather classical-rooted music that appropriates jazz aesthetics The Oxford Blue. "Ballad Style of Stan Kenton," on the other hand, is more representative of the jazz genre.

4. Arrangement and Composition: The entire set of arrangements for "Standards in Silhouette" were written by Bob Graettinger, which gives the album a distinct style and approach Jazz Reader. "Ballad Style of Stan Kenton" does not have the same singular influence on its composition and arrangements.

These contrasting characteristics highlight the unique approaches and styles present in each of these Stan Kenton albums.