Search - RadioAction :: HI-FI

RadioAction has released its first CD entitled HI-FI. A program of both standards and band originals explores many states of mind and music, all pursued ardently with a signature meshing of expressive freedom and tensile strength. From saxophonist Graham's take-no-prisioners Explosion, which opens proceedings at full bore and then finds reserve resources to reach fever pitch, through his ruminative, intense More or Less, here is a recording which holds nothing back. Dizzy Gillespie's Con Alma is both airy and sizzling, a neat trick. Their Russian Lullaby burns like mad, without sacrificing the melodic richness of Irving Berlin's composition. Pianist Ashe's contributions are lilting, yet also rhythmically and harmonically dense. Composition, arrangement and improvisation all receive their due, each phrase and voicing imbued with intelligence, inspiration and passion.