After years of big band experimentation,
Stan Kenton seemed to settle into a more grounded groove on 1956's
In Hi-Fi. To his credit,
Kenton did keep things swinging before, even in the midst of high brow bombast like the string-laden, 39 piece Innovations in Modern Music orchestra and numerous jazz meets
Stravinsky projects. This uncanny balance of flow and brains came out of
Kenton's own tempered direction and fine contributions by the likes of arranger
Pete Rugolo, trumpeter
Shorty Rogers, alto saxophonist
Art Pepper, and singers
Anita O'Day and
June Christy. Thanks to a seamless mix of dazzling charts and liberal doses of
Lunceford and
Ellington-inspired swing, the marriage certainly works on
Kenton in Hi-Fi. Old hits like "Eager Beaver" and "Artistry In Boogie" sparkle in the warm glow of '50s stereo technology, while fiery renditions of "Lover" and "The Peanut Vendor" show the famous muscle of the
Kenton band. With the stellar playing of tenor saxophonist
Vido Musso, trumpeter
Pete Candoli, and drummer
Mel Lewis to look forward to, one can see why this album was not only one of
Kenton's most popular releases, but a critical success as well.