Geoff Stradling - Les Is Mo - COMPACT DISCS [CD]

Aram Khachaturian conquered the world with the boundless delight he took in composing. His Sabre Dance found it's place in advertising, his Adagio from the ballet Spartacus accompanied a cult series, and prominent ice skating pairs danced their way into the hearts of their spectators to the Waltz from his stage music to Lermontov's Masquerade. On the other side, his symphonic music and concertante works even today continue to attract the greatest conductors and soloists. A unique, often imitated, but never reproduced synthesis consisting of fascinating instrumental virtuosity, exotic melodies, highly imaginative harmonies, and irresistible rhythmic spirit distinguishes the three concertos and three concert rhapsodies written by Aram Khachaturian during 1936-46 and 1961-67, and this double trilogy begins it's cpo journey with the earliest and latest of these works. The Armenian pianist Stepan Simonian, who resides in Hamburg, the Russian conductor Daniel Raiskin, and the Rhine State Philharmonic, which Aram Khachaturian himself accompanied a good forty-five years ago during his visit to Germany, get things going on this quasi-authentic recording of these two concertante works for piano and orchestra timelessly reflecting each other like a mirror in a mirror.

Chicago tenor saxophonist Geof Bradfield returns with a new recording featuring the stellar rhythm section of pianist Ron Perillo, drummer George Fludas & bassist Clark Sommers. Roundly lauded for his debut recording, InchRule of Three,Inch Urban Nomad further displays the rhythmic flexibility, harmonic sophistication and lyrical phrasing of Bradfield's dynamic and vital voice. Through a collection of original compositions topped off by several standards such as InchYou're My EverythingInch and InchCon Alma,Inch this seasoned quartet plays with undeniable command and conviction. InchBradfield's blowing mixes grits' n gravy with erudition.Inch - Downbeat Magazine.

... superb. Stradling is a composer of unusual and original melodies and arrangements that are thoughtful, intelligent, and emotive. - Amazon. Los Angeles-based composer/arranger/keyboardist Geoff Stradling has spent most of his decades-long career focused on the success of other's films, TV shows and albums he's been associated with. All along, his StradBand acted as a workshop for his concepts and a collective project for many of his colleagues. With Nimble Digits, the band takes center stage, highlighting the wide breadth of the modern jazz orchestra - from the styles originated by Gil Evans, to post-Miles fusion, to Afro-Cuban and Afro-Brazilian influences. He wields his ensemble the way the best bandleaders always have, playing to individual musicians' strengths while maintaining a strong & personal harmonic, contrapuntal, and textural thematic throughout. L.A.'s musical talent pool is dozens deep at every chair, and many of it's brightest stars are here, with thirty-one musicians bringing Stradling's music to life.