Les is Mo'

Geoff Stradling is a highly accomplished composer, arranger, and musician living in Los Angeles. This is his debut work as a group leader and it is superb. Stradling is composer of unusual and original melodies and arrangements that are thoughtful, intelligent, and emotive. All compositions are by Stradling except "Stella by Starlight", presented here in an unexpected and pleasing arrangement that transforms the tune. The other players here are top-class LA musicians, including the masterful Rick Keller on saxophones, and two exciting rhythm teams, the jaw-dropping Bruce Lett (bass) and Dave Karasony (drums) on most tracks, and the Latin-jazz team of Rene Camacho and Ramon Banda on tracks 1, 5, and 7. The sound is really great. I listen to a lot of music, and this album is just totally involving. The sound is excellent all the instruments clear and upfront. This bears much repeated playing and really draws you in. Highly recommended.