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 pieceInnovations in Modern Musicorchestra and numerous jazz meetsStravinskyprojects. This uncanny balance of flow and brains came out of Kenton's own tempered direction and fine contributions by the likes of arrangerPete Rugolo, trumpeterShorty Rogers, alto saxophonistArt Pepper, and singersAnita O'DayandJune Christy. Thanks to a seamless mix of dazzling charts and liberal doses ofLuncefordandEllington-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 saxophonistVido Musso, trumpeterPete Candoli, and drummerMel Lewisto 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.