(Creative Spirit Records)

Bassist Fred Randolph has produced a thoroughly enjoyable recording. Song Without Singing is a spirited blend of the various styles of music and cultures, including Africa, Brazil and Venezuela. Most of the selections have a joyful quality about them that make listening a real pleasure. The arrangements of the tunes, mostly original works, are fantastic. Randolph, equally outstanding on acoustic and electric basses, is joined by Matt Clark and Marcos Silva on piano (alternate tracks), Erik Jekabsen on trumpet, Rob Roth on tenor sax, Alex Murzyn on tenor, soprano sax and flute, Greg Wyser-Pratte, Phil Thompson and Alan Hall on drums, Matthew Heulitt on electric guitar, Brian Rice and Christian Pepin on percussion, Rob Reich on the accordion and Sandy Cressman on vocals (one track). This is an excellent production of high musicianship.