Vital Information - 1991 "Vitalive!"

The drummer with the very successful rock group Journey for seven years, Steve Smith left the band in 1985 to devote his career to jazz and specifically his group Vital Information. This CD is taken from their tour of August 1989 and features Smith's unit (which also includes Larry Schneider on reeds, guitarist Frank Gambale, keyboardist Tom Coster, and bassist Larry Grenadier) playing a strong set of group originals plus the standard "I Should Care" (a straight-ahead feature for Coster and the rhythm section). Although Coster uses electronics on some of the pieces, much of his date is simply high-quality acoustic jazz; even the funkier material swings. Recommended. 

 Songs / Tracks Listing

1. One Flight Up ( 6:06 )
2. Looks bad, Feels Good ( 5:39 )
3. Jave And A Nail ( 5:12 )
4. (What Lies) Beyond ( 7:09 )
5. I Should Care ( 7:29 )
6. Mac Attack ( 5:01 )
7. Johnny Cat ( 7:30 )
8. The Perfect Date ( 6:37 )
9. Island Holiday ( 7:31 )
10. Europa ( Earth Cry - Heaven`s Smile ) ( 4:37 )

Total Time : 62:51

Recorded live at Club Nova 2, Ignacio, California, August 2, 1989

Line-up / Musicians

Frank Gambale / guitar, voice on Johnny Cat
Steve Smith / drums
Tom Coster / keyboards
Larry Schneider / saxophone
Larry Grenadier / acoustic bass
Tom Coster Jr. / additional keyboards on Johnny Cat