Karizma - 2000 [2001] "Document"

Recorded live on tour in Europe, this CD captures the fiery creativity of a truly great band and demonstrates why each of these musicians holds a place among the most in-demand players in the world. Every song features soloing and ensemble playing of the very highest order and includes come of Vinnie's most explosive performances.

L.A. session great David Garfield formed Karizma as a creative outlet in 1979. The group released four studio recordings that were mostly popular in fusion hotbeds, such as Europe and Japan, and very difficult to find in the States. This live recording reunites Garfield with original guitarist Michael Landau, former member Vinnie Colaiuta (drums), and fusion veteran Neil Stubenhaus (bass). The energetic selections are a balance of original material and cover tunes, including Weather Report's "Palladium" and Don Grolnick's "Nothing Personal," and all are played with their trademark fervor. Guitarist Landau's sonic explorations are a nice counterpoint to Colaiuta's acrobatic drumming, while Garfield shifts from style to style with ease. While not intended to be a drum-centric recording, Colaiuta dominates the performances and proves why he has such a legendary reputation. Fusion fans and drummers are encouraged to indulge in the not-so-guilty pleasures offered by Karizma.

The first thing I need to clarify about this disc is that if you're not a musician, you probably won't care for this recording. If you are, however, reams of unparallelled chops and gobs of searing solos await your ears upon hearing these cats BURN. For the record, Karizma consists of drumming legend Vinnie Colaiuta, keys whiz David Garfield, bass monster Neil Stubenhaus, and guitarist extrordonairre Michael Landau. This disc was recorded live in Germany and Denmark.

As a guitarist, I've always held L.A. session ace Mike Landau in that inner circle of deity-status guitarists along with Larry Carlton, Steve Lukather, Steve Morse, etc. The problem has always been that I could never find a live recording on which he didn't always play reserved and "for the song" ; I wanted to hear him let loose! Well, fear not, fellow axemeisters, for it is a great day in the history of guitar. Not only is this a great collection of fusionesque rock tunes, but Landau solos with absolutely no holds barred for about a third of each song! I'd write more, but if you're into Landau's (or Colaiuta's, or Stubenhaus's, or Garfield's) playing like I am, you're already ordering this phenomenal disc. An absolute must for musicians or just thinking adults who can appreciate some of the best players in the world coming together and playing as one. Crank it up.

The grooves Vinnie. A great album and a blast from the past - but, this album has it all. It covers a wide range of tracks and musical styles - its layering and complexity are second to none. A great listen. Since purchasing Ive listened to it about 10 times in 3 days. Awesome work. Landau on guitars also provides a lot of oomph - especially in the2nd half of the album when he 'Hendrix's up'. A great rock fushion masterpiece for its time,

"Many will consider this to be his best live fusion recording to date. Vinnie takes each style to new heights." -- Modern Drummer Magazine, June 2001

Track listing:

1     Heavy Resin     11:30
2     Aliens (Ripped My Face Off)     14:03
3     Palladium     7:32
4     Johnny Swing     9:41
5     Nothing Personal     8:44
6     E Minor Shuffle     12:15

Personnel:

    Bass – Neil Stubenhaus
    Drums – Vinnie Colaiuta
    Guitar – Michael Landau
    Keyboards – David Garfield