Steve Smith - 1999 "Buddy's Buddies"

When thinking of drummer Buddy Rich, the first thing that comes to mind is a screaming big band propelled by the master. However, Rich also recorded in small group settings, and it's this facet of the drum legend's musical personality that Steve Smith and his friends explore on this CD. Teaming up with four alumni of the Buddy Rich band from the 1970s and '80s, Smith takes on the difficult task of filling Rich's drum chair for this impressive set. It's great to hear saxophonist Steve Marcus cooking again. He and alto saxophonist Andy Fusco provide the perfect frontline, blending seamlessly on the ensemble passages, then taking off in their distinctive solo styles. Marcus gets out there on his soprano and tenor while Fusco locks in closer, only to rise on "Airegin." Pianist Lee Musiker shows talent that deserves wider recognition, providing a fat chordal underpinning one moment and soaring through an inventive solo the next. Bassist Anthony Jackson brings impressive credentials to the gig and delivers a solid bottom throughout. Steve Smith shines in each setting, never aping Rich directly, yet still conjuring images of Rich (and the great Billy Cobham as well) with his facile, polyrhythmic yet swinging approach. His brushwork will surprise those who think of Smith only as a high-energy rock and fusion drummer. The choice of material is good, with a number of mostly familiar pieces mingled among a couple of lesser-known chestnuts. This was one of the best small group jazz recordings of 1999, overlooked perhaps as a mere "tribute" recording. This album actually offers a smoking set of great music by a quintet that sounds like they've been playing together for years.

Steve Smith and Buddy's Buddies is hardly the first tribute to the legendary jazz drummer Buddy Rich, but it is perhaps the first to bring to life the small-group aspect of Rich's enormous legacy. While previous recorded tips of the hat to Rich have focused on his influential big-band work, Buddy's Buddies gathers some of Rich's former sidemen with superstar drummer Steve Smith for a rewarding shot of small-group jazz as intense as Rich's own work in this context. Since this is a tribute to a drummer, much of the focus here is on Smith, and given his cultlike status in musician circles (earned through his varied playing with everyone from Journey to his own jazz-fusion band Vital Information), it's no surprise that he doesn't disappoint--bursting out of the gate on "Nutville" with some ridiculously complex drum fills and going into hyerdrive on the super-uptempo "Airegin" for some telepathic interplay with saxophonists Steve Marcus and Andy Fusco. But it's the rest of the band that makes this far more than a drum clinic or otherwise empty nostalgia recording. Marcus's lyrical soprano solo lights up a beautifully arranged version of the Beatles' "Norwegian Wood," and the whole band swings with effortless ease on "New Blues," transforming what could have been a mere tribute album into a no-holds-barred session that stands just fine on its own--just the way Rich undoubtedly would have wanted it. 

Legendary drummer Buddy Rich is usually associated with soaring Big Bands, but he also made several recordings with small ensembles, using the members of his band to play in a much more intimate setting. This album is a tribute to these small ensemble recordings, initiated by ex-Buddy Rich alumni Steve Marcus and Andy Fusco (both sax players). They joined forces with two other alumni, who also played with Rich on his small group recordings: pianist Lee Musiker and the extraordinary bassist Anthony Jackson. To drive the quintet and fulfill the place of their legendary drummer / leader they invited one of the most respected and musical US drummers Steve Smith. Smith is not only a fantastic player, but also one of the most versatile musicians around. His illustrious career spans back to the 1970 when he played with the Rock group Journey during their hay days and with the French violin virtuoso Jean-Luc Ponty and his Fusion group. Later on he played in several jazz small groups, Big Bands and a myriad of Fusion ensembles (including Steps Ahead), always being one of the most solid and sought after drummers around. Since the early 1980s Smith also leads his own Fusion group Vital Information, recording several albums over the years. It’s no wonder therefore that Smith is up to the challenge set up by this album, leading the quintet with grace and elegance. The music includes a selection of standards mostly associated with Buddy Rich ensembles. The level of musicianship is outstanding, with Smith and Jackson providing rock-solid rhythm foundation for the other musicians to solo. Although the music is well framed within the swing genre, it is fascinating and beautifully played. This album deserves to be considered as one of the best jazz recordings of the 1990s. Definitely a must for all people who cherish the memory of Buddy Rich and hard swinging well played jazz.

Although there have been many tributes to the late Buddy Rich, few have truly captured the explosive energy of the master drummer. Steve Smith, one of the most gifted all-around drummers in the world, admirably accepts the challenge presented by Rich's repertoire. He is joined by various past members of Rich's band, including Anthony Jackson, Lee Musiker, and Steve Marcus in an intimate small group, a setting in which Rich was a master. The result is a powerful performance that allows Smith to reveal his stunning technique and master musicianship while paying tribute to the greatest of them all.

The blistering opener, "Nutville" is a raucous Latin/swing romp that sets up jaw-dropping solo spots by Marcus, Musiker, and Smith, the last of whom plays a smoking cadenza. Other Rich cuts include the Lennon/McCartney masterpiece "Norwegian Wood," here taken as a loping waltz; a steaming Afro-Cuban/swing reading of "Airegin"; and an intricate arrangement of Berstein's "Cool." Throughout, Smith effectively drives and guides the music with his trademark power and precision, producing one remarkable performance after another. The closing barnburner, "Ya Gotta Try," a favorite among Rich fans, is a fitting end to one of the most successful tributes to Rich's spirit yet.

Track Listings

  1. Nutville
  2. Norwegian Wood
  3. New Blues
  4. Airegin
  5. How Do You Keep The Music Playing?
  6. You Stepped Out Of A Dream
  7. Moments Notice
  8. Cool
  9. Ya Gotta Try
  10. Norwegian Wood

Personnel:

Steve Smith (drums);
Steve Marcus (soprano & tenor saxophones);
Andy Fusco (alto saxophone);
Lee Musiker (piano);
Anthony Jackson (bass). 

Vital Information - 2001 "Live from Mars"

Steve Smith and Vital Information is an American jazz-fusion group led by drummer Steve Smith.

The core members of the original line-up of Vital Information — Steve Smith (drums), Tim Landers (bass) and Dave Wilczewski (sax) — met in 1971 during their high school years while playing together in the Bridgewater State College Big Band, a Boston area college band that also featured outstanding high school students, the band was under the direction of Vincent Gannon. By 1977 Smith was touring with Jean-Luc Ponty, Landers with Al Di Meola and Wilczewski with Freddie Hubbard. They met in Boston once a year for a “reunion” gig using various guitarists such as Dean Brown, Daryl Stuermer or Barry Finnerty to complete the band. From 1977–1982 the three principlal band members wrote many compositions, played a number of gigs and developed the sound and concept that became the first edition of Vital Information.

After Smith was in Journey for a few years he was able to secure a Columbia record deal for his first solo album. The group recorded Vital Information (1983), which featured Landers, Wilczewski and Smith along with guitarists Dean Brown and Mike Stern. The album was recorded in Warren, Rhode Island in January 1983 and released that summer. In September 1983 the band toured the USA with the Dutch guitarist Eef Albers replacing Mike Stern, who was on the road with both Miles Davis and Jaco Pastorius. At the end of the tour the group returned to RI and recorded Orion (1984), their second album.

After leaving Journey in 1985 Steve Smith continued on as the bandleader of Vital Information with Tim Landers and Dave Wilczewski eventually leaving the group to pursue their own careers. Landers is a successful studio musician in Los Angeles and Wilczewski moved to Stockholm, Sweden, where he was a key player in the European music scene until his untimely death on August 22, 2009.

Tom Coster (keyboards), formerly of Santana, joined Vital Information in 1986 and first appeared on Global Beat (1987), which integrated hand percussion and steel drums into the direction of the music. Kai Eckhardt (bass), later with John McLaughlin, and Torsten de Winkel (guitar), later with the Pat Metheny Group, joined Vital Information in 1986 and 1987 for tours in the United States and Europe and appeared on and composed for the group's next album, Fiafiaga (1988), which generally continued with the Global Beat direction but added computer-based and funkier sounds to the stylistic mix.

A more straight-ahead jazz version of the group, with Larry Grenadier (acoustic bass), Larry Schneider (sax), Tom Coster (keys), Frank Gambale (guitar), Steve Smith (drums), recorded Vitalive! (1990). The album has recently been re-mastered and rereleased. Jeff Andrews (bass) joined the band in the early 1990s recording Easier Done Than Said (1992) and Ray of Hope (1996).

Vital Information re-invented themselves as a more organic groove-oriented band with the direction of Where We Come from (1998). Baron Browne (bass) joined the band in 1998, which further solidified their more funk-oriented approach. With the line-up of Smith (drums) Tom Coster (keys), Frank Gambale (guitar) and Browne (bass) they recorded Live Around the World (2000), Show ‘Em Where You Live (2001) and Live from Mars (2002). With the recording Come on in (2004) Smith started introducing Indian rhythms into the music. On Vitalization (2007) Vinny Valentino joined Vital Information on guitar and Smith featured himself on his recently developed konnakol chops along with integrating more Indian rhythms into the music.

Live! One Great Night is Vital Information’s latest release and is the first of a number of releases to commemorate their 30th Anniversary.

Steve Smith has been recently been touring with a version of the band called “Vital Information NYC Edition” that features Valentino and Browne along with Mark Soskin on keyboards and Andy Fusco on alto sax. Fusco and Soskin are two musicians from Smith’s other bands Buddy’s Buddies and Jazz Legacy. With VI NYC Edition the band plays the classic Vital Information songs along with the music of Jazz Legacy and Buddy’s Buddies. In November 2012 VI NYC Edition recorded a live album and new studio album. The Vital Information NYC Edition recordings will be released in 2013 as part of the group's 30th Anniversary Celebration.

Been following this group for years, Fantastic musicians all. Steve Smith what can u say,not of this world.Listen to Barron Browm on 'Soul Principle" what a fantastic funky player. Tom Coster's tune Listen up higlights his great playing. And not to be outdone,Frank Gambale on Over and Out, car speakers are white hot, not to metion the amp!!! These guys are the greatest players from mars ever!! If you are a fusion,funk,and a little soul fan get this cd now! No regrets!!

Recorded at Mars Music, Somerville, MA 2000-11-18

https://jazz-rock-fusion-guitar.blogspot.com/search?q=Vital+Information

Track listing:

1 Mr. T.C. 6:18
2 Swamp Stomp 7:31
3 Cranial Jam 8:40
4 Listen Up! 7:44
5 Drum Improv. 2:57
6 Happy House 7:46
7 Soul Principle 8:58
8 Over And Out 7:45

Personnel:

Bass – Baron Browne
Drums – Steve Smith
Guitar – Frank Gambale
Keyboards – Tom Coster

Vital Information - 2011 "A Live Vitalization For Japan"

Steve Smith and Vital Information is an American jazz-fusion group led by drummer Steve Smith.
The core members of the original line-up of Vital Information — Steve Smith (drums), Tim Landers (bass) and Dave Wilczewski (sax) — met in 1971 during their high school years while playing together in the Bridgewater State College Big Band, a Boston area college band that also featured outstanding high school students, the band was under the direction of Vincent Gannon. By 1977 Smith was touring with Jean-Luc Ponty, Landers with Al Di Meola and Wilczewski with Freddie Hubbard. They met in Boston once a year for a “reunion” gig using various guitarists such as Dean Brown, Daryl Stuermer or Barry Finnerty to complete the band. From 1977–1982 the three principlal band members wrote many compositions, played a number of gigs and developed the sound and concept that became the first edition of Vital Information.
After Smith was in Journey for a few years he was able to secure a Columbia record deal for his first solo album. The group recorded Vital Information (1983), which featured Landers, Wilczewski and Smith along with guitarists Dean Brown and Mike Stern. The album was recorded in Warren, Rhode Island in January 1983 and released that summer. In September 1983 the band toured the USA with the Dutch guitarist Eef Albers replacing Mike Stern, who was on the road with both Miles Davis and Jaco Pastorius. At the end of the tour the group returned to RI and recorded Orion (1984), their second album.
After leaving Journey in 1985 Steve Smith continued on as the bandleader of Vital Information with Tim Landers and Dave Wilczewski eventually leaving the group to pursue their own careers. Landers is a successful studio musician in Los Angeles and Wilczewski moved to Stockholm, Sweden, where he was a key player in the European music scene until his untimely death on August 22, 2009.
Tom Coster (keyboards), formerly of Santana, joined Vital Information in 1986 and first appeared on Global Beat (1987), which integrated hand percussion and steel drums into the direction of the music. Kai Eckhardt (bass), later with John McLaughlin, and Torsten de Winkel (guitar), later with the Pat Metheny Group, joined Vital Information in 1986 and 1987 for tours in the United States and Europe and appeared on and composed for the group's next album, Fiafiaga (1988), which generally continued with the Global Beat direction but added computer-based and funkier sounds to the stylistic mix.
A more straight-ahead jazz version of the group, with Larry Grenadier (acoustic bass), Larry Schneider (sax), Tom Coster (keys), Frank Gambale (guitar), Steve Smith (drums), recorded Vitalive! (1990). The album has recently been re-mastered and rereleased. Jeff Andrews (bass) joined the band in the early 1990s recording Easier Done Than Said (1992) and Ray of Hope (1996).
Vital Information re-invented themselves as a more organic groove-oriented band with the direction of Where We Come from (1998). Baron Browne (bass) joined the band in 1998, which further solidified their more funk-oriented approach. With the line-up of Smith (drums) Tom Coster (keys), Frank Gambale (guitar) and Browne (bass) they recorded Live Around the World (2000), Show ‘Em Where You Live (2001) and Live from Mars (2002). With the recording Come on in (2004) Smith started introducing Indian rhythms into the music. On Vitalization (2007) Vinny Valentino joined Vital Information on guitar and Smith featured himself on his recently developed konnakol chops along with integrating more Indian rhythms into the music.

Tom Coster, Baron Brown, Vinny Valentino and from me, to everyone of Japan great fan of, Greetings from the heart. The day that can be played for everyone do the tour, we have to band members all looking forward to that one coming soon. Until that day, please enjoy our album "Japan activation live" that I was allowed to provide only for everyone. - Steve Smith
One of the top drummers in the world: the latest live album of veteran all-star band that approaches the Steve Smith to the 30th anniversary of his debut in the nucleus. 3.11 earthquake - indefinitely postponed a visit to Japan tour from the Fukushima nuclear power plant of the present situation, Japan only reconstruction assistance special board that was sent for from four people and its apology. Add the 'You Do not Say' as listen !! bonus the men of the passion that has been put in seven songs and 40 minutes.
[1 bonus song]

Track listing

    1 Seven and a Half 6:35
    2 Time Tunnel 6:25
    3 Positano 5:42
    4 Interwoven Rhythms - Synchronous 4:23
    5 Khanda West 1:56
    6 The Trouble With 7:34
    7 Jimmy Jive 8:05
    8 You Don't Say 3:50

    Total length: 44:30

Personnel:

Steve Smith (drums)
Tom Coster (keyboards)
Baron Browne (bass)
Vinny Valentino (guitar)

Players - 1987 "Players"

One of the greatest Jazz/fussion ever made, with Jeff Berlin, Scott Henderson, T.Lavitz and Steve Smith...amazing compositions and performance, 8 tracks of gold!! Totally recommended for good Jazz - fussion lovers.

Recorded live at Hop Sing's by the Record Plant, Los Angeles, mobile unit # 3 on Jan. 19, 1986.

Scott Henderson (born August 26, 1954) is an American jazz fusion and blues guitarist best known for his work with the band Tribal Tech.
Born in West Palm Beach, Florida, United States, Scott Henderson began playing guitar at an early age. His formative musical years were spent listening to rock, blues, funk, and soul, while his interest in jazz developed later on, thanks to the music of John Coltrane, Miles Davis, and others. He still professes to being a blues player at heart.

After graduating from Florida Atlantic University, Henderson moved to Los Angeles and began his career in earnest, playing rock with Twilight, a four-piece cover band that included Alice Long on bass and vocals. Soon, Henderson was recording with violinist Jean-Luc Ponty, bassist Jeff Berlin and "Players", and Weather Report's Joe Zawinul. Henderson first began receiving serious attention as the original guitarist for the Chick Corea Elektric Band together with Carlos Rios. But he stayed only six months with Corea and left after a disagreement.

http://jazz-rock-fusion-guitar.blogspot.com/search?q=scott+henderson

Terry "T" Lavitz (April 16, 1956 – October 7, 2010) was an American jazz-rock/fusion keyboardist, composer and producer. He is best known for his work with the Dixie Dregs and Jazz Is Dead.
Born on April 16, 1956, Lavitz grew up in New Jersey. He started taking piano lessons at the age of seven and was offered a scholarship at the Interlochen Arts Academy in Michigan where he studied keyboard and saxophone. After high school he attended University of Miami's School of Music. In his senior year at the UM he was asked to join the Dixie Dregs. He accepted the invitation and played his first show in January 1980. 'Dregs of the Earth', released in 1980, was the first Dregs album he could be heard on. In 1981 he won the 'Best New Talent' category of Keyboard Magazine's Annual Readers Poll.

The Dregs broke up in January 1983 and T Lavitz, Rod Morgenstein and Andy West went on tour with former Little Feat guitarist/singer Paul Barrere. 'Extended Play', a five song EP, was released in 1984. The album also featured future Dregs and Steve Morse Band bass player Dave LaRue. In 1985 Lavitz joined the Bluesbusters, a blues-rock quintet also featuring Paul Barrere, guitarist/singer Catfish Hodge, bass player Freebo (Bonnie Raitt) and drummer Larry Zack. They released two albums and toured extensively. His first solo album 'Storytime' was released in 1986. The critically acclaimed 'Players' album with Jeff Berlin, Steve Smith and Scott Henderson was released in 1987.

Jeffrey Arthur Berlin (born January 17, 1953) is an American jazz fusion bassist.
Berlin was born in Queens, New York, on January 17, 1953. He studied violin for ten years until he was 14, when he was inspired to play bass after seeing the Beatles. He then attended Berklee College of Music to study bass. Berlin's playing style has been compared to that of Jaco Pastorius; however, Berlin has repeatedly stated his distaste for Jaco-imitators.
On August 30 2013, he married Gabriela Sinagra, a jazz singer and vocal coach from Rosario, Argentina.

Steven Bruce "Steve" Smith (born August 21, 1954) is an American drummer best known as a member of the rock band Journey, rejoining the group for the third time in 2015.[1] Modern Drummer magazine readers have voted him the #1 All-Around Drummer five years in a row. In 2001, the publication named Smith one of the Top 25 Drummers of All Time, and in 2002 he was voted into the Modern Drummer Hall of Fame. He was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as a member of Journey on April 7, 2017.

Smith received his first drum kit at age two and in 1963 he began taking formal lessons with local Boston area drum teacher Bill Flanagan, who played in big bands in the swing era. Smith got his first “real” drum set when he was 12 years old. On many nights, Steve could be heard practicing in a small shed in the backyard of his Harvard Street home. Smith performed in the usual school band program and garage bands while in his teens, including Clyde, a South Shore sensation, but also began to broaden his performing experience by playing in a professional concert band and the big band at local Bridgewater State College.

Smith's first “paid gig” was with a garage band. He graduated from high school in 1972, and at 19 joined the 'Lin Biviano Big Band' playing with them for two years. After high school, Smith attended the Berklee College of Music in Boston, Massachusetts studying with Alan Dawson.

He has worked as a session musician for pop artists including Mariah Carey, Andrea Bocelli, Elisa, Vasco Rossi, Zucchero, Savage Garden, Bryan Adams, as well as world musicians Zakir Hussain and Sandip Burman. Additionally, he has played with well-known jazz artists including Mike Mainieri's Steps Ahead, Wadada Leo Smith, Tom Coster, Ahmad Jamal, Dave Liebman, Larry Coryell, Victor Wooten, Mike Stern, Randy Brecker, Scott Henderson, Frank Gambale, Stuart Hamm, Dweezil Zappa, Anthony Jackson, Aydın Esen, Torsten de Winkel, George Brooks, Michael Zilber, Steve Marcus, Andy Fusco, Kai Eckhardt, Lee Musiker, Howard Levy, Oteil Burbridge, Jerry Goodman, Tony MacAlpine and Bill Evans. Smith has led his own jazz group, Vital Information since 1977.
In the early 1990s, Smith studied with Freddie Gruber and as a result, his playing style completely changed.

http://jazz-rock-fusion-guitar.blogspot.com/search?q=steve+smith

I know this cd is out of print long time ago, but if you are lucky to have this cd, you know what i`m talking about. This is the super cd by super fusion group led by Scott Henderson, Steve Smith, Jeff Berlin and T. Lavitz. One of the best fusion albums from 80`s!

Track listing:

1. Crystal (T Lavitz) - 4:23
2. Valentine (Scott Henderson) - 5:28
3. 50/50 (Dave Wilczewski, Steve Smith) - 4:36
4. Vehicle (T Lavitz) - 4:18
5. Freight Train Shuffle (Jeff Berlin) - 5:26
6. Between Coming And Going (T Lavitz) - 5:25
7. The Creeping Terror (Scott Henderson) - 5:44
8. 20,000 Players (Jeff Berlin) - 6:39

Total Time: 41:56

Personnel:

T Lavitz - keyboards
Jeff Berlin - bass
Steve Smith - drums
Scott Henderson - guitar

Vital Information - 1986 "Global Beat"

Steve Smith and Vital Information is an American jazz-fusion group led by drummer Steve Smith.

Truly one of the greatest 'modern' jazz albums. The album is filled with with wonderfully energetic music. 'Johnny Cat', the song that has gotten air time in local San Francisco Bay Area radio stations was the most popular song, but moody songs like 'In a Low Voice' really show the talents of these well known artists in this genre. I just hit the repeat button for hours to listen to my favorite song on this CD: 'Novato'. Steve Smith is amazingly talented and the talent that he assembles for this album is most impressive.

The core members of the original line-up of Vital Information — Steve Smith (drums), Tim Landers (bass) and Dave Wilczewski (sax) — met in 1971 during their high school years while playing together in the Bridgewater State College Big Band, a Boston area college band that also featured outstanding high school students, the band was under the direction of Vincent Gannon. By 1977 Smith was touring with Jean-Luc Ponty, Landers with Al Di Meola and Wilczewski with Freddie Hubbard. They met in Boston once a year for a “reunion” gig using various guitarists such as Dean Brown, Daryl Stuermer or Barry Finnerty to complete the band. From 1977–1982 the three principlal band members wrote many compositions, played a number of gigs and developed the sound and concept that became the first edition of Vital Information.

After Smith was in Journey for a few years he was able to secure a Columbia record deal for his first solo album. The group recorded Vital Information (1983), which featured Landers, Wilczewski and Smith along with guitarists Dean Brown and Mike Stern. The album was recorded in Warren, Rhode Island in January 1983 and released that summer. In September 1983 the band toured the USA with the Dutch guitarist Eef Albers replacing Mike Stern, who was on the road with both Miles Davis and Jaco Pastorius. At the end of the tour the group returned to RI and recorded Orion (1984), their second album.

After leaving Journey in 1985 Steve Smith continued on as the bandleader of Vital Information with Tim Landers and Dave Wilczewski eventually leaving the group to pursue their own careers. Landers is a successful studio musician in Los Angeles and Wilczewski moved to Stockholm, Sweden, where he was a key player in the European music scene until his untimely death on August 22, 2009.

Tom Coster (keyboards), formerly of Santana, joined Vital Information in 1986 and first appeared on Global Beat (1987), which integrated hand percussion and steel drums into the direction of the music. Kai Eckhardt (bass), later with John McLaughlin, and Torsten de Winkel (guitar), later with the Pat Metheny Group, joined Vital Information in 1986 and 1987 for tours in the United States and Europe and appeared on and composed for the group's next album, Fiafiaga (1988), which generally continued with the Global Beat direction but added computer-based and funkier sounds to the stylistic mix.

A more straight-ahead jazz version of the group, with Larry Grenadier (acoustic bass), Larry Schneider (sax), Tom Coster (keys), Frank Gambale (guitar), Steve Smith (drums), recorded Vitalive! (1990). The album has recently been re-mastered and rereleased. Jeff Andrews (bass) joined the band in the early 1990s recording Easier Done Than Said (1992) and Ray of Hope (1996).

Vital Information re-invented themselves as a more organic groove-oriented band with the direction of Where We Come from (1998). Baron Browne (bass) joined the band in 1998, which further solidified their more funk-oriented approach. With the line-up of Smith (drums) Tom Coster (keys), Frank Gambale (guitar) and Browne (bass) they recorded Live Around the World (2000), Show ‘Em Where You Live (2001) and Live from Mars (2002). With the recording Come on in (2004) Smith started introducing Indian rhythms into the music. On Vitalization (2007) Vinny Valentino joined Vital Information on guitar and Smith featured himself on his recently developed konnakol chops along with integrating more Indian rhythms into the music.

Live! One Great Night is Vital Information’s latest release and is the first of a number of releases to commemorate their 30th Anniversary.

http://jazz-rock-fusion-guitar.blogspot.com/search?q=vital+information

Tracks Listing:

01. One Fight Up 6:01
02. Island Holiday 6:17
03. Johnny Cat 6:00
04. Novato 6:11
05. Sunset 1:16
06. Jave & Nail 3:57
07. Global Beat 1:16
08. Black Eybrows 4:56
09. In A low Voice  4:04
10. Traditions In Transitions 7:05
11. Blues To Bappe I 6:42

Total Time : 53:45

Line-up
Steve Smith / drums, cowbell, synths
Dean Brown / guitar
Tim Landers / bass
Dave Wilczewski / alto, soprano & tenor saxes
Tom Coster / keyboards, DX7, harmonica


Guest Musicians :
Ray Gomez / pickin`guitar, guitar
Mike Fisher / percussion
Andy Narell / steel drums
Prince Joni Haastrup / voice, talking drum, shaker
Kwaku Daddy / congas, talking drum, percussion
Barry Finnerty / guitar
Armando Peraza / Bongoes, percussion
Jeff Richman / guitar
Brad Dutz / tablas, percussion

Frank Gambale, Stu Hamm & Steve Smith - 2000 "The Light Beyond"

Although Frank Gambale, Stu Hamm, and Steve Smith have each established themselves separately on the fusion scene, their bond, which was made very apparent by their 1998 Tone Center release Show Me What You Can Do, is further solidified on The Light Beyond. The plugged-in power trio, organized by Steve Smith, provides listeners with a positive musical experience as a result of some solid writing and recording skills. Ten great compositions that focus on improvisation, tempo, great drum, guitar, and bass solos showcase the evolution of the group's fusion experiences. While "Katahdin" provides ferocity, "Yin" and "Yang" provide complimentary basslines, intricate rhythmic solos, and muted drumming. Songs such as "First Look," a ballad written by Stu Hamm, along with Frank Gambale's "Isle of Fire" unveil clear, melodic inspirations from their life experiences and musical influences in adaptations that jell with the CD's creative references. Steve Smith's solo piece, "Dun Dun," presents the drummer in an awesome display of beating in this great piece of music. The Light Beyond ultimately offers exciting musical perspectives that capture the group's propulsive abilities as well as their ability to dehyperfy.

The second collective side project from a trio of jazz-rock veterans, The Light Beyond yields nothing revelatory but does serve up a fairly entertaining fusion variety pack. Frank Gambale, guitarist on past Chick Corea Elektric Band projects and a longtime mate of drummer Steve Smith in Vital Information, both rattles and hums on this disc. Most memorable is the complex, whipsawing mix of industrial shards and blues-rock textures he juxtaposes in "Lumpy's Lament," a daunting piece that is counterbalanced by stretches of handsome jazz riffing on "The Throne of Savitar" and the shimmering, desertlike atmospheres he concocts on "Fugitive Aspirations." Stu Hamm, who has logged time with Joe Satriani and Steve Vai, reliably sustains the group's challenging metric framework. While sometimes annoyingly light on melody, The Light Within is more structured and graceful than the trio's debut disc (Show Me What You Can Do), and, consistent with a group objective formed for this recording, reminiscent of the eclectic jazz-rock panache demonstrated in years past by Return to Forever.

This outing with Frank Gambale, Stewart Hamm, and Steve Smith is the followup to the 1998 album, "Show Me What You Can Do", both on Tone Center. And while the "Show Me" had fine musicianship, this album is more structured with far better material. In fact, this is a fine fusion album.There is plenty of variety here, from hard fusion to delicate accoutic. Each of the players are outstanding, showing the full range of their talents.


Fusion and Rock superheroes, guitarist Frank Gambale, bassist Stuart Hamm and drummer Steve Smith reunite for their second “Tone Center” release, titled - The Light Beyond. Throughout, the musicians meld strong, memorable compositions with aggressive soloing and cagey dialogue. On the opener “Katahdin”, Gambale utilizes his impressive and well documented – sweeping technique – intermingled with thoughtful lines, legato and suspenseful themes while Hamm and Smith hammer out the rhythms with effortless control amid vivacious interplay. The composition, “Yang” might ring of the Allan Holdsworth School as the band insinuates melodic development yet maintains a calm sense of urgency. Stuart Hamm takes the lead on “Nostalgia” as he pursues smooth balladry with intriguingly melodic lines along with Gambale’s jazz-based chord progressions. With “Lumpy’s Lament”, the band gets back into the red zone as they whirl through some remarkably difficult unison runs and tasty blues-rock motifs. Here, Gambale is ablaze atop Hamm’s pumping, deftly executed bass lines and Smith’s polyrhythmic yet silky smooth drumming. Basically, the trio displays quite a bit of diversity on this new release which continues on Frank Gambale’s brief, yet airy solo guitar interlude titled “Isle Of Few”, as the recording closes with the electrified dreamscape “Fugitive Aspirations.
The Light Beyond represents much more than just three master technicians coalescing for a glorified jam session! All in all, this is well-produced effort that is only adorned by the stinging ensemble work, enticing compositions and radiant soloing! Recommended.

Track Listings

  1. Katahdin
  2. Yang
  3. First Look
  4. The Throne Of Savitar
  5. Nostalgia
  6. Yin
  7. The Spirit Of DumDun
  8. Lumpy's Lament
  9. Isle Of Few
  10. Fugitive Aspirations

Personnel:

Frank Gambale - Guitar
Stuart Hamm - Bass
Steve Smith - Drums

Scott Henderson, Steve Smith & Victor Wooten - 1998 "Vital Tech Tones"

The Vital Tech Tones were an American fusion supergroup formed in the mid-1990s composed of Vital Information drummer Steve Smith, Tribal Tech guitarist Scott Henderson, and Béla Fleck and the Flecktones bassist Victor Wooten. The group released two albums, both with Shrapnel Label Group's Tone Center Records before breaking up due to time constraints (the band was a side project for all three members). There is still some talk of a future reunion, but no official announcement has been made.
The band never played live, although Smith has performed with Henderson and Wooten on separate occasions.
The band's music is almost entirely instrumental, focused on virtuosic, free flowing soloing on top of a complex, solid groove. It is considered to be more on the rock end of the fusion spectrum.

Calling this group a power trio would not be fair, as it would be too much of an understatement. Guitarist Scott Henderson, bassist Victor Wooten, and drummer Steve Smith are three of the most inventive jazz-rock players who have pushed the style into uncharted waters during the late '80s and throughout the '90s. The clever name Vital Tech Tones infers each members primary bands: Smith's Vital Information, Henderson's Tribal Tech, and Wooten's Bela Fleck and the Flecktones. The combined talent level of the band is astounding and the music created here is a reflection of not only their technical abilities, but also their compositional talents. The program maintains a jazz-rock fusion feel, but there is enough variety in the compositions that raise this above just another blowing session. That being stated, the cover of "Giant Steps" has to be heard to be believed, as does the Jimi Hendrix-influenced "Lie Detector." A very rewarding session that proves that jazz-rock fusion can still be played with conviction, honesty, and integrity.

Perhaps a more spontaneous super-trio gathering of the post-70s fusion generation, Vital Tech Tones finds guitarist Scott Henderson chasing the voodoo down with mercurial bassist Victor Wooten (known for his scintillating slap-style as a member of Bela Fleck's Flecktones), and veteran jazz / stadium rocker, Steve Smith. The trio has assembled a wide ranging, often blues-based arrangement of group compositions / jams, and it proves an engaging showcase for Henderson's extreme talent, both in terms of solos and rhythm work. Drummer Steve Smith ably anchors Wooten's miraculous assortment of rumbling, popping, pyrotechnic baselines, most evident in tunes like "Snake Soda."
Tribal Tech fans will appreciate a new, bluesy version of "Dr. Hee," and the track "Crash Course" will clearly appeal to Allan Holdsworth devotees, as it recalls Holdsworth's IOU-era guitar trio arrangements. Perhaps most delightful is the angular interpretation of Coltrane's "Giant Steps," which is a worthy if slightly reckless update of that classic standard. Henderson is one of the few original electric guitar soloists capable of weaving an intelligent flurry of 128th notes with compelling emotional intensity and inventiveness, possessing ideas to match to his level of phrasing and technique. Wooten and Smith are comparable on their instruments, which means this trio typically hits its stride with warp-speed abandon.
Vital Tech Tones encompasses playing and extended soloing which straddles between the brilliant and the boisterous. While for some, the high-octane musical rapport here will stray into the territory of enlightened musical indulgence, Henderdson undoubtedly commands one of the premier guitar trios of recent memory. But that's just scratching the surface, as both Wooten and Smith's jazz and rock vocabulary demonstrate that no matter what the musical context, they're exceptionally creative and technically at a level few of their contemporaries can match.

"Well, what have we here then? Scott Henderson, Steve Smith and Victor Wooten - I think I know what to expect". WRONG! Put all your preconceptions to one side, and just enjoy. This album is going to be a little bit of a surprise.

You know how "fusion" music can sometimes become a bit predictable or even stale - bands simply rehashing what's been done before, only not as well. Then suddenly a band appears that literally EXPLODES onto the scene, to shake things up. Well, Vital Tech Tones is such a band.

I'm sure most fusion lovers are already aware of the aforementioned musicians' credentials, so they need no more introductions. What WILL surprise, and hopefully delight, such fusion enthusiasts, is what they create on this album. In my opinion, it comes across as a reaction against the staleness inherent in "some" fusion music. But, because I don't want to give too much away in my review, which would spoil the impact this band has on first hearing, I'll attempt to make vague comparisons instead. Thus, imagine, if you will, Scott with a touch of Jimi Hendrix in his playing, and if Steve added some of John Bonham's sheer power to his already awesome technique, then finally, if all the great bass players you'd ever heard gave a bit of themselves to add to Victor's playing - you'd be getting close to the sound of this phenomenally gifted trio, in this, their debut album.

The playing throughout is of course stunning. The compositions are varied in style - sometimes jazzy, heavy, complex, and funky - but always entertaining. It actually sounds like they were really enjoying themselves while making such a wonderful album. In fact, the amazing interplay within the band suggests to me that they were recording it live, thus capturing those rare moments of genius when they were all "in the zone". This is what jazz is supposed to be about anyway "reaching for that moment".

It's a gem of a performance. If you're looking for "jazz with attitude", this is the album for you - otherwise, look elsewhere. For the sheer sublime playing alone, this VTT album is worth buying. Take a risk - I promise you won't be disappointed!

Track listing:

1     Crash Course     7:00
2     Snake Soda     5:35
3     Dr. Hee     8:56
4     Everglades     9:41
5     Two For One     5:21
6     King Twang     4:10
7     The Captors     7:52
8     Giant Steps     5:45
9     Lie Detector     5:49

Personnel:

    Scott Henderson  - Guitar
    Victor Wooten - Bass
    Steve Smith - Drums 

Vital Information - 1998 "Where We Come From"

Modern electric jazz and the funky soul of the '60s fuse into a rollicking trip down memory lane on WHERE WE COME FROM. Vital Information, the long- lived pet project of leader and world-renown drummer Steve Smith, make a distinctive change from their usual format of hard-edged fusion on this, their eighth album. The emphasis here is on the soulful instrumental grooves of their youth, the music that originally enticed these world-class musicians to take up their instruments in the first place.

From the influence of Jimmy Smith, the Meters and Tony Williams' Lifetime, Smith and company serve up a spicy gumbo of groovy tunes and have a grand old time in the process. The unrestrained casualness of this disc is contagious as Smith jauntily drives his bandmates through the slippery funk of "Dr. Demento" and the James Brown-ish "Listen Up." The spirit of the bayou is evoked on the zydeco grooves of "Swamp Stomp" and "Sitting Ducks." The jazz element has never been lost, though, as a swinging version of Led Zeppelin's "Moby Dick," the Brubeck-influenced "Take Eight," and Ornette Coleman's "Happy House" clearly illustrate. Finally, even the Ventures' effect is felt in the classic surf music styling of "008."

Vital Information's Where We Come. This one offers 77 minutes of intense rhythmic fusion that's loosely influenced by the Meters and Booker T and the MGs.

Vital Information has gradually shed its jazz-lite tendencies to become a first-rate fusion ensemble. Drummer Steve Smith is the only original member in what is now a four-man all-star group. The current lineup was last heard from in 1996 on the catchy but substantial Ray of Hope.

Where We Come From showcases four talented musicians who have enough confidence in their collective abilities to attempt a more low-tech approach. This release has Smith on drums, former Santana keyboardist Tom Coster playing B-3 organ, Fender Rhodes and accordion, Jeff Andrews on bass, and Australian Frank Gambale on guitars.

Drummer Smith has been one busy dude of late. In addition to his usual session work in pop, rock and country circles, he recently teamed with Victor Wooten and Scott Henderson to form the jazz-metal trio Vital Tech Tones, and then with Larry Coryell and Tom Coster on the incendiary fusion release Cause and Effect, also reviewed on this page. All three of Smith's 1998 CDs are outstanding, but Where We Come From gets the nod as my favorite.

Gambale is particularly impressive here, whether playing fuzzy-toned phrases on the funked-up "Dr. Demento," fast-paced blues on a swinging version of Led Zeppelin's "Moby Dick," George Benson-style jazz on "First Thing This Morning," or Duke Levine-ish rock on "Bob." Gambale lends Vital Information a more pop-oriented sound than most fusion ensembles, but his accessible style enhances rather than detracts. He's an extremely versatile guitarist.

Coster's organ helps drive many of these cuts. The former Santana keyboardist plays both organ and accordian on the Cajun-spiced "Swamp Stomp," but most interesting is his inside-out accordian work on Ornette Coleman's "Happy House." Like Steve Smith's post-Journey work, Coster's playing has progressed from happy-jazz to fiery fusion in the years since he left Santana.
He and Gambale have never sounded better, and Smith and Andrews hold up the bottom end with enthusiasm and skill.

This CD is a great mixture of many styles. You can find jazz,fusion,funk and even tango on this CD. I strongly recommend this CD to anyone who likes great music. Also, if you like old sounds, like Hammond B3, buy it, you'll love it. Where We Come From is a must-have for any fan of funky fusion.

https://jazz-rock-fusion-guitar.blogspot.com/search?q=Vital+Information

Track listing:

01. Dr. Demento ( 3:10 )
02. Moby Dick ( 8:20 )
03. Craniac Trilogy Part 1: Transport ( 00:53 )
04. Listen Up ( 4:53 )
05. Craniac Trilogy Part 2: The Extraction ( 1:16 )
06. First Thing This Morning ( 5:12 )
07. Take Eight ( 6:10 )
08. Craniac Trilogy Part 3: The Implant ( 2:17 )
09. Bob ( 3:59 )
10. Cranial Joy: Completion
11. Happy House ( 2:30 )
12. Cranial Meltdown: Dementia ( 1:28 )
13. Blowfish Blues ( 5:40 )
14. Sitting Ducks ( 5:20 )
15. Once In A Lifetime ( 10:43 )
16. 008 ( 7:11 )

Total Time : 76:02

Personnel:

Frank Gambale / guitar
Tom Coster / Hammond B3 Organ, Fender Rhodes, accordion
Jeff Anderews / electric & acoustic bass
Steve Smith / drums

Frank Gambale, Stu Hamm & Steve Smith - 1998 "Show Me What You Can Do"

Gambale and the gang tear it up! Stu Hamm is Levinesque-thundering, Stanley Clarke-kicking bass. Vital Information's Steve Smith's drumming keeps right up when it gets wild and hold things together during spacy chordal splurges. These pros got pumped watching old Mahavishnu Orchestra videos and cranked up the old fusion fires. Gambale surprised me on this one. So many of his other releases exhibit more of that bouncy jazz with clean, fast, sweep picking and an obvious structured disciplined approach. This album shows he can get mean, edgy, overdriven, and raw, and be a downright awesome riff monster. Hamm is an earthquake, Smith a splinter-slingin' tornado.
I heard McLaughlin's odd modes and moods clearly influencing "The Promise" and "Dangerous Curves." Tasteful harp-plucked chord progressions build in a Summers/Metheny/Holdsworth meshwork. Everyone gets space to stretch on "Beyond The Bridge" and "Sink." Hamm goes bassman crazy on "Wrong and Strong." Watch out Manring. On "Astral Traveler," Gambale does the Eric Johnson/Satriani dance, throws in a dose of his own machine gun bullet notes in a Scott Hendersonian bluesy-rock raunch, and deftly so at full throttle. "Tanya's Touch" sets you soul-travelin' the rain-slick, empty streets, wandering thru whispering snows, and then over the earth's glowing, blue-fired atmosphere. Find out for yourself what other nice surprises await you here. Pick this one up for end-of-the-millenium fusion finesse. Highly recommended.

 In a showcase of intelligent hard-fusion, guitarist Frank Gambale, bassist Stuart Hamm and drummer Steve Smith blowtorch a razor sharp trail through their first recorded outing as a trio, Show Me What You Can Do (Tone Center TC 40012; 57:42). Fans of tightly wound fusion timing and flights of improvisation will enjoy the trio's tight showmanship on tracks like album opener "Bad Intent"-a rollicking hard-slap piece colored with Gambale's harmonic splashes, and "Dangerous Curves," which finds revolutions of guitar accentuating ticking rhythms before bursting wide open. The guys hit their marks and changes with astounding accuracy, especially considering that the album was recorded in only nine days. "Astral Traveler" moves effortlessly and artfully from a whisper to a squeal, soaring on whammy-bar vibrations, and "The Promise" builds on a fuzzy electric refrain, changing its timing dramatically as Gambale's guitar sobs in searing rock tones. Most illustrative of the band's easy give-and-take is "Sink," a loping, off-beat tune which finds all three instruments moving in unique counterpoint to one another, yet fitting together like a tightly constructed jigsaw puzzle.

What happens when you throw three virtuosos together in a room and tell them to create something that showcases their abilities and is also interesting to listen to? Tone Center Records found out when they commissioned the fiery Aussie guitarist Frank Gambale, bass monster Stuart Hamm and drum god Steve Smith for the self-explanatory SHOW ME WHAT YOU CAN DO. The result is a power trio album of tremendous strength and envelope-pushing musical madness.

From the thunderous opening of "Bad Intent," it's obvious these boys didn't waste time getting to the good stuff. The testosterone is flowing heavily into the driving groove of "The Promise" as Gambale's piercing guitar surfs over Smith and Hamm's relentless pounding. Later, things take a on somewhat lighter shade on the slinky "Sink," until a powerful drum intro by Smith leads into a driving chops-fest known as "Wrong And Strong." Downshifting into low gear, the expressive "Tanya's Touch" is proof that these guys aren't just about technical facility. Finally, the trio pulls off a lightning fast swing pace on "Lydia's Love Van." Warning: take your vitamins for this one. Only the strong will survive!

Track Listings

1. Bad Intent
2. The Promise
3. Dangerous Curves
4. Beyond The Bridge
5. Sink
6. Wrong And Strong
7. Astral Traveler
8. Tanya's Touch
9. Lydia's Love Van

Personnel:

Frank Gambale (guitar);
Stuart Hamm (bass);
Steve Smith (drums).

Larry Coryell, Tom Coster, Steve Smith. - 1998 "Cause And Effect"

Electric fusion returns in a big way on Cause and Effect, featuring one of fusion's pioneering guitarists, one of the second wave's top keyboard contributors, and a fusion Journey-man on the drums. Indeed, Larry Coryell was there at the birth of jazz-rock fusion as a member of the Gary Burton Quartet on the seminal Duster LP; Tom Coster was the keys man and a key player in the second incarnation of Santana in the 1970s; and Steve Smith hooked up with first generation Santana alumni in Journey. Smith was the catalyst for this explosive, electric summit meeting, single-handedly revitalizing the fusion genre with a series of all-star sessions including this one. Most of the numbers here were made up in the studio as the players jammed. Consequently, the spontaneity is obvious, and the trio has a lot of fun letting out all the stops. It's quite a change from the smooth textures Coryell had been putting out in recent years. Because of the free-flowing nature of the process, there are few real melodies here, but there are some great licks. Coryell's composition "Bubba" is a fine piece of funk, and his "First Things First" slithers seductively along on Coster's B-3 bed. The closing "Finale: Wes and Jimi" provides an appropriate denouement to the proceedings, while paying tribute to two of the genre's most important forebears. The obvious point of reference here is the Tony Williams Lifetime, and those familiar with that group's sound will be taken back to those heady days. However, these guys have managed to recall that exploratory era while creating their own fresh slant, resulting in a one-shot recording that deserves to be heard.

This power trio encounter between drummer Steve Smith, Hammond B-3 organist Tom Coster and fusion guitar pioneer Larry Coryell sounds like outtakes from a 1972 session. And I assure you, this is a good thing. A very good thing indeed.
Hardcore fusion fans had virtually written off Coryell in the '90s after his rather tame radio-friendly offerings for CTI like Live from Bahia and Fallen Angel. He had a welcome return to guitar hero form last year with the superb Spaces Revisited (Shanachie), which paired him with disciple Bireli Lagrene, former Zawinul Syndicate bassist Richard Bona, and drumming great Billy Cobham (who had appeared on the original Spaces session from 1970). But nothing that Larry has done in the past 20 years equals the ripping intensity and exhilaration of this all-out power trio blow-out.

Between the opening salvo of the odd-metered "These Are Odd Times," with its ferocious exchanges of eights, and the fuzz-and-wah inflected scorcher, "Plankton," you can feel the renegade spirit of this recording. Versatile drummer Smith (whose credits range from Jean-Luc Ponty to rock supergroup Journey to Steps Ahead and his own group Vital Information) is basically the A&R presence behind Tone Center, a staunch fusion label started up earlier this year by guitar maven Mark Varney, who is also the head of the heavy metal label Shrapnel Records. Smith's intent is to provide an outlet for true fusion chopsmeisters to wail with no holds barred. He's already done precisely that in previous power trio outings with Tribal Tech guitarist Scott Henderson and Bela Fleck & The Flecktones bassist extraordinaire Victor Wooten (Vital Tech Tones) and with Vital Information guitarist Frank Gambale and Joe Satriani bassist Stuart Hamm (Show Me What You Can Do). Cause And Effect is equally over-the-top.
"Wrong Is Right" and "First Things First" are more traditional, swinging jazz organ trio romps that highlight the trio's bop facility, and "Bubba" is a bit of funk done up in a Meters vein, supported by Smith's syncopated Zigaboo-styled backbeats. But it's the more savage, unrelenting and shamelessly 'notey' jams like "Night Visitors" and the adrenaline-pumped "Miss Guided Missle" that will really get fusion maniacs drooling. It's been a long time since they've been catered to. This one should be received by them with the same zeal that hungry lions greet scraps of red meat at the Bronx Zoo.

Legendary guitar genius Larry Coryell has reclaimed some of his early roots here with an explosive new cd on Tone Center records. Backed by stalwart session men Steve Smith (drums) and Tom Coster (kbrds) this is the stuff that Coryell admirers have been waiting for, especially after some recent and relatively sedate "smooth jazz" ventures.
Coryell was among the handful of jazz pioneers who ventured into experimental dabblings with jazz-rock and psychedelia. His classic collaborations with John McLaughlin, Mike Brecker and Oregon to name but a few were escapades into unknown turf during the 70's. His famed Eleventh House unit during the 70's and early 80's expanded upon jazz-rock-fusion. The Eleventh House was an extremely tight band which featured trumpeter Randy Brecker trading impossible unison runs with Coryell and also featured power house drummer Alphonse Mouzon. The Eleventh House were pioneers that paralleled the likes of Mahavishnu Orchestra and Weather Report. Since the demise of the Eleventh House, Coryell has performed and recorded with various units and has crafted a diverse resume of alliances with many notable musicians of different genres. He has recently explored the "jazz-lite" avenue along with some notable straight ahead romps for various labels.
"Cause and Effect" literally caused me to sit on the edge of my seat. Coryell and co. dazzle, astound and effortlessly rip through originals which rekindle memories of yesteryear. These guys are having a blast which is quite evident from the outset. A conglomerate of bluesy, swinging and rip-roaring tunes take the listener for a journey that is enticing and ultimately captivating. Take the opener "These Are Odd Times" as an example. Coryell is in your face with a sense of urgency. As things progress we get the message. Coryell's attack is devastating. The cuts on this cd represent some surprising twists and turns, lively funk, passionate interplay and memorable compositions. Veteran leader and session man Steve Smith is an amazing drummer. His swing at times is reminiscent of Buddy Rich, yet he can "out-rock" most rock drummers. Tom Coster performs marvelously on the keys. All in all the support is stellar and invigorating. Bassist's Victor Wooten and Bennie Reitveld lend a helping hand on several cuts when Coster isn't stomping on the bass pedals.
This cd is a moving tribute to one of the great guitarists of the 20th Century. Coryell is back with no holds barred. Enjoy and PLAY IT LOUD! Highly Recommended (not for lovers of "lite-jazz")

Tracks Listing

1. These Are Odd Times ( 7:54 )
2. Plankton ( 4:34 )
3. Wrong Is Right ( 7:16 )
4. Bubba ( 6:02 )
5. Cause & Effect ( 0:49 )
6. Night Visitors ( 8:08 )
7. Miss Guided Missile ( 8:37 )
8. First Things First ( 7:51 )
9. Night Visitors Revisited ( 2:19 )
10. Finale Wes & Jimmy ( 11:13 )
11. ( untitled hidden track )

Musicians

- Larry Coryell / guitars
- Tom Coster / Keyboards
- Steve Smith / drums
- Victor Wooten / bass, track 1
- Benny Rietveld / bass, tracks 2,9,10

Larry Coryell-Steve Smith-Steve Marcus - 2001 "Count's Jam Band Reunion"

In the late '60s, guitarist Larry Coryell and soprano saxophonist Steve Marcus experimented with electric jazz together as Count's Jam Band before Coryell formed his own fusion band, The Eleventh House, and Marcus joined the Buddy Rich Band. The two of them found themselves working on a few of the same projects lately and decided to get together and record again as Count's Jam Band. For the reunion, the front men recruited drummer Steve Smith, bass guitarist and John McLaughlin sideman Kai Eckhardt and, on a few tunes, jam-bander and pianist Jeff Chimenti. But make no mistake: this project is all Coryell and Marcus. For the most part, the two front men look to Eckhardt for repetitive bass loops and to Smith for a constant barrage of backbeat, which they offer without complaint. Subsequently, Coryell and Marcus jump through the unison heads and solo for minutes on end, running up and down their respective instruments and keeping things at a wailing three-quarter burn throughout. Not surprisingly, the Count's Jam Band Reunion quickly becomes a tiresome event-especially on tunes like "Rhapsody and Blues," a coy fusion treatment of the sort-of referenced Gershwin composition.
The better moments on the album come when the band jettisons formula, as on "Pedals and Suspensions" and "Ballad for Guitar and Soprano," duets between an acoustic-playing Coryell and Marcus, and "Blues for Yoshiro Hattori," one of the few tunes that gives pianist Chimenti some space. On the all-out rockers, the occasional squeal doesn't cover up the saxophonist's gentlemanly attack, and Marcus, playing at a leisurely pace and with a touch of blues, sounds much more comfortable in the more relaxed settings.

First some background: Before fusion became popular in the early '70s, there was a community of musicians in NYC experimenting with jazz-rock in the mid- to late '60s. Two of the leaders of this movement were guitarist Coryell and a saxophonist known as Steve "The Count" Marcus. They documented these radical new ideas on two classic recordings made in 1967 and 1968 using the name Count's Rock Band. The two also collaborated on many of Coryell's later projects. They met up again in 1999, and decided to go at it again with drummer Steve Smith and bassist Kai Eckhardt. The music's not so radical anymore, since everyone's been through the fusion days, but the playing is incredible and as spirited as ever (musicians never seem to age, do they?). "Scotland" features a furious flurry of a melody testing the racing skills of Coryell and Marcus in tandem. "Reunion" features an off-meter percussion pattern and a push-and-pull interaction between Marcus' percussive soprano lines and Coryell's acoustic swirls. "Rhapsody in Blues" pays homage to Gershwin in a unique way, with the tandem jumping to and fro and overlapping each other and Smith banging away; they break for a lively piano solo by pianist Jeff Chimenti. "Blues for Yoshiro Hattori" shows off Marcus' wistful soprano skills, but is even more notable for its pulsing rhythm section. "Jammin' With the Count" is a crazy free for all that's best enjoyed by fans of these guys. Some of the other stuff will attract fusion curiosity seekers, but to get the full pleasure, you should know the history or be fans of the players in question.

Track listing:

1. Scotland (6:33) [Larry Coryell]
2. Reunion (9:55) [Kai Eckhardt]
3. Rhapsody & Blues (11:14) [Larry Coryell]
4. Pedals and Suspensions (5:52) [Larry Coryell]
5. Foreplay (8:09) [Larry Coryell]
6. Blues For Yoshihiro Hattori (6:48) [Larry Coryell]
7. Tomorrow Never Knows (12:45) [John Lennon, Paul McCartney]
8. Ballad For Guitar And Soprano (5:37) [Larry Coryell]
9. Jammin' With The Count (5:45) [Steve Marcus, Steve Smith, Kai Eckhardt]

(total time 73:01)

Personnel:

Larry Coryell: guitars
Steve Smith: drums
Steve Marcus: soprano saxophone
Kai Eckhardt: bass
Jeff Chimenti: piano (on 1,3,6,7)

Frank Gambale, Stu Hamm & Steve Smith - 2002 "GH3"

This disc is intense fusion with great soloing and excellent composition. The trio here just rip it up and pull out all the stops, virtuoso mania-style! The material is varied also, which is great, Frank Gambale uses both his electric and acoustic guitar with equalling effect, a true master player. Plus, there are Steve Smith and Stu Hamm individual solo showcase pieces which are moving and fun! Highly recommended and one of this years best in the fusion genre. Highlights include, All In Your Head, The Great Roberto, Geo 100, Saving Grace & The Challenger.

 I love rich melodic bass lines that are all over the fret board, and this cd (indeed, ALL of the cd's from Gambale Hamm Smith) delivers the goods.

For my money, you can leave your "chops" at the curb if there isn't any melody to augment them. But there are both chops AND melodies abundant on this cd. Stu Hamm is truly one of the world's premier bass players, Gambale frequently plays in the Allan Holdsworth style (that's a good thing), and drummer extraordinaire Steve Smith (Jean-Luc Ponty, Journey(!), Vital Information, etc., etc.) is an ideal drummer for this very-demanding style of music.

As a self-proclaimed "prog head", I guess I'd prefer a bit more in the way of keyboards here, but that's a minor quibble. I've got plenty of keyboard-driven progressive jazz fusion cd's to satiate those desires anyway. As a reference point, this bears close similitudes with the mid-80's albums of Bill Connors.

Interesting, driving, soulful music played exceptionally well, with fine production. It's exactly what I was seeking when I took a chance on this one.

If every track on here were like Confuse-a-Blues, it would have gotten 5 stars from me. That track has gotten more playing time at hardcore music parties than any other in recent memory with requests for more. I have to admit, I wasn't a huge fan of Stuart Hamm from the get go. Gambale and Smith always were ones I followed from first hearing. But, this group really came together on this cd with some challenging and "in your face" tracks on here...Hamm being a very nice part of it.

If you are a hardcore "fusionistic" music fan like me who really enjoys just a trio laying it down and challening your listening skills, this may be a good one to pick up.

I have seen Steve Smith and Vital Information perform on several occasions, and have also seen Stu Hamm. Having these three master musicians in the same band makes for one intense musical ride. I thought "The Light Beyond" was very good, and this release definitely takes things a step further. The tunes here give each member more than enough chances to display incredible chops, so no one will be dissappointed. Some fusion albums can go a bit over the top as far as the soloing, even for the serious musicians out there. However, not this one. The solos are mind-boggling, but they never detract form the songs, which are very well composed and arranged. These guys keep getting better and better! I hope they continue to put out new material.

I have listened to piles of fusion in my day, and this is one of the greats. No, it is not the most intense music out there, but is far more musical than most fusion, which ends up being a mere chops fest. All three of these excellent musicians play at their best, especially Frank Gambale, who simply wails. Every tune is strong too. Bring on more like this one.

Track listing:

1     All In Your Head     7:41
2     The Great Roberto     8:09
3     Confuse-A-Blues     9:43
4     Saving Grace     7:34
5     Culture Clash     3:37
6     Geo 100     9:06
7     November     4:43
8     The Challenger     6:33

Personnel:

    Frank Gambale - Electric Guitar, Acoustic Guitar
    Stuart Hamm - Bass
    Steve Smith - Drums, Djembe, Shaker, Finger Cymbals 

Steps Ahead - 1994 "Live In Tokyo" 1986

Steps Ahead, one of the most influential jazz groups since their first debut is an all-star jazz oriented R&B band that originally included such players as Mike Brecker, Don Grolnick, Eddie Gomez and Steve Gadd in it's original line-up. Mainieri has revived the group several times since with such musicians as Warren Bernhardt, Eliane Elias, Rachel Z, Mike Stern, Tony Levin, Victor Bailey, Peter Erskine, Steve Smith and Bendik.

After the release of the album “Magnetic” in 1985, Michael Brecker and I, along with the revamped rhythm section of Mike Stern, Daryl Jones, and Steve Smith, embarked on a series of concert tours. One of these concerts was recorded live at Kan-I Hoken Hall in Tokyo and originally released on Laserdisc. Many Steps Ahead fans and musicians who caught this ensemble “live,” either at the ‘Bottom Line’ in New York City or at other venues, have inquired about the availability of recordings from these dates. With the assistance of Hisao Ebine and VideoArts in Japan, we were able to release this live recording on CD. I hope this recording brings you as much joy as I had performing with these great musicians.

This is a strong show of course it goes without saying to hear the great Michael Becker he shines on these songs. I love these songs first they are strong and on top of that performed so well. These guys into act with one another so well Michael and Mike have played together for years and it shows they have a lot musically to say to one another. It is cool to hear the electronics come into play here but not over done. I have always thought it was interesting that the great American form of music jazz is more popular outside of the US and thank God Japan has embraced this art form because like with this release we have it today . One thing that is cool to see and hear how good of a drummer Steve Smith is, he spend many years drumming behind the pop band Journey but you can hear he is good and fits right in with these guys. Steps Ahead have had a number of changes over the years in members of the band but have been able to keep the level of music up there. This is such a great album the whole thing just fits and plays well.

This is the only live recording featuring the legendary line-up of Michael Brecker, Mike Mainieri, Mike Stern, Daryl Jones & Steve Smith.

http://jazz-rock-fusion-guitar.blogspot.com/search?q=Steps+Ahead

Tracklist

1. Beirut 9:53
2. Oops 8:47
3. Self Portrait 7:30
4. Sumo 9:01
5. Cajun 8:14
6. Safari 6:23
7. In A Sentimental Mood 4:26
8. Trains 9:32

Personnel:

Vibraphone [Vibraphone, Midi Vibes] – Mike Mainieri
Tenor Saxophone, Electronic Wind Instrument [Ewi] – Michael Brecker
Guitar – Mike Stern
Bass – Darryl Jones
Drums, Percussion – Steve Smith

Jean-Luc Ponty - 1977 "Enigmatic Ocean"

Enigmatic Ocean is an album by French Jazz-Fusion artist Jean-Luc Ponty, released in 1977. It reached #1 on the Billboard Jazz album chart in 1977.

Consistently imaginative, Enigmatic Ocean is one of Jean-Luc Ponty's finest accomplishments. The French violinist recorded his share of fusion gems during the 1970s, and this album is at the top of the list. Often aggressive but sometimes reflective and moody, this CD is as unpredictable as it is adventurous. Ponty has plenty of room to stretch out, let loose, and blow, and electric guitarists Allan Holdsworth and Daryl Stuermer contribute some inspired solos as well. Also quite impressive is the insightful and passionate drumming of Steve Smith, who went on to lead the superb fusion band Vital Information. Ponty takes one risk after another, and all of them pay off beautifully.

Recorded in 1977 in Los Angeles with Allan Holdsworth and Daryl Stuermer (guitars) Allan Zavod (keyboards) Ralphe Armstrong (bass) and Steve Smith (drums). The song 'Mirage' was a big hit worldwide and is today in 2010 still one of JLP's most sampled songs by dance and rap groups.

In the mid-seventies, Jean-Luc Ponty was the most prominent Jazz violinist. Before he embarked on a successful solo career with his brand of Jazz-Rock, of which Enigmatic Ocean is one of his most memorable examples, he had already proven himself on the international stage having been part of Frank Zappa's band and a member of the Mahavishnu Orchestra's second lineup, where any remaining questions concerning his technical competence had been answered.

Jean-Luc Ponty's Jazz-Rock includes hectic instrumental pyrotechnics as well as Funk riffs. His improvisations move along modal scales, or they are more or less arpeggios built around harmonic structures found in European concert music. And to these guns, he sticks. It's a technically impeccably executed mainstream Jazz-Rock (that absolutely includes the band), which is why one shouldn't expect any explorations into new musical territories.

A high-class late 1970s fusion album from Jean-Luc Ponty, with unexpectedly catchy tunes showing a very mild (but quite noticeable) disco and funk influence. Whilst the idea of disco fusion might sound disastrous, Ponty and his backing musicians show superb judgement in precisely how much disco they allow to creep in, hitting a perfect balance where they use enough to keep things vibrant, energetic, upbeat and catchy, without going too far into schmaltzy kitsch territory. Ponty also makes sure to get the best use out of the talent available to him, the electric guitar contributions of Allan Holdsworth being particularly high quality.

The high point of Jean-Luc Ponty's career as a Jazz Fusion artist. This is a wonderfully powerful and inspired, yet sublime Jazz Fusion album. Ponty is at his prime as a violinist, and Ralphe Armstrong is, as usual, one of the best Bassists in Jazz. But what really raises Enigmatic Ocean over the rest of Ponty's works is the sheer quality of the rest of the musicians involved. Enigmatic Ocean features virtuosic Guitar work from Allan Holdsworth (Yes, THAT Allan Holdsworth) and Daryl Stuermer, and both are at the top of their game. And the utterly fantastic Drumming is from none other than Steve Smith. Yes, that Steve Smith, Journey's Drummer. For all those that think he's a nobody, listen to this. The songs on Enigmatic Ocean are incredible.

Tracks Listing

1. Overture (0:47)
2. The Trans-Love Express (3:56)
3. Mirage (4:54)
4. Enigmatic Ocean
Part I (2:20)
Part II (3:35)
Part III (3:43)
Part IV (2:24)
5. Nostalgic Lady (5:20)
6. Struggle Of The Sea Turtle
Part I (3:32)
Part II (3:33)
Part III (6:05)

Total Time 45:00

Personnel

    Jean-Luc Ponty – electric violin, five-string electric violin, violectra, bells, grand piano on Nostalgic Lady
    Allan Holdsworth – lead electric guitar
    Daryl Stuermer – lead and rhythm electric guitar
    Allan Zavod – organ, synthesizer, electric piano, grand piano, clavinet
    Ralphe Armstrong – electric basses, fretless bass
    Steve Smith – drums and percussion
   

Steps Ahead - 1992 "Yin-Yang"

Steps Ahead (originally known as Steps) is a jazz fusion group and the brainchild of vibraphonist Mike Mainieri. According to the liner notes of the group's 1983 debut album (for worldwide release), entitled Steps Ahead, "Steps began as a part-time venture in 1979 at Seventh Avenue South, a New York City nightclub." The group began releasing recordings in Japan as far back as 1980.
The first line-up of Steps in the period 1979-1981, as can be read on the live album Smokin' in the Pit, consisted of Michael Brecker (tenor sax), Steve Gadd (drums), Eddie Gómez (bass), Don Grolnick (piano), Mike Mainieri (vibraphone), and special guest Kazumi Watanabe (guitar). This double live album was recorded on 15 and 16 December 1979 at The Pit Inn Tokyo. A second studio recording was made on 17 December 1979, called Step by Step. Smokin' in the Pit was released in 1980 and awarded a gold record. The studio album Step by Step was released shortly after, followed in the summer of 1980 by another live recording called Paradox. These three albums (see Mike Mainieri's notes in the booklet of the 1999 cd release of Smokin' in the Pit) were the only albums released by the group under the name of Steps. In 1982 they learned that the name Steps had been trademarked by a band in North Carolina, and therefore changed their name to Steps Ahead.
The line-up for the Steps Ahead album consisted of Mainieri, Michael Brecker (tenor sax), Eliane Elias (piano), Peter Erskine (drums), and Eddie Gómez (bass).
The group's members has also included Dennis Chambers, Warren Bernhardt, Rachel Z, Donny McCaslin, Chuck Loeb, Victor Bailey, Tony Levin, Bob Berg, Darryl Jones, Mike Stern, Richard Bona, and many others.
Brecker and Mainieri are featured on the Dire Straits album Brothers in Arms. For rock listeners, the albums Steps Ahead and Modern Times (1984, with Bernhardt replacing Elias in the main line-up, and other guest musicians appearing in limited roles) are a great bridge into a kind of jazz that is energetic and powerful. Reflecting the cooperative, ensemble nature of the band, the Modern Times album included compositions by Mainieri, Brecker, Erskine, and Bernhardt.
According to the website NYC Records, which include's Mainieri's biographical sketch and touring schedule with Steps Ahead, the 2007 instantiation of Steps Ahead includes: Mainieri (vibes), Bill Evans (sax; not to be confused with the jazz pianist also named Bill Evans), Bryan Baker (guitar), Anthony Jackson (bass), and Steve Smith (drums), a former member of the rock group Journey. On some stops of the tour, Etienne Mbappe is listed as filling in for Jackson.
 
This CD from the part-time fusion band Steps Ahead is probably most notable for introducing the fine keyboardist Rachel Z. Also in the group at the time were leader Mike Mainieri on MIDI vibraharp and synclavier, saxophonist Bendik, bassist Jeff Andrews and drummer Steve Smith. Put out by Mainieri's NYC label, this mostly high-powered performance consists of group originals, generally by Mainieri and Bendik. Unlike other Steps Ahead records, there are quite a few guests on various tracks including guitarists Steve Khan, Wayne Krantz, Jimi Tunnell and Chuck Loeb, electric bassist Victor Bailey and tenorman Rick Margitza. The music has spirit and drive.

Different forms of style here: ballads, rock based backbeats, straight ahead jazz...Mike's vibraphone tells a story and the rhythm section play with great precision and feel. Awesome Steve Smith and Jeff! Racheal Z. and a host of guest artist put the finishing touch on a sexy, sophisticated, beautiful experience. buy it! 

Purchasing this particular album was a bit of a gamble for me since Michael Brecker's Sax is not there, as on previous Steps Ahead albums. Surprisingly, Brecker's absence allows more of a statement from Mike Mainieri's Vibraharp, Synclavier, etc. The result is very cool and rhythmic with more of a melodic presence. Enjoy.

Track listing:

01. Sidewalk Maneuvers(4:49) [Mike Mainieri]
02. Praise (4:47) [Mike Mainieri]
03. Nite Owl (5:32) [Mike Mainieri]
04. Taxi (3:28) [Bendik]
05. Tamarin Lion (5:44) [R.Skår, Bendik]
06. Gory Details (4:55) [R.Nicolazzo, Mike Mainieri]
07. Agitate The Gravel (5:56) [Spencer Cozens, Miles Bould, Mike Mainieri]
08. Okapi (6:20) [Bendik]
09. Orion (4:38) [R.Nicolazzo, Mike Mainieri]
10. Steppish (7:57) [Mike Mainieri]
11. Saras Toush (6:33) [Mike Mainieri]

Personnel:

Mike Manieri (vibraphone, synthesizer, percussion);
Bendik (saxophone);
Rachel Z. (piano, synthesizer);
Jeff Andrews (acoustic & electric basses);
Steve Smith (drums).

Additional personnel:

Wayne Krantz (acoustic guitar, electric guitar);
Dean Brown , Steve Khan, Jimi Tunnell, Chuck Loeb (electric guitar);
Rick Margitza (tenor saxophone);
Spencer Cozens (keyboards, bass synthesizer);
Bruce Martin (synthesizer, percussion);
George Whitty (synthesizer);
Victor Bailey (electric bass);
Miles Bould (percussion);
Victor Bailey (electric bass);
Alan Thompson (bass);
Miles Bould (percussion, programming).