Record Reviews

STEVE SMITH ~ BUDDY’S BUDDIES TONE CENTER 40062 (Barcode: 8712725400622) ~ USA ~ Jazz Recorded: 1999 Released: 1999 Legendary drummer Buddy RichFind albums by this artist 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 MarcusFind albums by this artist and Andy FuscoFind albums by this artist (both sax players). They joined forces with two other alumni, who also played with Rich on his small group recordings: pianist Lee MusikerFind albums by this artist and the extraordinary bassist Anthony JacksonFind albums by this artist. 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 SmithFind albums by this artist. 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 JourneyFind albums by this artist during their hay days and with the French violin virtuoso Jean-Luc PontyFind albums by this artist and his Fusion group. Later on he played in several jazz small groups, Big Bands and a myriad of Fusion ensembles (including Steps AheadFind albums by this artist), always being one of the most solid and sought after drummers around. Since the early 1980s Smith also leads his own Fusion group Vital InformationFind albums by this artist, 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.

CD 1 Recommend To A Friend

STEVE SMITH / VITAL INFORMATION ~ LIVE! ONE GREAT NIGHT Q-RIOUS 124 (Barcode: 4260027621244) ~ USA ~ Jazz-Rock Fusion Recorded: 2007 Released: 2012 This is a live recording the American Jazz / Fusion drummer Steve SmithFind albums by this artist and his quartet Vital InformationFind albums by this artist, which includes veteran keyboardist Tom CosterFind albums by this artist, bassist Baron BrowneFind albums by this artist and the new guitar player Vinny ValentinoFind albums by this artist. The album presents nine original compositions, all by the group members, often co-composed by more than one person, which originate from the "Come On InFind albums with this title" and "VitalizationFind albums with this title" albums. The music was recorded in 2007 during a tour promoting the "Vitalization" album. The set also includes a DVD recording of the music present on the audio album, with one additional track. Vital Information has been active since the early 1980s and is one of the steadiest and most consistent American Fusion bands and Steve Smith is one of the most respected and revered American drummers with an impressive resume and practically limitless experience. The album presents an interesting twist on two of the tracks, which is the result of Smith´s studies of Indian rhythms, which he utilizes by using konnakol (Indian vocal, i.e. sung, percussion). The rest of the material is completely straight forward Fusion stuff, perfectly executed by all the musicians, with a lot of Funky beats and incredible feel. The music is quite nice, but does not offer anything that the genre did not present earlier on. Basically the album epitomizes Fusion (and particularly American Fusion) as a genre that got out of wind decodes ago and has been threading in one place since. In spite the fact that there are incredibly talented musicians involved, the music offers more of the same time after time. Perhaps Fusion is still a viable environment for live music, but on record it lost its impact long time ago. Fusion fans will find this definitely interesting and worth listening to; as for the rest of the music loving community, it is always great to play this music while driving an open car in hot climates.

CD+DVD 2 Mini-Sleeve Recommend To A Friend

STEVE SMITH / VITAL INFORMATION ~ VITALIZATION HUDSON 101 (Barcode: 884088156442) ~ USA ~ Jazz-Rock Fusion Recorded: 2006 Released: 2007 This is the twelfth album by the American Jazz / Fusion drummer Steve SmithFind albums by this artist and his quartet Vital InformationFind albums by this artist, which includes veteran keyboardist Tom CosterFind albums by this artist, bassist Baron BrowneFind albums by this artist and the new guitar player Vinny ValentinoFind albums by this artist. Several guest musicians also take part in the recording, including the excellent saxophonist Bill EvansFind albums by this artist. The album presents twelve original compositions, all by the group members, often co-composed by more than one person. Vital Information has been active since the early 1980s and is one of the steadiest and most consistent American Fusion bands and Steve Smith is one of the most respected and revered American drummers with an impressive resume and practically limitless experience. The album presents an interesting twist on two of the tracks, which is the result of Smith´s studies of Indian rhythms, which he utilizes by using konnakol (Indian vocal, i.e. sung, percussion). The rest of the material is completely straight forward Fusion stuff, perfectly executed by all the musicians, with a lot of Funky beats and incredible feel. The music is quite nice, but does not offer anything that the genre did not present earlier on. Basically the album epitomizes Fusion (and particularly American Fusion) as a genre that got out of wind decodes ago and has been threading in one place since. In spite the fact that there are incredibly talented musicians involved, the music offers more of the same time after time. Perhaps Fusion is still a viable environment for live music, but on record it lost its impact long time ago. Fusion fans will find this definitely interesting and worth listening to; as for the rest of the music loving community, it is always great to play this music while driving an open car in hot climates.

CD 1 Digipak Recommend To A Friend