Vital Information

1. Looks Bad Feels Good

2. Questionable Arrivals

3. V.G.

4. Vital Information

5. All That Is

6. Stoughton to Stockholm Samba

7. 13th Month

Vital Information,Vital Information,Wounded Bird Records,Fusion,Jazz,Jazz-Funk,Pop,Post-Bop

Average customer rating: Vital Info at there very best yet! Ok, But Not As Good As the Last One A Solid Home Run for Steve Smith and Company...

Vitalization CD Steve Smith And Vital Information Manufacturer: Hudson Music ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Jazz | Styles | Music Jazz Fusion | Jazz | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music Similar Items: Moe's Town Slaughterhouse 3 Quantum The Trio of Doom Live Come on In ASIN: B000QCQ7SQ Release Date: 2007-06-05

Tracks:

1. Interwoven Rhythms- Synchronous
2. Get Serious
3. The Trouble With
4. The Bottom Line
5. Seven and a Half
6. Interwoven Rhythms- Dialogue
7. J Ben Jazz
8. Groove Time
9. You Know What I Mean
10. The Closer
11. Jimmy Jive
12. Positano

Product Description

Hudson Music is proud to announce the release of the latest audio CD from Steve Smith & Vital Information, Vitalization. Vitalization s 12 original compositions (composed by the members of Vital Information) define an emerging, borderless, World Fusion musical style that ranges from up-tempo blues, straight-ahead jazz and ballads to South Indian-influenced and odd-time grooves, funk and contemporary jazz-rock. The CD also features guest percussionists Pete Lockett (England), Gilad (Israel) and Juan Carlos Melián (Spain), who add a variety of authentic, ethnic percussion sounds and flavors to the tracks. Following his extensive tour and studio work with leading jazz, pop and rock musicians not to mention his election to the Modern Drummer Hall Of Fame and multiple best all-around drummer awards this latest recording represents a culmination of Smith s influences and his growth as a musician while also demonstrating that the drummers drummer s craft remains a work in progress and his appetite for taking on new challenges remains insatiable.Vital Information s Tom Coster (keyboards - Bill Evans, Billy Cobham and Santana), Baron Browne (bass - Gary Burton, Steps Ahead, Jean-Luc Ponty) and newcomer Vinny Valentino (guitar - Randy Brecker, Dennis Chambers, George Benson) join Steve Smith (drummer - Journey, Jazz Legacy, Steps Ahead, Burning For Buddy) for a bold excursion into World Music territory without leaving their American Jazz roots behind.

Customer Reviews:

Vital Info at there very best yet!.......2007-07-18

This group never fails to become better and grow tighter. This cd is just amazing. Vinny brings in a fresh new sound with many great compositions. Steve Smith continues to amaze me with his indian influence in his drum-set technique. The south indian konokal was just amazing! I hope Bill Evans becomes part of the group because his sax sound is amazing! Definately a must have for any musician.

Ok, But Not As Good As the Last One.......2007-07-03

This is my eighth CD by Vital Information, and I generally consider them my favorite band. This is a good CD, but there are couple of things I do not care for. First is that "konnakol" vocal percussion. I will forever skip those two tunes, which I find completely annoying. Second, the new guitarist is good, but he is a step down from Frank Gambale, the former guitarist. Third, a couple of tunes have too much percussion for my taste.

There are some good things about this CD. Keyboardist Tom Coster wails, as does drummer Steve Smith. Guest saxaphone player Bill Evans turns in a fine performance too, and bass player Baron Browne has some excellent moments. Tracks 8 and 11 are really the same tune done in two different styles, which is quite effective.

If you like modern jazz-rock fusion or electric jazz, you should by this CD, but I prefer their last album Come on In.

A Solid Home Run for Steve Smith and Company..........2007-06-17

The music on the new Steve Smith and Vital Information "Vitalization" Cd is best described by the title itself. The latest outing by the venerable Vital Information institution established in 1983, serves notice that Fusion/Electric Jazz is still the most creative and potent force in the evolution of the Jazz genre. While Jazz traditionalists dismiss anything remotely associated with the "F" word, the rest of the world rightfully embraces the notion that plugging in and turning it up is good medicine for the soul.

Vitalization is the first Vital Information Cd on the Hudson Music label. I would have to say the change is a good one. The Hudson Music production and the sound quality of the music, rate near the top of the Cd format standard capabilities. This is certainly one recording that I would love to hear in the HD format (SACD, DVD-Audio).

This recording is also the debut of guitarist Vinny Valentino with Vital Information. Again, the change seems to be a good one. Vinny brings new life to the sound of the band. Playing a hollow body Yamaha AEX 1500 Electric Guitar through an Axon Ax 100 guitar synthesizer, Vinny demonstrates a variety of great sounds. While Vinny sites George Benson as an influence, there is a lot more to his sound and to my ears, he sounds like a combination of Grant Green and John McLaughlin - not bad!

These changes are just the beginning of the many things to appreciate on this recording. The addition of Bill Evans on Sax brings the funk songs to their full potential. Bill is one of Jazz's most under-rated sax players and I've found his playing to be consistently spectacular since his debut with the Miles Davis "come back" band featuring Mike Stern and Marcus Miller in 1981. There is also some fantastic percussion work by Pete Lockett, Gilad, and Juan Carlos Melián.

The most noticeable of the new sounds on this incredible recording are the two entries featuring Konnakol (South Indian Vocal Percussion) by Steve Smith and Pete Lockett. I found the songs fit the Electric Jazz project exceptionally well. It probably helps that they are both very good at it. For Fusion fans that enjoy odd time signatures, I found one song in 15 during my first listen and not surprisingly learned it was called 7 and a Half.

While I refer to the project as Fusion and Electric Jazz, the compositions vary widely from South Indian Konnakol, Funk, and straight ahead Jazz, to Fusion intensity and they all demonstrate exceptional improvisational and technical skills by everyone. Another strong plus factor for Fusion fans is there is only one ballad and it's smartly placed at the end of the disc (not a Fusion first, but it's always appreciated).

One thing that has always been present in the Vital Information recordings is what I call the "accessibility factor". It's doubtful that any musical enterprise would last 24 years without some attention paid to fans that appreciate a less self-indulgent and more "easy on the ears" style. Consequently some Fusion fans have found past projects a little too tame. Steve and company have a solid home run with Vitalization. Everyone can enjoy this at any level of appreciation. For those that listen to the "songs", they will enjoy some great music, while those that listen "note for note" will appreciate the incredible performances and energetic pace of the project.

Overall I would have to give this recording a solid 5-Star rating and strongly recommend it to anyone that enjoys the creative musical style called Fusion and anyone that appreciates a great Jazz recording.

By,
Rick Calic
jazzrockworld

Average customer rating: Vital Fusion!!!

Orion Vital Information Manufacturer: Wounded Bird Records ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Bebop General | Bebop | Jazz | Styles | Music General | Jazz | Styles | Music Jazz Fusion | Jazz | Styles | Music Modern Postbebop | Jazz | Styles | Music Jazz Funk | Funk | R&B | Styles | Music Similar Items: Vital Information Flashpoint Come on In Show 'Em Where You Live Boston T Party ASIN: B000AMPZ8A Release Date: 2005-09-13

Tracks:

1. Future Primitive
2. Thank You Mr. Edison
3. Strut
4. Orion
5. Blade
6. Adventures of Hector and Jose
7. Shadows Past
8. Blues to Bappe II

Customer Reviews:

Vital Fusion!!!.......2005-10-07

Another welcome addition to the Vital catalog on cd for the first time ever.Great Fusion from 84!!! Highly Recommend!!!

Average customer rating: Absolutely Amazing! A Vital CD... For Your Information Progress being made here I Would Give It Six Stars If I Could!

Come on In Steve Smith & Vital Information Manufacturer: Tone Center ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Bebop General | Bebop | Jazz | Styles | Music General | Jazz | Styles | Music Modern Postbebop | Jazz | Styles | Music Smooth Jazz | Jazz | Styles | Music Similar Items: Show 'Em Where You Live Vital Information Orion Flashpoint VTT2: Vital Tech Tones, Vol. 2 ASIN: B0002NY8NU Release Date: 2004-08-17

Tracks:

1. Time Tunnel
2. Come On In
3. Beneath The Surface
4. Cat Walk
5. Around The World
6. Soho
7. A Little Something
8. From Naples To Heaven
9. Baton Rouge
10. Fine Line
11. High Wire

Album Description

COME ON IN is the 11th release from the all-star Soul/Jazz/Funk/Fusion super-group Steve Smith and Vital Information. Steve Smith and Vital Information have been touring and recording for over 20 years and the writing and interplay on their newest studio recording, COME ON IN, have ascended to exciting new heights. The group features the incredible line-up of guitarist Frank Gambale (Chick Corea Elektric Band), keyboardist Tom Coster (Santana), bassist Baron Browne (Jean-Luc Ponty/Billy Cobham) and drummer Steve Smith (Journey/Steps Ahead). Included in the package are extensive liner notes by renown author Bill Milkowski.

Customer Reviews:

Absolutely Amazing!.......2007-04-05

Steve Smith and Vital Information do not fail in creating innovative and exciting music! The compositions by the band are great. Seeing them perform the songs were awesome as well! I highly recommend this to anyone that is a fan of contemporary jazz or jazz in general, or MUSIC in general!

A Vital CD... For Your Information.......2005-12-10

I really loved the Where We Come From album, so I just recently purchased Come On In. I'm very glad that I did. Over the past decade or so, the band has become jazzier, depending on more "organic" instrumentation, as Steve Smith mentions in the liner notes of the cd. What I love about this album is that you can tell they are playing music that THEY love and that THEY want to play. When this happens, magic occurs because nobody is seeking radio airplay or commercial success (these guys have already done that!). While one could characterize the genre of the album as jazz fusion, it should be noted that each song has it's own style within the album. For example, the 2nd tune truly has a Weather Report "Teen Town" vibe to it. Perhaps its their tribute to an another great fusion band's tune? There is some Indian and European influences here. Steve Smith breaks out some Indian percussion instruments and does it complete justice as usual. On another tune (or tunes), Tom Coster plays the accordian, giving the music an old world Italian feel. However, they use these instruments to compliment the songs incredibly well. This sort of adds a world music vibe to those particular songs, however the tunes never lose their "jazziness". I think this band is like a fine wine, that is getting better with each album that they come out with and with each tour they do. If you like jazz fusion, this album is a must. Don't miss them live either! Especially if you're a drummer.

Progress being made here.......2005-05-30

Great leap forward? I'm not so sure of that. But these does reveal tenacity, progressive roots and drive. Frankly, I still think Orion is my favorite VI release. But I seriously doubt Sony will ever release a CD version of that old vinyl classic.

I Would Give It Six Stars If I Could!.......2005-05-25

This is Vital Information's great leap forward. The tunes, the playing, the sound, the vibe, the interaction -- it is all there. If you like fusion or electric jazz, get this CD as soon as you can.

Average customer rating: Vital Reissue!!!

Vital Information Vital Information Manufacturer: Wounded Bird Records ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Bebop General | Bebop | Jazz | Styles | Music General | Jazz | Styles | Music Jazz Fusion | Jazz | Styles | Music Modern Postbebop | Jazz | Styles | Music Jazz Funk | Funk | R&B | Styles | Music Similar Items: Orion Come on In Flashpoint Show 'Em Where You Live Boston T Party ASIN: B000AMPZCG Release Date: 2005-09-13

Tracks:

1. Looks Bad, Feels Good
2. Questionable Arrivals
3. V.G.
4. Vital Information
5. All That Is
6. Stoughton to Stockholm Samba
7. 13th Month

Customer Reviews:

Vital Reissue!!!.......2005-09-26

This is the first time this fusion classic has been available on cd. If you are a Journey fan like I am then you know Steve Smith the Drummer this was his first venture into jazz which he continues to play with Vital to this day. I recommend all of Vital Informations cds!!!

Average customer rating: Muzak for the masses...not typical V.I. This is great

Ray of Hope Vital Information Manufacturer: Intuition ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Bebop General | Bebop | Jazz | Styles | Music General | Jazz | Styles | Music Jazz Fusion | Jazz | Styles | Music Modern Postbebop | Jazz | Styles | Music Bebop & Post-Bop | Compilations | Jazz | Styles | Music Smooth Jazz | Jazz | Styles | Music Similar Items: Where We Come From Show 'Em Where You Live Vital Information Orion Fiafiaga (Celebration) ASIN: B000002GRA Release Date: 1996-04-16

Tracks:

1. Clouds
2. Celebrate Life
3. Rio-Lize
4. Lorenzo's Soul
5. Sacred Treasure
6. Sixth Sense
7. Ray Of Hope
8. Maxed Out
9. All My Love, Always
10. Peace
11. Fit To Be Tied
12. Over and Out

Customer Reviews:

Muzak for the masses...not typical V.I........2005-02-08

This cd was Steve Smith's venture into Rippingtons and Yellow Jackets territory, I guess looking for the bucks. This is not the Steve Smith fusion with an edge that you are familiar with. Unless you like smooth jazz, Stay away!

This is great.......2000-07-31

This is a band that isn't given credit because there isn't anyone to give them credit. Noone knows about these guys. They are one of the best bands i have ever heard. The instromentals are breathtaking and even the tunes and melodies in the songs are catchy and very well phrased. The drummer really stands out because he hits hard and is definately a great live performer. Check this cd out, you won't be dissappointed.

Average customer rating: forever Nice Smooth Jazz!!

Fiafiaga (Celebration) Steve Smith & Vital Information Manufacturer: Sony ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Bebop General | Bebop | Jazz | Styles | Music General | Jazz | Styles | Music Jazz Fusion | Jazz | Styles | Music Modern Postbebop | Jazz | Styles | Music Bebop & Post-Bop | Compilations | Jazz | Styles | Music Smooth Jazz | Jazz | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music Jazz Funk | Funk | R&B | Styles | Music Similar Items: Orion Vital Information Where We Come From Vitalive! Ray of Hope ASIN: B000008CHS Release Date: 1991-07-01

Tracks:

1. Please Don't Feel Bad
2. Chant
3. Maltese Connection
4. Celebration (Fiafiaga)
5. Babaluwaiye (The Creator)
6. Sunday Afternoon - Steve Smith & Vital Information
7. Perfect Date
8. Whenever You're Ready
9. 50/50

Customer Reviews:

forever.......2005-04-17

I heard a song on KKSF a jass radio station in San Fransico.
And I heard the a song that captured my musical imagination
for over a century.See I was 13 and a brand new resident of
Cali. Im 25 now and just coming up on this album is a mission in
Itself.Once I have this album in my collection I feel my life
would be truly complete.

Nice Smooth Jazz!!.......2003-02-20

Steve Smith played drums with Rock legends, "Journey" and this was one of his first albums with his new Jazz group. The music on this showcases the fine talent of Smith's drum playing. The tracks "Maltese Connection" and "50/50" are the highlights of the recording. The CD has been out of print for a while so finding it will be a challenge. Recommended!!

Average customer rating: 3 & 1/2 stars for me Just Listen To This it's almost like being there......

Live Around the World: Where We Come from Tour 1998-1999 Vital Information Manufacturer: Intuition ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Bebop General | Bebop | Jazz | Styles | Music General | Jazz | Styles | Music Modern Postbebop | Jazz | Styles | Music Smooth Jazz | Jazz | Styles | Music General | Live Albums | Jazz | Styles | Music General | Jazz | Indie Music | Stores | Music Similar Items: Vitalive! Show Me What You Can Do Where We Come From Vital Information Ghs 3 ASIN: B00004SV0B Release Date: 2000-09-09

Tracks:

1. Dr. Demento
2. Moby Dick
3. Swamp Stomp
4. Cranial Jam
5. Happy House
6. Fortaleza
7. First Thing This Morning
8. The Perfect Date
9. It's A Jungle Out There

Tracks:

1. The Drum Also Waltzes
2. Take Eight
3. Listen Up!
4. Europa
5. Do You Read Me?
6. Over And Out!
7. Mr. PC
8. Soulful Drums

Amazon.com

More of a souvenir for the converted than an enticement to the uninitiated, Live Around the World is a double-disc dosage of Vital Information, the jazz-rock vehicle that former Journey drummer Steve Smith has cultivated since the early 1980s. Recorded in club-sized venues in Sydney, Toronto, Chicago, and Amsterdam, the group leans on jazz and traces of R&B as its principal benchmarks, bringing to mind an evolved, slightly edgier Chick Corea Elektric Band minus Eric Marienthal on saxophone--no surprise, really, given guitarist Frank Gambale's in both units.

The four-man Vital Information's selections are regularly sweetened by the Hammond B-3 and accordion of former Santana keyboardist Tom Coster (bassist Baron Browne rounds out the foursome, replacing Jeff Andrews). Coster, in fact, is the primary instrumental focus of many selections and even contributes a subdued accordion version of his Santana hit, "Europa." The group's clever take on Led Zeppelin's "Moby Dick" surfaces here as an energetic fingerpainting exercise by Browne (supplemented by a soulful Hammond rave-up by Coster) before the tune becomes recognizable in its final 45 seconds--without a single Bonhamesque workout on drums from Smith. Several selections are attractively performed ("Swamp Stomp" and "First Thing This Morning" are treats), though the group never fully catches fire (Gambale in particular) until the 15th track, "Over and Out," the closest the band gets to full-throttle fusion on this package. Interesting; not overpowering. --Terry Wood

Customer Reviews:

3 & 1/2 stars for me.......2003-08-25

When this record came out I immediatly bought it without thinking it twice. I am a Jazz/fusion enthusiast so Vital Information is one of the bands in my map. The album has some strong points but also some weaknesses. I appreciate Gambale' s playing and the exceptional musicianship from all the guys. Coster is such a talent! His musicality is nothing less than amazing. But in the end this album is really not that much in my opinion. Apart from Europa (here in a splendid accordion version), twe two minor blues Mr P.C. (Coltrane) and the Jazzy Moby Dick (Led Zeppelin), Take eight and few other moments I'm not completly satisfied with the music. It's too flat. These guys can do a lot better than this in my opinion. Probably is the material that does not shine. Where we come from was not their best album for I am concerned and this live is almost completly based on that material. In the end this double live is a little disappointing. I still prefer Uzeb live '90 which in my opinion still eats this live in a single bite. Anyway sometimes I enjoy listen to this album but it's a little less than what I was expecting from such tremendously gifted players.

Just Listen To This.......2002-02-27

"Live Around The World We Come From" is a double CD that captures Steve Smith's Vital Information in concert. This is the second time that Vital Info has been recorded live and is the better of the two. The band performs all types of music: The Creole influenced "Swamp Stomp", the Jazz of Ornette Coleman's "Happy House", the atonal romp that is "Cranial Jam" are all a part of this eclectic mix. Some highlights from the first disc are a cover of Led Zeppelin's "Moby Dick". The center piece of this version is the Baron and not the drumming of Smith. The other members of the band follow Baron's bass lines and improvise over them. The end result is a very different sound than the one that Zeppelin originated. "First Thing This Morning" is another great tune and is one of Frank Gambale's best compostions. Frank has always been an amazing guitarist but this song demonstrates that he has made leaps in the composition side of being a complete musician. The song itself has a catchy melody and the band is brilliant throughout. The end of the piece has Baron and Steve improvising around the song's groove and is simply awesome. The second disc has a couple of show stoppers as well. "Over and Out " is a showcase for Mr. Gambale's impressive sweepicking technique and should amaze most guitarists. The often covered John Coltrane masterwork "Mr. P.C." is the last live song on the disc and also the most blistering. Tom Coster has an amazing hammond solo and Gambale picks up the baton and runs with it. The song then has Gambale, Coster and Smith trade fours until Steve Smith performs a jaw dropping drum solo that will knock some paintings off of your walls. Also incuded on these discs are a couple of studio songs that are also very good and may provide a hint of things to come. Vital Information is one of the, and to some the, best Fusion bands currently touring. Buy this and see why for yourself. Highly recommended.

it's almost like being there.............2000-10-09

this a wonderful reminder of seeing the band in lovely buffalo n.y. at the tralfamadore two marches ago or so. one of the things that makes this even better is the extra bonus studio cuts included within, soulful drums originally recorded by joe dukes on jack mcduffs screamin'. it's kind of an update and just as greasy, highly recommended. the other big highlight for me is steve's solo on mr.pc, a textbook of keeping the form and blowing over the changes. do yourself a favor and pick this one up, you'll be glad you did. then play it for a friend who also loves great music, he'll owe you one.....

Average customer rating:

Global Beat Vital Information Manufacturer: Cbs/Epic/Wtg Records ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Similar Items: Orion Vital Information Vitalive! Fiafiaga (Celebration) Show 'Em Where You Live ASIN: B00000DS3P Release Date: 2002-01-01

Average customer rating:

Vitalive! Steve Smith , and Vital Information Manufacturer: Capitol ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Bebop General | Bebop | Jazz | Styles | Music General | Jazz | Styles | Music Jazz Fusion | Jazz | Styles | Music Modern Postbebop | Jazz | Styles | Music Smooth Jazz | Jazz | Styles | Music General | Live Albums | Jazz | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music Jazz Funk | Funk | R&B | Styles | Music Similar Items: Orion Live Around the World: Where We Come from Tour 1998-1999 Where We Come From Vital Information Fiafiaga (Celebration) ASIN: B000008CHT Release Date: 1991-09-24

Tracks:

1. One Flight Up
2. Looks Bad, Feels Good
3. Jave and a Nail
4. (What Lies) Beyond
5. I Should Care
6. Mac Attack
7. Johnny Cat
8. Perfect Date
9. Island Holiday
10. Europa (Earth Cry -- Heaven's Smile) [Earths Cry, Heaven's Smile]

Average customer rating: Awesome HEROIN ANYONE? Tom, trade that accordion in for a piano!! New fusion dignity !!! Perfect Brew Between World Order and Democracy (aka Fusion)

Show 'Em Where You Live Vital Information Manufacturer: Tone Center ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Jazz | Styles | Music General | Jazz | Indie Music | Stores | Music Similar Items: Come on In Vital Information Orion Where We Come From Vital Tech Tones ASIN: B000063CPI Release Date: 2002-04-30

Tracks:

1. Cranial #1 Right Now
2. Mr. T.C
3. Shagadelic Boogaloo
4. Cranial # 2 The Jinx
5. Soul Principle
6. Our Man In Louisiana
7. Cat and Mouse
8. Cranial # 3 Azul
9. Sideways Blues
10. The Blackhawk
11. Cranial # 4 Where We Live
12. The Fire Still Burns ( for Jimi)
13. Cranial # 5 Awaken the Hoodoo
14. Cranial # 6 Mata Hari
15. Gingerbread Boy
16. Cranial # 7 Brake Failure

Customer Reviews:

Awesome.......2006-07-14

While being a relatively new listener to VI, "Come On In" being my first purchase, "Show 'Em Where You Live" is right there in a similar vein. Eclectic drum patterns, Gambale being Gambale, Mr. Costner, thanks to you I have an appreciation for the accordion and Mr. Brown.....wow. Great recording, great tracks and I'm looking forward to the next album. This album is "Cranial" crazy, man! Oh yeah, Steve, other than money, what the hell were you doing in Journey??!!

HEROIN ANYONE?.......2004-10-05

WOW, I literally just popped this cd into my CD player, and I am completely blown away. So blown away that my grahamr is absolutly terrrible....Steve Smith really opened me up to Vital Informaiton through his DVD set "History of the Drum Beat". As soon as I first heard this band, I knew I had to buy this CD. Definatly one of my best purchases in a long time. I would say since LIQUID TENSION EXPERIMENT or DREAM THEATER (check them out). Again, words can't express how much I love this band now. All the tracks are instrumental, which I absolutly love, and the acordian is definatly something that I am not used to, but it rocks none the less. I love the combination of jazz/funk and rock, and it goes together so well.

A MUST HAVE FOR FUSION/PROGRESSIVE HEADS EVERYWHERE!!!

Tom, trade that accordion in for a piano!!.......2004-03-20

I own every Vital Information album released ( including the first four that are out of print, which I've managed to burn to CD ). This one, while interesting, is simply a bit stale for me...musicianship, as always, remains stunning, but Steve Smith & Co haven't changed the current format for the past three albums. I miss the jazz voices of their earlier efforts: acoustic piano, tenor/alto saxophone, etc...Steve, if by some chance you're reading this, PLEASE get Tom to dust off that acoustic piano and incorporate it back into V.I.'s music! Again, the chops are awe-inspiring, but I for one could do without the ongoing "Cranial Jam" ( whose continuity during the last three albums seems almost like a private joke among the band members that we're apparently supposed to try to figure out ). Guys, you don't necessarily need to rotate musicians to keep Vital Information's sound fresh...just use some more of those enticingly seductive jazz voices ( even a flute player 'guesting' on one or two numbers would liven things up! ).

New fusion dignity !!!.......2003-11-17

This album and the previous from the band (Where we come from) redifine the world fusion givin' it a new interpretation, a new dignity and a new uptodateness. What the guys in the band did in the last few years was startin' a new exploration of their musical languages in order to rediscover their roots and to be able to find new ways of modern expressions through music. In the end this process paid. Here we have a strong album but more than anything else a strong new interpretation of fusion music. The recipe is: old instruments, new ideas. Hammond b3, Fender Rhodes, accordion, clean guitars, small drumset, .. used to play new musical visions. Not bad. The music: there's a lot of Jazz, but there's a lot of fusion too that's for sure but in the meantime here we are very far from the elevator music known a s fusion during the eighties. It's hard fusion, really near Jazz, there's a lot of improvisation and there are ideas. Wow! That's the best thing in the end! This is a strong album more than anything else because of its musical ideas. And of course because of the musicianship displayed by all the guys involved. Gambale, Coster, Smith and Browne they are perfectionists and here they prove their abilities. But I repeat, this album has contents: I didn't believe at first. This album is a Kickass. This music is a lot far from the kind of cheesy fusion played by the band in "Ray of hope" (which was not bad but maybe a little bit commercial). Here we have a heavy hammond jazz with a Kick. But this is only the dress. The substance is a new vocabulay strongly rooted in Jazz but with a modern fusion spice! It is a sort of Weather Report meet Tribal Tech meet Jimmy Smith kind of music. There is a true artistic approach. No commercial hooks here. And the more you go inside the album, the more you go on with the tracks 5, 6, ... 8, ... 10 the more experimental (but in the right way) the music goes!! I want to make my compiments to the band for this music and for their will to play fusion music in the new millenium against all music actual trends. This is surely fusion at his best.

Perfect Brew Between World Order and Democracy (aka Fusion).......2003-02-27

Fusion artists have been in a constant and desperate search for a brew that had just the right ingredients for generations. Vital Information, with this album, have reached an area upon their journey in which they are free, compatable and yet locked when it comes to orchestration. Technically, dynamically, keenly and wisely, the Vital Information have come to be more and more advanced over time. This album is a true culmination of all that time they've spent absorbing the energy that's generated every single time they play together. If you don't hear this album, you are missing out on something that, indirectly, has taken about 16 years to formulate. Similar to a diamond that formed over time, this album has equivilent glow, and should not be passed up. Please check this one out.

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