VITAL INFORMATION

Steve Smith was the drummer in the hugely popular JOURNEY at the time when he was given permission to record a solo album. His love was Jazz/Fusion and back in 1983 he put together this band of two guitarists in Mike Stern and Dean Brown, plus bass player Tim Landers, and a tenor sax player named Dave Wilczewski, and the only one I am familiar with is Mike Stern. I was really looking forward to this until I heard the sax, I just don't like it, the style or tone. I like that he brought in two guitarists though because they have very different styles so you know when they are both playing in the same passage of music.

The opener has this funky rhythm section and they don't really go into this style after this song but this rhythm continues throughout the opener. I like the guitar expressions but not the sax as they trade off. Nice bass before 3 minutes on "Questionable Arrivals" along with the guitar expressions. Dual guitars on this one. Some walking bass on "V.G." and the sound is fairly sparse until later. Favourite by far though is "All That Is" even if it starts with laid back sax and atmosphere. I like when the tempo speeds up as drums and bass join in. First time Smith works up a sweat. Sax joins in too until replaced by the guitar before 5 minutes. Love the guitar 5 1/2 minutes in as it soars. Best section on the album from 5 minutes in to the end. Smith plays piano on the beginning of the closer.

A little disappointed for sure.