Vital Information

Hey guys, ever heard of this band? Vital Information.. It is a band form by a great drummer name Steve Smith whom i just recently found out not too long ago... They play Jazz/Funk fusion with very proggy concept in it in my opinion...

Just wondering have u ever listen or heard of them.. If u do, maybe u can share some of ur point of view towards their music..

Z'

You definitely have to hear the first one simply entitled Vital Information from 1983 with Mike Stern and Dean Brown on guitars and Tim Landers on bass. It hasn`t  come out on CD or DVD as far as I know. Maybe try the internet. Other later stuff is currently available with completely different musicians. Don`t expect this music to sound anything like the stuff he did with Journey or that atrocious Focus album he appeared on. This is classic hard hitting fusion. He`s also been involved in a number of collaborations with other top flight musicians. Go to his web-site for the lowdown.

www.vitalinformation.com


Edited by Vibrationbaby

I own a 1997 compliation from Rhino records entitled 'Jazz Fusion Vol. 2' which includes 'Enigmatic Ocean, parts I-IV - by Jean-Luc Ponty (featuring Steve Smith on drums).

To quote the liner notes:

"Enigmatic Ocean, Parts I-IV is one of Ponty's finest works to date.  Beginning with a beautifully orchestrated build by Ponty, Keyboardist Allan Zavod, and Journey (that's right Journey!) drummer Steve Smith, the intro resembles the opening music from a foreign film like Last Tango In Paris.  Dual guitarists Daryl Stuermer of Genesis and the incomparable Allan Holdsworth begin a hypnotic melody that sounds like autumn leaves blowing in the wind.  Like a Ferrari speeding out of nowher, bassist Ralphe Armstrong and drummer Smith deliver a lightning-fast groove.  Smith definitely has his hands full on this one, showcasing the intricate technical skills he only dreamed of using in Journey.  Ponty then strums an amusing passage - resembling something out of a cops-and-robbers chase scene - as Holdsworth and Zavod fire off solos, each digging up rich notes and challenging the other's improvisational skills.  The next movement mellows into a cool, funky, Roy Ayres vibe, highlighting Holdsworth's distinctive wail.  The Fast-paced energy returns, and the track closes as it began.  "Enigmatic Ocean" is typical of Ponty's rich composing skills and his ever-popular usage of suites."

 

Unquote

 

 

 

   

 

Yeah... I sadly doesn't have the album. Only have their Mp3s.. Lol

It really makes me go wow... I recommend all musicians to go and give it a try... =)

Z'

Check out their album, Come On in...

Maybe u can try another steve smith's band, Vital Tech... =)

I can say Steve Smith has the most refined both Creativity and Drum Techniques!

Go Check em out!

Z'