Steve Smith and Vital Information

New Perspective

Drum Legacy

The former drummer for Journey and one with jazz chops to spare, Steve Smith, returns with his trio on “New Perspective,” following last year’s double album “Time Flies.” In tow are the multi-talented keyboardist (piano, Rhodes, synths) Manuel Valera and bassist Janek Gwizdala. For the first time, Smith and crew put a jazz spin on Journey songs, three of them while also covering Michael Brecker’s “Sumo” from Smith’s tenure with Brecker’s Steps Ahead and new arrangements of previous Vital Information songs. Smith is the co-writer on two compositions while Valera authors two as well.  The band extensively toured the “Time Flies” album and many of these songs fell out of those shows, jams, or conversations.

The first of the Journey tunes is the well-known lead-off track “Don’t Stop Believin’” with Valera’s arrangement practically making it unrecognizable as he soars on the Rhodes and synths behind Smith’s skittering beats and Gwizdala’s start-stop groove. “The Perfect Date” is a Vital Information song repurposed for this recording. Valera is again primarily on Rhodes bouncing joyously as the trio navigates the angular rhythms, giving plenty of space to Smith to rattle the drum set with fervor. “Charukeshi Express” is another of the trio’s song re-imagined in a new arrangement that’s heavy on synths and effects, imbued by Smith’s masterful snare and cymbal work along with wordless vocals in a kinetic rhythm that’s practically impossible to keep up with. Valera arranged the second Journey song, the standout “Open Arms,” a refreshing retreat away from the vigorous fusion, giving the song a true jazz piano trio feel.  The pianist’s playing is melodic, inspired, and gorgeous, as if taking the part of the vocalist. These four tracks were cut in one session leaving the back half of the album even more eclectic.

Vital Information excels at fusion, taking Brecker’s “Sumo” to new heights via Valera’s arrangement that accents the synth as the major melodic force. Again, you’ll hear staggered rhythms and Smith’s unparalleled energy with his sticks.  Another standout, “Eight-Five,” is also an  Vital Information track from “Heart of the City,’ arranged here by “Sput” Seawright from Snarky Puppy. Even Smith is amazed that a song intended for a large ensemble could be rendered by the trio with Gwizdala’s fuzzy, filthy bass line setting the pace for more chugging vocals, Rhodes and synths, and in this case, in the pocket drumming from the leader. Valera chimes in nicely on the acoustic piano in the latter half, fully fleshing this syncopated gem out.

Gwizdala arranged the third Journey tune, “Who’s Crying Now,” in yet another rhythmically complex way, with Valera’s gleaming acoustic piano riding the bassist’s groove as Smith points the way, alternating brushes and sticks. Valera’s two compositions close this varied set, with the group swinging hard on the shuffling, percussive acoustic piano driven “Three of a Kind.” With Joe Zawinul’s influence all over Valera’s playing, especially the opening track, it’s only appropriate that he pay tribute to the late keyboard genius in the closer, “Josef The Alchemist.” Appropriately, Valera uses every keyboard in his arsenal, much like Zawinul did in Weather Report, even with trademark Zawinul chords to cap the piece.

Vital Information is as tight a trio as any playing today and are highly recommended to see the deliver their joyous vibe live.

– Jim Hynes

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