Steve Smith and Vital Information

Steve Smith and Vital Information - Come On In - 2004 - Mascot/Tone Center

"Come On In features some of their finest music. This set, which crosses many musical boundaries, reveals Steve Smith's Vital Information to be one of the most underrated bands in modern jazz..." - Scott Yanow, All Music Guide

"Vital Information has evolved from a relentlessly rocking fusion outfit into a supple, funk-driven ensemble, far more attuned to the dynamics of acoustic jazz on their new recording, Come On In, expands upon its rootsy approach, building on the fierce funk and captivating New Orleans beats."- Andrew Gilbert, Down Beat

"Vital Information is one of improvised music's best-kept secrets, the tunes are adventurous and they always groove. The musicians shoot for, and achieve, real emotion rather than soulless fireworks." - Felix Contreras, JazzTimes
"Vital Information means business on their 11th album. Hard to believe this project started 21 years ago Smith is the perfect blend of virtuosity and taste, America's premier jazz/fusion export continues to get better with age." - Don Zulaica, Drum!

"Drummer Smith and this powerhouse band prove once again they are just about the best fusion band in music." - Bob Karlovits, Pittsburgh Tribune-Review

"Vital Information is clearly moving towards the jazz side of the fusion equation... while the band is leaning towards cleaner, crisper behavior, there are plenty of chops to keep fusion fans happy... Come On In demonstrates the maturity that develops from a group of seasoned players who have been playing long enough to no longer have anything to prove. As much as the formidable skills of each musician are clear, Vital Information is becoming less and less about pure chops and more and more about establishing an identity." - John Kelman, AllAboutJazz.com

Steve Smith's Vital Information has evolved from being a fusion band into one that is closer to soul-jazz. He had led units under the Vital Information name for 21 years when he recorded Come On In, a tight quartet album featuring guitarist Frank Gambale (of Chick Corea's Elektric Band), keyboardist Tom Coster (who also plays accordion), and bassist Baron Browne. The music includes some grooves worthy of Joe Zawinul, straight-ahead sections, catchy themes, and plenty of funky rhythms that avoid being predictable, plus a heated up-tempo blues "A Little Something." Smith is mostly in the background, content to propel and inspire his sidemen into playing some of their finest music. This set, which crosses many musical boundaries, reveals Steve Smith's Vital Information to be one of the most underrated bands in modern jazz and serves as an excellent introduction to the group's music. © Scott Yanow © 2014 AllMusic, a division of All Media Network, LLC. | All Rights Reserved http://www.allmusic.com/album/come-on-in-mw0000169041

"Come On In" is the 11th release from the all-star soul/jazz/funk/fusion super group Steve Smith & Vital Information. 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, who writes, "Vital Information continues to hone its 'American music' direction while staking out some adventurous new territory. With this third VI recording to showcase this line-up, the listener is invited to a veritable banquet of sounds to satisfy a wide variety of tastes. From slamming funk and syncopated second line grooves to seriously swinging, uptempo B-3 burners, South Indian Carnatic inspired jams and sizzling fuzoid romps, these seasoned veterans cover a lot of bases on "Come On In" and do it all in such convincing fashion. © 1996-2013 Guitar Nine All Rights Reserved http://www.guitar9.com/comeonin.html

"Come On In" deservedly received rave reviews around the world. This is soul jazz fusion at it’s best. Steve Smith is backed by guitar maestro, Frank Gambale, bassist Baron Browne, and Tom Coster on keys. The album is HR by A.O.O.F.C. Check out album liner notes @ http://www.vitalinformation.com/store/comeliner.htm and read more @ http://www.vitalinformation.com/ Try and listen to Steve Smith and Vital Information’s “Live! One Great Night” CD/DVD [All tracks @ 320 Kbps: File size = 145 Mb]

TRACKS / COMPOSERS

1 Time Tunnel - Baron Browne / Tom Coster / Steve Smith 5:38
2 Come on In - Tom Coster 5:40
3 Beneath the Surface - Tom Coster / Frank Gambale / Steve Smith 2:06
4 Cat Walk - Baron Browne / Tom Coster / Frank Gambale / Steve Smith 6:05
5 Around the World - Baron Browne / Tom Coster / Frank Gambale / Steve Smith 9:35
6 Soho - Frank Gambale 6:25
7 A Little Something - Frank Gambale 8:22
8 From Naples to Heaven - Frank Gambale 4:08
9 Baton Rouge - Baron Browne / Tom Coster / Frank Gambale / Steve Smith 6:18
10 Fine Line - Tom Coster / Frank Gambale / Steve Smith 2:18
11 High Wire - Tom Coster / Frank Gambale 5:52

MUSICIANS

Frank Gambale - Guitar
Tom Coster - Hammond B-3 Organ, Fender Rhodes, Accordion
Baron Browne - Electric & Acoustic Bass
Steve Smith - Drums

BIO (WIKI)

Steve Smith and Vital Information is an American jazz-fusion group led by drummer Steve Smith. The core members of the original line-up of Vital Information — Steve Smith (drums), Tim Landers (bass) and Dave Wilczewski (sax) — met in 1971 during their high school years while playing together in the Bridgewater State College Big Band, a Boston area college band that also featured outstanding high school students, the band was under the direction of Vincent Gannon. By 1977 Smith was touring with Jean-Luc Ponty, Landers with Al Di Meola and Wilczewski with Freddie Hubbard. They met in Boston once a year for a “reunion” gig using various guitarists such as Dean Brown, Daryl Stuermer orBarry Finnerty to complete the band. From 1977–1982 the three principle band members wrote many compositions, played a number of gigs and developed the sound and concept that became the first edition of Vital Information. After Smith was in Journey for a few years he was able to secure a Columbia record deal for his first solo album. The group recorded Vital Information (1983), which featured Landers, Wilczewski and Smith along with guitarists Dean Brown and Mike Stern. The album was recorded in Warren, RI in January 1983 and released that summer. In September ‘83 the band toured the USA with the Dutch guitarist Eef Albers replacing Mike Stern, who was on the road with both Miles Davis and Jaco Pastorius. At the end of the tour the group returned to RI and recorded Orion (1984), their second album.After leaving Journey in 1985 Steve Smith continued on as the bandleader of Vital Information with Tim Landers and Dave Wilczewski eventually leaving the group to pursue their own careers. Landers is a successful studio musician in Los Angeles and Wilczewski moved to Stockholm, Sweden, where he was a key player in the European music scene until his untimely death on August 22, 2009. Tom Coster (keyboards), formerly of Santana, joined Vital Information in 1986 and first appeared on Global Beat (1987), which integrated hand percussion and steel drums into the direction of the music. Kai Eckhardt (bass), later with John McLaughlin, and Torsten de Winkel (guitar), later with the Pat Metheny Group, joined Vital Information in 1986 and 1987 for tours in the United States and Europe and appeared on and composed for the group's next album, Fiafiaga (1988), which generally continued with the Global Beat direction but added computer-based and funkier sounds to the stylistic mix. A more straight-ahead jazz version of the group, with Larry Grenadier (acoustic bass), Larry Schneider (sax), Tom Coster(keys), Frank Gambale (guitar), Steve Smith (drums), recorded Vitalive! (1990). The album has recently been re-mastered and rereleased. Jeff Andrews (bass) joined the band in the early 1990s recording Easier Done Than Said (1992) and Ray of Hope (1996). Vital Information re-invented themselves as a more organic groove-oriented band with the direction of Where We Come from(1998). Baron Browne (bass) joined the band in 1998, which further solidified their more funk-oriented approach. With the line-up of Smith (drums) Tom Coster (keys), Frank Gambale (guitar) and Browne (bass) they recorded Live Around the World(2000), Show ‘Em Where You Live (2001) and Live from Mars (2002). With the recording Come on in (2004) Smith started introducing Indian rhythms into the music. On Vitalization (2007) Vinny Valentino joined Vital Information on guitar and Smith featured himself on his recently developed konnakol chops along with integrating more Indian rhythms into the music. Live! One Great Night is Vital Information’s latest release and is the first of number of releases to commemorate their 30th Anniversary. Steve Smith has been recently been touring with a version of the band called “Vital Information NYC Edition” that features Valentino and Browne along with Mark Soskin on keyboards and Andy Fusco on alto sax. Fusco and Soskin are two musicians from Smith’s other bands Buddy’s Buddies and Jazz Legacy. With VI NYC Edition the band plays the classic Vital Information songs along with the music of Jazz Legacy and Buddy’s Buddies. In November 2012 VI NYC Edition recorded a live album and new studio album. The Vital Information NYC Edition recordings will be released in 2013 as part of the groups 30th Anniversary Celebration.

Metro

Metro - Grapevine - 2002 - Hip Bop

Metro – an adventurous band which brings together the talents of guitarist Chuck Loeb, keyboard player Mitchel Forman, drummer Wolfgang Haffner and bassist Mel Brown – releases “Grapevine”, its fourth album (and second for Hip Bop records) in July 2002. The band has undergone several lineup changes since it’s debut album in 1994. Members have included bass legends Anthony Jackson and Victor Bailey, saxman Nelson Rangell and respected ex-Blue Note percussionist Bashiri Johnson. Chuck Loeb has been a constant presence since the formation of the band, which can trace its roots back to the late 70’s when he and Forman both played with Stan Getz. Sound effects kick off Trance and a monster groove quickly develops. That drum backbeat and oh-so-funky bass grab you hard and that warm electric piano sounds fabulous. Indian percussion, vocal samples and every funky guitar and keyboard sound known to man get thrown in. Chuck Loeb gets rocky and you know that the band, in the nicest possible way, has “lost it”. Too late – you have too! Jazz-rock like it used to be! Those tablas are back, pitter-pattering gently behind Loeb’s steely acoustic guitar on The Third Law. It’s a slow, dramatic track which builds in intensity as that rock guitar sneaks in. Mitchel Forman is really going for it on keyboards in the middle of this song. Funky bass and that tight snare drive I Heard It Through The Grapevine. I don’t know why but the distorted guitar melody really makes me smile! Bass freaks form a line – the bass solo is juicy. I guess I never expected to hear Marvin Gaye’s classic of classics get a treatment as original as this. Oh, the piano intro to Can You Hear Me Now? is dreamy and the guitar doubles it on the lovely melody. The many key changes make this a challenging song – but it’s very elegant. This is hugely creative and I’m trying to think of comparisons with other bands, but it’s hard. Yellowjackets come closest… Yikes! is frantic and groove-laden. A bit moody and discordant in the verse sections – which works really well. That drummer is a powerhouse and Loeb is cookin’. Oh Lord! On the sexy Cream, I hear echoes of George Duke in the keyboards and quirky arrangement. I’m tempted to carry on writing but I’d rather just drift away. It’s my favourite song. I thought that the tightest, hardest, maddest jazz-rock ended when the 70’s did. Mr Fruity proves me so wrong with its flying rhythm, manic but in-the-pocket electric piano and dazzling mood changes. Ever heard a song and thought “how can humans play this well”? You know how I feel then… The mood is sombre as Where She Was opens. The bluesy guitar and minor chords on the piano are very moving. It’s a strong instrumental “power ballad”. Indian percussion, swamp noises and a sense of fun pervade Lagoon. The track slithers like a snake – oh, well, listen and you’ll know what I mean. This defies an accurate description, as much of my favourite music does. You’ve learned to expect the unexpected by now. The Shine opens like something from David Byrne and Brian Eno’s “My Life in the Bush of Ghosts”. The vocal is lost in the heavy rhythm and other-wordly wall of synthesizer. Azul has a lighter and more conventional touch. The pretty melody is doubled on piano and acoustic guitar. I love the subtle cymbal work and percussion on this slow and beautifully crafted song. The heavily chorused guitar over the skittering rimshots and deft bassline on One Of Many remind me of something but each time I think I can remember, it’s gone again. Listen hard and there’s a waltz in here and it’s a very jazzy and intricate dance indeed. A short but sweet, untitled piano and guitar interlude closes out the set. All I can say is, if you think you knew what any of the players on this CD could do, think again. And if you hear music more original than this sometime soon, well, my email address appears elsewhere on this site. Reviewed by & © Chris Mann © http://www.smooth-jazz.de/Chris/Grapevine.htm

"Grapevine" delivers the exciting fusion of Chuck Loeb's unrestrained guitar prowess and Mitchel Forman's phenomenal keyboards. Coupled with the German rising star, Wolfgang Haffner on drums and newcomer Mel Brown on bass, Metro's latest release charts new jazz territory. Chris Mann of Smooth & Soul enthuses, "All I can say is, if you think you knew what any of the players on this CD could do, think again." "Grapevine" features eleven instrumentals, one vocal number ("The Shine"), and their jazzy spin on a song made popular by the Temptations ("I Heard It Through The "Grapevine""), with brief, talkbox vocalisms. © 1996-2013 Guitar Nine All Rights Reserved http://www.guitar9.com/grapevine.html

Metro is a jazz project created in 1994 by Chuck Loeb and Mitchel Forman, who have been friends since work with Stan Getz. The band was later joined by German drummer Wolfgang Haffner. Anthony Jackson was Metro’s first bassist in 1994, followed by Victor Bailey in 1995, Mel Brown in 2002 and Will Lee in 2007. After their debut album Metro in 1994, Metro released Tree People in 1995, Metrocafé in 2000, Grapevine (posted here) in 2002, Live At The A-Trane in 2006 and Express in 2007. Metro's music is unique, ambitious, memorable, and gripping “hip-bop” funky and soulful jazz rock, and never falls into the often bland, trite, and meaningless smooth jazz bracket. Eleven of the tracks are instrumental. There are unobtrusive vocals on Tracks 3 and 10 by Mitchel Forman and Nina Forman respectively. A great album with wonderful musicianship and a real touch of class. Even if you prefer harder instrumental jazz fusion, this is an impressive album and really worth an earnest hearing. Listen to Metro’s “Metrocafe” album [Tracks @ 222-320 Kbps: File size = 109 Mb]

TRACKS

1. Trance
2. The Third Law
3. I Heard It Through The Grapevine
4. Can You Hear Me Now
5. Yikes!
6. Cream
7. Mr. Fruity
8. Where She Was
9. Lagoon
10. The Shine
11. Azul
12. One Of Many
13. Patriot

Tracks 1,4,7,10,11,13 composed by Mitchel Forman: Tracks 2,5,8,9,12 composed by Chuck Loeb: Track 3 composed by Barrett Strong & Norman Whitfield: Track 6 composed by Prince & the New Power Generation & Wolfgang Haffner

MUSICIANS

Chuck Loeb - Guitars, Programming
Mel Brown - Bass
Mitchel Forman - Keyboards, Programming, Vocals on Track 3
Ellis Forman - Additional Keys on "Trance" and percussion on "Azul"
Wolfgang Haffner - Drums
Nina Forman - Vocals on Track 10

Clayton Doley’s Organ Donors

Clayton Doley’s Organ Donors - Tension! -2010 - Sundazed

Australia’s Organ Donors, led by Hammond B-3 whiz Clayton Doley and joined by Jak Housden on guitar, James Haselwood on bass, and Dave Hibbard on drums, reproduce the funky groove sound of late-'60s instrumental R&B and soul-jazz, although nearly all of the group’s material consists of original compositions. It’s a neat trick, and recording with vintage equipment from the era in question, the Donors sound like nothing so much as a reconstituted Booker T. & the MG's on Tension!, their debut album. The rhythm section plays with the same crisp simplicity that made the MG's so universal, and that gives Doley and guitarist Housden a lot of room to expand the sonic architecture with their lead lines and riffs, which can range from spare and smoky to jazzily psychedelic and progressive by turns -- although everything here sounds like it came out of the Stax studios 50 years ago. That isn’t a bad thing, by any means. Highlights include the leadoff track, “Booker Table” (dedicated, no doubt, to Booker T. Jones, who one could swear was playing on this cut); the rhythmic percussion richness of the title tune, “Tension”; the undeniably funky homage to organist Jack McDuff called “Up the McDuff”; and the mildly psychedelic “Mosquito,” which gives Housden room to stretch out on electric guitar. Soul is soul, even if it comes from Australia, and the Organ Donors understand the groove of it to a T -- Booker T., that is. © Steve Leggett © 2013 AllMusic, a division of All Media Network, LLC. | All Rights Reserved http://www.allmusic.com/album/tension!-mw0002060524

Australia isn’t exactly famous for spawning authentic soul music, but that’s all about to change with the release of Tension!, the riveting debut album by Down Under’s leading instrumental combo, Clayton Doley’s Organ Donors. Tension! offers an exciting introduction to the foursome’s unique brand of instrumental R&B, igniting an unstoppable explosion of deep-grooved psychedelic-soul soundscapes that inspire comparisons with such vintage masters as Booker T. and the MGs, Jimi Hendrix and Jimmy Smith while maintaining an unmistakably modern sensibility. Delivering bracing new music that taps into a timeless well of musical tradition, Tension! is perfectly timed to take advantage of the current resurgence of interest in vintage soul sounds. In an impressively short period of time, Clayton Doley’s Organ Donors have become a potent force on the Australian scene, winning an enthusiastic fan base and abundant acclaim from critics and fellow musicians. Driven by seasoned keyboard virtuoso Doley’s mighty Hammond organ, the quartet’s dynamic range veers from quiet whispers to thunderous roars, with rapid-fire shedding turning to shimmering soundscapes of raw emotion. Joining organist/leader Doley is a handpicked set of players whose world-class musicianship elevates the keyboardist’s compositions to dizzying levels of interactive inspiration. Guitarist Jak Housden’s distinctive stylings balance funkiness and warmth, and his effortless chemistry with Doley’s keyboard work is complemented by the powerful, subtly inventive rhythm section of bassist James Haselwood and drummer Dave Hibbard. One could be forgiven for mistaking Tension! for a rare vintage gem unearthed from the vaults of a long forgotten American R&B label, thanks to the musicians’ careful attention to sonic detail. The band cut the tracks live in the studio, using completely vintage instruments and recording gear. The emphasis on vintage technology extended to the use of such largely forgotten studio effects as spring reverb and tape flanging. In keeping with the music’s generation-spanning appeal, Tension! is available on both compact disc and 180 gram vinyl LP. In either format, this is a sizzling blast of border-crossing instrumental brilliance! Also available for download! Rev up the MP3 players! This entire album is available to download from the iTunes Store - See more at: http://www.sundazed.com/shop/product_info.php?products_id=1805#sthash.rY2cjPgB.dpuf © 2013 Sundazed Music, Inc. http://www.sundazed.com/shop/product_info.php?products_id=1805

Clayton Doley’s website says, “They effortlessly link between the tribal feel of Fela Kuti and the minimalism of Booker T. and the MG's, with the sound of a Blue Note recording”. This is a great retro style instrumental soul jazz album in the style of the classic Hammond Organ combos of the 1960's and in general, the mid-1960s British Invasion sound. It’s great to hear music today played like sixtie’s Georgie Fame, Booker T. & The MG’s or Brian Auger. Unusual, but great music with a real retro sound and certainly not dated. A great listen and HR by A.O.O.F.C [All tracks @ 320 Kbps: File size = 115 Mb]

TRACKS / COMPOSERS

1. BOOKER TABLE - Clayton Doley 3:27
2. BARNEY GOES UPTOWN - Clayton Doley 4:18
3. RETURN OF THE PRODIGAL SON - Harold Ousley 6:56
4. TENSION - Clayton Doley 6:53
5. THE WHITE KNIGHT - Clayton Doley & Jak Housden 3:08
6. PARTNERS - Clayton Doley, James Haselwood, Dave Hibbard & Jak Housden 4:53
7. UP THE MCDUFF - Clayton Doley 6:45 *
8. BABY JOHN BURGESS - Doley, James Haselwood, Dave Hibbard & Jak Housden 3:42
9. MOSQUITO - Doley, James Haselwood, Dave Hibbard & Jak Housden 9:03

* Omitted on some vinyl issues of this album

MUSICIANS

Jak Housden - Guitar
James Haselwood - Bass
Clayton Doley - Hammond Organ
Dave Hibbard - Drums
Declan Kelly - Additional Percussion on Track 4

BIO (WIKI)

Clayton Doley (born 13 September 1974) is an Australian musician, singer, song writer, television musical director, arranger, and record producer best known for his Hammond Organ virtuosity. As a song writer Clayton has had his works recorded by The Whitlams, Jimmy Barnes, Mahalia Barnes, Jade MacRae, Ngaiire and Kara Grainger. He has produced tracks for Jimmy Barnes' platinum selling Double Happiness album and Jade MacRae's ARIA award winning self titled debut. As a recording session musician Clayton is most often credited as playing the Hammond Organ and is sometimes listed as Clayton Dooley. He also performs on a wide variety keyboard instruments and has been credited with playing piano, wurlitzer, rhodes, clavinet and mellotron. He has played on albums for artists such as Harry Manx, A Camp (Sweden), Eugene "Hideaway" Bridges (USA), Jimmy Barnes, Renee Geyer, Billy Thorpe, The Whitlams, The Rockmellons, Adam Brand, Kasey Chambers, Alex Lloyd, Troy Cassar-Daley, James Blundell, Adam Harvey, Ed Kuepper, Slim Dusty, Beccy Cole, Felicity Urquhart, Rick Price, Tina Harrod, Jackie Orszaczky, Mahalia Barnes, Jade Macrae, Kevin Borich to name a few. As a live session musician, Clayton has played for Steve Cropper and Donald "Duck" Dunn from Booker T and The MG's (USA), Larry Braggs and David Garibaldi from Tower Of Power (USA), The Divinyls, Nigel Kennedy (UK), Eugene "Hideaway" Bridges (USA), Harry Manx (Canada), Silverchair, Billy Thorpe, Jon Stevens, Vanessa Amorosi, Guy Sebastian, Jimmy Barnes, Ian Moss, Russell Morris, Renee Geyer, The Whitlams, Mica Paris (UK), Margie Evans (USA), Louisiana Red (USA), Mojo Buford (USA), Hubert Sumlin (USA), Guitar Shorty (USA), Jenny Morris, Mia Dyson, James Morrison, Don Burrows, Adam Brand, Deborah Conway, Marcia Hines, Deni Hines, Disco Montego. At 16 he joined Adalaide band Double Wammy and at 18 he joined Sydney band The Mighty Reapers, and has since started his own bands The Hands and Clayton Doley's Organ Donors. He has opened for James Brown, BB King, Buddy Guy and Junior Wells, Albert Collins, Albert King, Georgie Fame, Maceo Parker, Jon Cleary, Bon Jovi, and Cheap Trick. In 2002 Clayton and his brother Lachlan formed soul band The Hands, driven by the dueling keyboards of Clayton on Hammond Organ and Lachlan Doley on Hohner D6 Clavinet. The Hands have recorded two albums of original songs, "Live and Breathe" in 2004 and "Everything Is Wonderful" in 2008. In 2006 Clayton Doley's Organ Donors was formed with long time friends and fellow musicians Jak Housden on guitar (Badloves), James Haselwood on Bass, and Dave Hibbard (also from The Hands) on Drums. They regularly performed on the Australian festival circuit and have been referred to as Australia's answer to Booker T and the MG's. In 2010 Clayton Doley's Organ Donors released the critically acclaimed instrumental album on Sundazed called Tension. In 2012 Clayton Doley released his debut album as a solo artist "Desperate Times", an organ trio album recorded in Canada. The organ trio known as The Clayton Doley Organ Experience currently performs all over the world. He has worked as a television musical director for such shows as Good News Week broadcast on Network 10, The Sideshow broadcast on the ABC network, Melbourne International Comedy Festival (MICF) Opening Night Gala 2009 and 2010 broadcast on Network 10 and musical director for The Great Debate 2011 broadcast on Network 10.