Customer Reviews

Come on in

5 star:		(3)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

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.

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.

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!

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.