Smith, Steve
BFM Jazz, 2023, CD
Instrument: Drums
Issue: 29.2
Jazz Ruler Type: Fusion
Performance: 4
Sound: 3
Score: 87
O’s Notes: Drummer Steve Smith is back in action with his band, Vital Information for Time Flies. They are a trio featuring pianist Manuel Valera and bassist Janet Gwizdala. The sound is large, and the groove is infectious on the opener “Emergence”, fueled by Smith and running through the entire band. There is excellent work by all three musicians on “Tempus Fugue It”. Guest saxophonist George Garzone comes in on the title track with a more relaxed pace and then drops down another notch on “Self Portrait”. The tempo changes but the groove remains stable over twelve selections for an hour of prime entertainment. Standouts are “What Is This Thing Called Love” and “No Qualm” featuring guest Mike Mainers on vibes. The Bonus Disc is a jam session featuring the trio with Garzone in an 8-part jazz-fusion experience titled “A Prayer For The Generations”.
Publicist: Jazz Promo Services
