The band never played live, although Smith has performed amongst Henderson in addition to Wooten on dissever occasions.
The band's music is almost exclusively instrumental, focused on virtuosic, costless flowing soloing on top of a complex, enterprise groove. It is considered to move to a greater extent than on the rock terminate of the fusion spectrum.
Calling this grouping a ability trio would non move fair, equally it would move also much of an understatement. Guitarist Scott Henderson, bassist Victor Wooten, in addition to drummer Steve Smith are 3 of the most inventive jazz-rock players who bring pushed the way into uncharted waters during the belatedly '80s in addition to throughout the '90s. The clever cry Vital Tech Tones infers each members primary bands: Smith's Vital Information, Henderson's Tribal Tech, in addition to Wooten's Bela Fleck in addition to the Flecktones. The combined talent degree of the band is astounding in addition to the music created hither is a reflection of non only their technical abilities, but also their compositional talents. The programme maintains a jazz-rock fusion feel, but at that spot is plenty diverseness inwards the compositions that heighten this inwards a higher house precisely some other blowing session. That beingness stated, the concealment of "Giant Steps" has to move heard to move believed, equally does the Jimi Hendrix-influenced "Lie Detector." Influenza A virus subtype H5N1 really rewarding session that proves that jazz-rock fusion tin withal move played amongst conviction, honesty, in addition to integrity.
Perhaps a to a greater extent than spontaneous super-trio gathering of the post-70s fusion generation, Vital Tech Tones finds guitarist Scott Henderson chasing the voodoo downward amongst mercurial bassist Victor Wooten (known for his scintillating slap-style equally a fellow member of Bela Fleck's Flecktones), in addition to veteran jazz / stadium rocker, Steve Smith. The trio has assembled a broad ranging, oft blues-based organisation of grouping compositions / jams, in addition to it proves an engaging showcase for Henderson's extreme talent, both inwards price of solos in addition to beat work. Drummer Steve Smith ably anchors Wooten's miraculous assortment of rumbling, popping, pyrotechnic baselines, most evident inwards tunes similar "Snake Soda."
Tribal Tech fans volition appreciate a new, bluesy version of "Dr. Hee," in addition to the rails "Crash Course" volition clearly appeal to Allan Holdsworth devotees, equally it recalls Holdsworth's IOU-era guitar trio arrangements. Perhaps most delightful is the angular interpretation of Coltrane's "Giant Steps," which is a worthy if slightly reckless update of that classic standard. Henderson is i of the few master copy electrical guitar soloists capable of weaving an intelligent flurry of 128th notes amongst compelling emotional intensity in addition to inventiveness, possessing ideas to check to his degree of phrasing in addition to technique. Wooten in addition to Smith are comparable on their instruments, which way this trio typically hits its pace amongst warp-speed abandon.
Vital Tech Tones encompasses playing in addition to extended soloing which straddles betwixt the bright in addition to the boisterous. While for some, the high-octane musical rapport hither volition stray into the territory of enlightened musical indulgence, Henderdson undoubtedly commands i of the premier guitar trios of recent memory. But that's precisely scratching the surface, equally both Wooten in addition to Smith's jazz in addition to stone vocabulary demonstrate that no affair what the musical context, they're exceptionally creative in addition to technically at a degree few of their contemporaries tin match.
"Well, what bring nosotros hither then? Scott Henderson, Steve Smith in addition to Victor Wooten - I think I know what to expect". WRONG! Put all your preconceptions to i side, in addition to precisely enjoy. This album is going to move a piddling fleck of a surprise.
You know how "fusion" music tin sometimes larn out a fleck predictable or fifty-fifty stale - bands only rehashing what's been done before, only non equally well. Then of a abrupt a band appears that literally EXPLODES onto the scene, to milk tremble things up. Well, Vital Tech Tones is such a band.
I'm certain most fusion lovers are already aware of the aforementioned musicians' credentials, so they involve no to a greater extent than introductions. What WILL surprise, in addition to hopefully delight, such fusion enthusiasts, is what they exercise on this album. In my opinion, it comes across equally a reaction against the staleness inherent inwards "some" fusion music. But, because I don't desire to give also much away inwards my review, which would spoil the acquit upon this band has on outset hearing, I'll endeavour to brand vague comparisons instead. Thus, imagine, if yous will, Scott amongst a touching of Jimi Hendrix inwards his playing, in addition to if Steve added some of John Bonham's sheer ability to his already awesome technique, in addition to so finally, if all the peachy bass players you'd ever heard gave a fleck of themselves to add together to Victor's playing - you'd move getting some the audio of this phenomenally gifted trio, inwards this, their debut album.
The playing throughout is of course of written report stunning. The compositions are varied inwards way - sometimes jazzy, heavy, complex, in addition to funky - but e'er entertaining. It genuinely sounds similar they were genuinely enjoying themselves piece making such a wonderful album. In fact, the amazing interplay inside the band suggests to me that they were recording it live, thence capturing those rare moments of genius when they were all "in the zone". This is what jazz is supposed to move most anyway "reaching for that moment".
It's a precious stone of a performance. If you're looking for "jazz amongst attitude", this is the album for yous - otherwise, facial expression elsewhere. For the sheer sublime playing alone, this VTT album is worth buying. Take a adventure - I hope yous won't move disappointed!
Track listing:
1 Crash Course 7:00
2 Snake Soda 5:35
3 physician Hee 8:56
4 Everglades 9:41
5 Two For One 5:21
6 King Twang 4:10
7 The Captors 7:52
8 Giant Steps 5:45
9 Lie Detector 5:49
Personnel:
Scott Henderson - Guitar
Victor Wooten - Bass
Steve Smith - Drums
EmoticonEmoticon