Monthly Archive: May 2023

Steve Smith and Vital Information – Time Flies – Wounded Bird Records

by Audiophile Audition | May 16, 2023 | Jazz CD Reviews

Two is better than one for a drummer-led trio. Steve Smith and Vital Information – Time Flies – [TrackList follows] – Wounded Bird Records WOU 9998, CD1 60:00, CD 2 54:00 [5/5/23] ****: (CD 1: Steve Smith – drums, producer; Manuel Valera – acoustic piano and electric keyboards; Janek Gwizdala – electric bass; George Garzone – tenor sax (tracks 3, 7, 11); Mike Mainieri – vibes (track 9)) (CD 2: Smith; Garzone; Valera; Gwizdala) There is a varied context to drummer Steve Smith’s latest foray with his band Vital Information. The two-CD, two-hour outing finds Smith showcasing two sides of his jazz foundation. First there are the twelve straightforward compositions on Time Flies and then there is the extended, improvisational music on the bonus disc A Prayer for the Generations. Although Smith is a well-respected jazz drummer, he is probably best known for his tenure in classic rockers Journey from 1978 to 1985, 1995 to 1998 and 2015 to 2020. He is also a member of jazz fusion ensemble Steps Ahead (1996-present). Time Flies marks Vital Information’s 40th Anniversary recording and is the group’s 17th release. Vital Information’s current roster consists of Smith; Cuban acoustic and electric keyboardist Manuel Valera, […]