Steve Smith, who originally became well-known as the drummer with Journey, grew up playing jazz. He has led one of the world’s top fusion-oriented groups, Vital Information, for over 40 years; they recorded their first album in 1983.

Today’s version features the powerful drummer in a trio with keyboardist Manuel Valera and electric bassist Janek Gwizdala.

Smith rarely looks backwards but he was so inspired by Valera’s transformation of Journey’s “Don’t Stop Believin,’” into an up-tempo jazz-rock piece, that he decided to record new versions of several songs from his illustrious past.

New Perspective consists of revivals of three songs apiece from Journey and earlier versions of Vital Information plus a Michael Brecker composition that the drummer had played with Steps Ahead. But these new recordings are greatly changed from the originals.

Steve Smith began playing drums when he was nine, growing up in the Boston area. After high school he attended Berklee, spent two years playing with the Lin Biviano Big Band, studied with Alan Dawson, and worked with Jean-Luc Ponty during 1976–77, playing on Ponty’s landmark album Enigmatic Ocean.

His seven years as the drummer with Journey (1978–85), which was followed by two later stints, made him world famous. In addition to leading several versions of Vital Information during the past 41 years (Time Flies was their 40th anniversary recording), he has been part of several Buddy Rich tribute bands, worked with Steps Ahead, and played with such adventurous jazz musicians as Wadada Leo Smith, Dave Liebman, Ahmad Jamal, Larry Coryell and Hiromi among many others.

1. Don’t Stop Believin’
2. The Perfect Date
3. Charukeshi Express
4. Open Arms
5. Sumo
6. Eight-Five
7. Who’s Crying Now
8. Three Of A Kind
9. Josef The Alchemist [Bonus Track]

This groovin’, swingin’, innovative and melodic new recording of Steps Ahead/Journey renditions opens on the gently rambunctious melodies that drive Don’t Stop Believin’ and then we get the soulfully grooved The Perfect Date, the veritably shimmeringly paced Charukeshi Express, a luxurious Open Arms and an upbeat, perky and jaunty Sumo.

Along next is the forthright, yet melodically-sculpted Eight-Five and the free flowing musical majesties of the decadent Who’s Crying Now, the album rounding out on the finger-snapping delights of Three Of A Kind, closing on the synth-organ fest that propels the skedaddling CD-only bonus track Josef The Alchemist.

New Perspective gives Steve Smith an opportunity to not just revisit some past triumphs but to create brilliant new music. Fans of the influential drummer will be pleased.

Musicians:
Steve Smith – drums & konnakol, Manuel Valera – acoustic piano, Fender Rhodes and synths, Janek Gwizdala – electric bass

www.vitalinformation.com

www.stevesmithdrumart.com