Steve Smith, New Perspective Review

by Jeff Becker

Steve Smith and Vital Information’s New Perspective is an invitation to revisit the past through a transformative lens of jazz fusion. The record finds Smith, the legendary drummer, reinterpreting pivotal moments from his vast career, notably drawing from his work with Journey, Vital Information, and the fusion landscape. With a focus on musical evolution, the trio comprised Smith, keyboardist Manuel Valera, and bassist Janek Gwizdala. The trio put a clear fusion twist on each of the nine compositions, transforming familiar pieces into new statements of jazz fusion.

“Don’t Stop Believin'” opens the album with a fun departure from its anthemic rock origins. Valera’s up-tempo jazz-rock arrangement reframes the song as a live-wire exploration, underscored by Smith’s impeccable drumming, which adds layers of groove and energy. His expressive, polyrhythmic approach imbues the piece with a feel that inspires the trio to stretch out. It’s a successful reimagination, reworking a radio hit into an entertaining fusion exploration. Smith’s command of form, paired with his dynamic approach to interaction, elevates the arrangement as Valera’s solo moves far beyond its commercial past.

Following this, “The Perfect Date” brings an entirely different energy. Originally a staple in the fusion catalog, this track has undergone a reinterpretation, drawing on Smith’s earlier experiences with digital instrumentation. Valera’s keyboards pulse with a full sound, weaving textures that complement the contrapuntal articulation of Gwizdala’s electric bass. Smith’s drumming, always the cornerstone of Vital Information’s sound, offers a fluid backbone to the groove, guiding the band through the track with precision.

The fusion is palpable in “Charukeshi Express,” where the rhythm section propels the piece with a sense of Indian Classical music mixed with jazz fusion. Smith’s playing is as impeccable as ever, and his attention phrasing lets the two feel coexisting in a flow of swing and straight eights. The re-imagined piece is a showcase of Smith’s ability to bring together elements to form a modern soundscape into a coherent musical narrative.

Moving from these energized reworkings, “Open Arms” takes a surprising turn, transforming the 1980s ballad into a swinging 3/4 jazz composition. Valera’s reharmonization, coupled with the rhythmic propulsion from Smith and Gwizdala, reveals new facets of this classic. While the original was grounded in sentimentality, the trio’s version unpacks the harmonic and rhythmic motifs, allowing Smith’s nuanced drumming to shine in the ebb and flow of the piece. His control over textures and space adds layers is noticeable.

“Sumo,” a composition by Michael Brecker, adds a late 80s fusion layer to the program. The way the trio interacts with Brecker’s composition is driven by Smith’s command over time and tempo pushes. Gwizdala’s bass playing brings an infectious groove to the piece. Valera’s keyboard work is rich in texture, creating multiple sounds with his keyboards. an intricate backdrop for Smith’s drum solo. The chemistry between the trio members takes center stage, showcasing their instinctive ability to engage with the ever-changing conversation of improvisation.

In “Eight + Five,” Smith revisits one of the signature pieces from his past, bringing it into a modern context. The composition’s time signature shifts and rhythmic displacements create a subtle tension, making the trio’s interaction all the more captivating. This piece shows Smith’s ability to play with the pulse and form to make an impactful performance for our enjoyment. His drum fills are inventive, constantly pushing the feel while maintaining a strong groove.

“Who’s Cryin’ Now,” originally a Journey hit, has been reworked into an upbeat fusion jazz exploration. Valera’s improvisational flourishes, combined with Gwizdala’s groove bass lines, create a rich harmonic interaction under which Smith’s drums swirl with power. The track, which once served as a pop ballad, now exudes a vibrancy that captures the core melodic identity of the original but with jazz fusion’s energy and playfulness.

The final two tracks, “Three Of A Kind” and “Josef The Alchemist”, bring the album to a close with grace. The former, an original composition by Valera, is a shining example of the trio’s ability to swing effortlessly while engaging in sophisticated harmonic exploration. “Josef The Alchemist,” a tribute to the late Joe Zawinul, serves as a poignant coda to an album that has masterfully combined past influences with contemporary vision. The track is filled with the spirit of Zawinul’s innovations, but Smith and his bandmates make it their own, blending elements of jazz fusion with an emotional resonance that is rare in instrumental music.

New Perspective showcases Steve Smith and Vital Information breathing fresh life into familiar material, delivering a dynamic mix of technical brilliance, creative arrangements, and seamless interaction. This album will resonate with long-time fans of Smith’s career, while also appealing to musicians and professionals who appreciate the fearless reinterpretation of classic songs and the intricate interplay that lies at the heart of each track.