Concert Review: Vital Information

Four years ago I went to the NAMM show in Anaheim California, to exhibit with my former employer, which is cool since it's the biggest music trade show in the US.  Sure, when you're exhibiting, you are working eight hours a day on the floor, but it's all worth it when you get to go to the various parties and concerts that take place at night.

One night four years ago I was lucky enough to be able to see a Jazz/Fusion band called Vital Information, which at the time featured Steve Smith on drums, and Frank Gambale on guitar.  Joining them that evening were Baron Brown on bass, and Tom Coster on keys.  For those of you who don't know, Steve Smith is perhaps most famous for being in a little rock band called Journey.  I think playing in Journey paid the bills, but playing in Vital is his true passion.  The reason I think that, is because while Journey was a great rock band, with some good players in it, being in a band like Vital allows him to play with time more.  If I were a world class drummer, that would certainly be something I would want to do.

Replacing Gambale on guitar Monday night was Vinny Valenino.  Stylistically Vinny is very different than Gambale.  Vinny plays your classic hollowbody ES-335 type guitar, and played clean all night long, while Gambale is famous more for playing solid body electrics, featuring a little more dirt in his tone, and what I would call a more "flashy" technique.

Despite their differences, Vinny is an amazingly tasteful player, with no lack of technique, and he also does that George Benson-esque thing where he sings in unison with his playing while he solos.  I don't think I've ever seen Frank do that.   :-)

Monday night they featured mostly tunes from their most recent studio CD, Vitalization.  I don't own this CD yet, so I was not familiar with the music, but that didn't matter.

Simply put, these guys can play.  Their music is harmonically rich, and is played in very diverse time signatures.  Their compositions are always strong, the band is tight, and these guys can just flat groove.

I can't wait to order their most recent studio offering, and play it loudly.

If you happen to be a Jazz/Fusion fan, and these guys ever come to a town near you, run, don't walk to the venue, and get yourself a ticket!