- Audio CD (4 Mar 2002)
- Number of Discs: 1
- Label: Tone Center
- ASIN: B00005UCCD
- Other Editions: Audio CD
- Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars See all reviews (1 customer review)
- Amazon Bestsellers Rank: 390,770 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)
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Product details |
Track Listings
| 1. Crash Course |
| 2. Snake Soda |
| 3. Dr. Hee |
| 4. Everglades |
| 5. Two for One |
| 6. King Twang |
| 7. The Captors |
| 8. Giant Steps |
| 9. Lie Detector |
Product Description
Amazon.co.uk Review
Complex, robust, full-bodied: like a bold cabernet, the jazz-rock fusion that flows from Vital Tech Tones Vol 2 is best appreciated by those with mature tastes and inquisitive natures. After an initial jolt to the senses, it gradually reveals subtle satisfactions that become more apparent after repeated samplings, persuading you over time that you have unearthed something deeply enjoyable. Fusion fans fond of music with a freestyle rock sensibility should be drawn to this inviting, hard-edged excursion into territory once explored by the Mahavishnu Orchestra. Guitarist Scott Henderson (of Tribal Tech) sends showers of expressive, non-linear chords raining down on the detailed rhythmic underpinnings supplied by drummer Steve Smith (of Vital Information and, long ago, Journey) and bassist Victor Wooten (of Bela Fleck and the Flecktones). The results (all instrumental) are challenging, engrossing, a bit raw, not fully melodic, yet never so abstract that they become alienating. Without showboating, Henderson tinkers with textures that at times bring to mind Jeff Beck, Eddie Van Halen and a young Al Di Meola, all in an ever-shifting context that encourages sustained listening. --Terry Wood
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Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
4 of 4 people found the following review helpful
Format:Audio CD
"Well, what have we here then? Scott Henderson, Steve Smith and Victor Wooten - I think I know what to expect". WRONG! Put all your preconceptions to one side, and just enjoy. This album is going to be a little bit of a surprise.
You know how "fusion" music can sometimes become a bit predictable or even stale - bands simply rehashing what's been done before, only not as well - then suddenly a band appears that literally EXPLODES onto the scene, to shake things up. Well, Vital Tech Tones is such a band.
I'm sure most fusion lovers are already aware of the aforementioned musicians' credentials, so they need no more introduction. What WILL surprise, and hopefully delight, such fusion enthusiasts, is what they create on this album. In my opinion, it comes across as a reaction against the staleness inherent in "some" fusion music. But, because I don't want to give too much away in my review, which would spoil the impact this band has on first hearing, I'll attempt to make vague comparisons instead. Thus, imagine, if you will, Scott with a touch of Jimi Hendrix in his playing, and if Steve added some of John Bohnam's sheer power to his already awesome technique, then finally, if all the great bass players you'd ever heard gave a bit of themselves to add to Victor's playing - you'd be getting close to the sound of this phenomenally gifted trio, in this, their debut album.
The playing throughout is of course stunning. The compositions are varied in style - sometimes jazzy, heavy, complex, funky - but always entertaining. It actually sounds like they were really enjoying themselves while making such a wonderful album.
In fact, the amazing interplay within the band suggests to me that they were recording it live, thus capturing those rare moments of genius when they were all "in the zone". This is what jazz is supposed to be about anyway "reaching for that moment".
It's a gem of a performance. If you're looking for "jazz with attitude", this is the album for you - otherwise, look elsewhere. For the sheer sublime playing alone, this VTT album is worth buying. Take a risk - I promise you won't be disappointed!
Most Helpful Customer Reviews on Amazon.com (beta)
Amazon.com:
22 reviews
13 of 13 people found the following review helpful
Hard rock fusion at its best.
7 Jun 1999
Format:Audio CD
If you like Steve Vai and Joe Satriani, you'll love this album. If you're looking for the fusion of the 70's (Mahavishnu Orchestry, Eleventh House) this may not be your cup of tea.
Steve Smith produced three top notch fusion albums in 1998: "Show Me What You Can Do" (Gambale/Hamm/Smith), "Cause and Effect" (Coryell/Coster/Smith, and this album "Vital Tech Tones". Each is different, but all share a down and dirty fusion sound. "Show me .." is more techno, while "Cause and Effect", is more jazz and funk. "Vital Tech Tones" is hard rock and blues fusion at its best.
Scott Henderson's playing sounds like Stevie Ray Vaughn at one moment and Allan Holdsworth the next. With great rock chops, Henderson screams and screaches his way through a number of originals. Backed by the extrordinary drumming of Steve Smith and the always exciting bass playing of Victor Wooten, this album is well worth the listen.
13 of 15 people found the following review helpful
A WHAT fest?
30 Jan 2001
Format:Audio CD
Victor Wooten needs to learn technique? Are you out of your mind? Yes, Jaco was an amazing player, a pioneer, blah blah blah. Yeah, I dig him, too. But Vic is in a class by himself, and in my mind, proves it without a doubt again in a setting totally unlike the Flecktones, and with tunes that are a definite departure from his two outstanding solo efforts.
Oh, but I'm supposed to be reviewing the Vital Tech Tones Vol. 1. Let me just say this: On my first listen earlier today, I was literally screaming in ecstasy in my car. I've just listened to it again here at home, and I'm almost exhausted. Chops? Of course. Cohesiveness? Absolutely. Taste? You betcha. Monster grooves? Oh yeah. Rippin' fusion, nasty blues, mind-bending solos by all three players? Damn right. This was a most pleasant introduction to Scott Henderson, since I've never heard of him or Tribal Tech before picking up this CD. Steve Smith continues to surprise.
I'm very happy I bought this one. So THERE!
12 of 14 people found the following review helpful
this one cooks!
11 Oct 1999
Format:Audio CD
I need to restore a little balance here!! The last couple of reviews clearly are misguided!! This is awesome jazz-rock fusion - way heavy on the rock part and a long way from fuzak! All the players are outstanding and the sound is awesome as well! Smith is a true drummers' drummer and the drum sound on this CD is incredible - serious power!!!! And Scott Henderson just rips it up. Some reviewers would rather see Gary Willis on this, but the whole idea was to bring three diverse backgrounds together!! Hence Vital (Information) (Tribal)Tech (Bela Fleck and the Fleck-)Tones - get it?
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