Steve Smith has been leading different line-ups of Vital Information for more than 40 years now, but I will always think of him as spending seven years as the drummer with Journey (1978–85), plus a few later stints. The current line-up of the band is completed by Manuel Valera (acoustic piano, Fender Rhodes and synths) and Janek Gwizdala (electric bass) and they have finally managed to convince Smith to re-record some songs he originally played on decades ago, hence the album title. This means we get three Journey numbers which are almost recognisable from the originals, an infectious rendition of “Don’t Stop Believin’”, “Open Arms” (which Valera has turned into a swinging 3/4 ballad), and Gwizdala’s transformation of “Who’s Cryin’ Now”. There are also a few old Vital Information numbers, “The Perfect Date,” an electronic “Charukeshi Express,” and ”Eight + Five” which was originally recorded by a quintet. To complete the album is Brecker’s “Sumo” along with two Valera originals.
Towards the end of an East Coast tour the band went into a studio for an afternoon and recorded “Don’t Stop Believin’”, “Open Arms”, “Charukeshi Express” and “The Perfect Date” in a single session, demonstrating to Smith they were already halfway to a finished album, and they just needed to decide on more material. One can tell this has been recorded live in the studio from a band as opposed to session musicians as they are not reading scores but instead are bouncing off each other and reacting in the way which only comes from those who have done the hard yards onstage. In Valera and Gwizdala, Smith has found the perfect foils for his love of jazz (he was a jazz musician long before he joined Journey) and here we have a fusion outfit which are an absolute blast, singing and grooving. It is a revelation to hear well-known songs in such a different style, yet they really work and Smith continues to demonstrate why he is regarded as one of the world’s best drummers.
If you are only into AOR and are intrigued to hear different arrangements of three Journey numbers then this is not for you, but if you want to hear what can be achieved in a bebop setting with three musicians who are all masters of their craft and have developed that understanding which comes only from touring, then this is a delight.
Rating: 8/10
