VTT2: Vital Tech Tones, Vol. 2

VTT2: Vital Tech Tones, Vol. 2

ASIN: B00004T48M

Editorial Reviews
Amazon.com
Complex, robust, full-bodied. Like a bold cabernet, the jazz-rock fusion that flows from the three lads in Vital Tech Tones 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, nonlinear 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. Worthwhile. --Terry Wood

Tracks:

VTT
SubZero
The Litigants
Puhtainin' Tuh...
Drums Stop, No Good
Catch Me If You Can
Nairobe Express
Who Knew?
Time Tunnel
Chakmool-Ti

Amazon.com

Complex, robust, full-bodied. Like a bold cabernet, the jazz-rock fusion that flows from the three lads in Vital Tech Tones 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, nonlinear 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. Worthwhile. --Terry Wood

Customer Reviews:

FUSION CAN BE FUN!.......2006-07-21

If you heard the band's debut album, "Vital Tech Tones [Vol.1]", and liked it, you are going to love this album! These are musicians at the very peak of their musical career, yet, they do not take themselves too seriously. This is indicated perfectly on the opening track when Victor plays a little tongue-in-cheek piece introducing the band. This is what VTT are all about, having fun playing. Victor is a remarkable bass player. Unlike many fusion players these days, he still plays a 4 string bass. What he does on this instrument is quite frankly bewildering! His rhythmically complex patterns suggest to me that he must have had tabla lessons at some point! Such is his brilliance. Later, on the album, he switches to fretless bass, taking some fantastic solos on that as well! However, VTT is not just about solos, it's about every aspect of the music.

There are tunes where only Victor and Steve play. Their interaction as a rhythm section is phenomenal. Yet there's still an element of humour throughout this album, as well as some excellent compositions and improvising. Every musician gets their own space to display their awesome talents to the full - without it ever becoming just showing off. It is perfectly balanced.

If you're a Steve Smith fan, this is him at his best. Once again, it's not all about solos. Steve lays down some really groovy beats as well, which set up Victor with the perfect forum to add his own magic. Scott, I feel, has finally shook off all those awful comparisons with other guitarists, and found his own unique voice on the guitar. He has an edge to his playing, while also still able to outplay most guitarists in the technique department. Yet, he doesn't overdo it. He is varied in his approach and writing style.

This is a band that shows how fusion should be played - with fun! Moreover, it certainly comes across in both their albums. They simply enjoy playing together as a band. They have it all - excellent compositions/improvising/interaction, all the criteria required to produce such a wonderful product.

The outstanding track for me is the very last one, "Chakmool-Ti", which is the band's showcase composition - simply wonderful. A MUST BUY for anyone interested in hearing musicians actually having FUN playing. VTT is the best band I've heard in ages.

Yanek

Summary:.......2006-06-24

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*album ends*

Vital Tech Tones.......2006-05-28

I have a lot of trouble finding fusion bands that I like, because usually they border way too close to smooth jazz what with the saxophones, synth, and gross guitar tones. So I usually don't venture too far outside of the Mahavishnu Orchestra, Miles Davis, and Herbie Hancock. Even a lot of the Flecktones stuff I find way too smooth. Fortunately for me, though, a friend of mine lent me this cd, and it is unbelievably good. Just guitar, bass, and drums. And they are such a powerful combination. They are all probably some of the best musicians in the world (Victor Wooten is probably THE best bass player in the world, just watch any of his dvds), but instead of pretentious, disparate, solo wankery (*COUGH* planet x *COUGH*), you have a very flawless three-piece band that actually sounds like a band, not just three stellar musicians playing together. All in all, this is a fantastic album. If you're a fan of music and hearing how a band works together to play something unique, you will most likely enjoy this very much. The only reason I gave it four stars instead of five, is because Scott Henderson's hair is just so painfully bad in the pictures. His hair can actually bring down the quality of this album, just look at the front cover. What was he thinking?

Way better than the first outing.......2006-03-30

I almost didnt get this one because of the disappointment from the first one. The songs on this disc are more constructed and aggressive. Victor seemed to improve from the first recording. His solos are exceptional and his tone alot better. The songs have more substance. Though there are a couple jammers on here. For the most part its song oriented with the closing tune being the hottest. Id say get this one. But again, if youre looking for that warm full rounded drum tone, its not here. Its loud in the mix and clear, but that doesnt mean it sounds good. Overall id say this has good songs and great chops.

Curious stuff.......2003-11-18

Curious stuff for the fusion, jazz enthusiast, who wants to know how big the real musicians can play. Every guy in the trio here is a fusion superstar, Henderson of Tribal Tech fame, Smith actually drummer for Vital Information, Wooten coming from Bela Fleck and his Flecktones. The results displayed here are not easy to categorizise. Nothing wrong from a technical point of view, but the focus often lacks as in many recordings of this kind. There are great moments but also moments when you sure can properly ask yourself "what the h..l am I listening to?" Very extraterrestrial, alien, outside sounding fusion, very exploral, forward kind of music. It is a very interesting listening for the music student (I am) because there is a lot of material for the brain. But apart from this at the end of the cd I always find myself asking for more structures, more emotions, more ... real "music". The title of the track "Catch me if you can" ... probably tells the whole story behind this music. But in the end as a fan of music in general I find this efforts curious enough to pay attention to them.

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