Live On Tour, Vol. 2

This second volume of recordings from Steve Smith's Jazz Legacy quintet — live from the Catalina Bar in Hollywood — continues the drive and forward motion of the first set, admittedly in a looser framework, with repeats of two songs from the initial CD penned by Dizzy Gillespie. It's the same band with the energetic drumming of Smith, alto saxophonist Andy Fusco, tenor saxophonist Walt Weiskopf, electric bass guitarist Baron Browne, and Mark Soskin playing more electric than acoustic piano for this edition. The CD focuses more on single-minded individualism in the track selections, with a cut apiece from Smith's personal favorite legends. While no less vibrant and busy, there's more of an adaptive feeling than one of reading charts, though it's likely these musicians know the material stone cold without having to follow any charts. The only misstep is a thin take on the Elvin Jones composition "Three Card Molly," which lacks the pace and energy of the original version, and is done in a different key with an unfamiliar harmony. Otherwise, you get a rousing version of the Sonny Rollins classic "Airegin," replete with a Latin tinge or sheer juggernaut force, and Freddie Hubbard's lesser-known "Sioux Suite," with a chuckling melody, some furious bop inventions, and trading between Soskin's electric keyboard and the horns. Another Tony Williams chart, "Juicy Fruit" is an obscure choice, a chunky, funky waltz that exploits current-day hip beats, while Jack McDuff's "Soulful Drums" is a retro soul-jazz look back, walking and cool, with Soskin's acoustic piano just a-rollin' along. Weiskopf's third original between the two CDs, "Heads in the Clouds," differs from all the other tracks in that it is completely unforced and relaxed, a waltz spurred on in less than demonstrative tones by the composer's tenor and Soskin's amplified keys. The Gillespie repeats are pretty much the same, especially "Two Bass Hit," but the churning "A Night in Tunisia" has a longer introductory drum solo. This album might be less commanding or compelling than Vol. 1, but Steve Smith's Jazz Legacy are still true to the founding fathers of jazz they pay tribute to, and Smith is unquestionably a drummer who follows proudly in all their footsteps. ~ Michael G. Nastos, Rovi