LARRY CORYELL, STEVE SMITH & TOM COSTER: CAUSE AND EFFECT

I think that "Tne Center Records" that belongs to The Shrapnel Label Group comparatively especially exhausts progressive music in Jazz/Fusion. Because it can be performed without the fact musicians obtain the support of Label Group and [**] cracking to the frame of music, it is guessed to the listener that the performance where the zeal is transmitted is tried. The musician who belonged from the end in the 90's to Label and had announced the work developed Hard Fusion or Jazz Rock that a considerably high-tension quality is high. It will be able to be said that "Vital Tech Tones" announced in 1998 is one answer in the route. It was Hard Jazz Rock of the high quality by three of Scott Henderson-Steve Smith- Victor Wooten people. And, the group that derives from the flow further and draws the same flow is this album.

Steve Smith of the drum that expanded the place of the activity to the band that was called "Vital Information" since "Journey" in the middle of 1985 expanded the width of the concept to Jazz/Fusion of the offer of more high-quality music with this Label Group. And, the musician who participated in the fact album has improved the creation by Label Group's the zeal of the Steve and working. Tom Coster of a keyboard player who was active with Santana has an element of the groove and a hard element very much in this album in the 1970's. And, the performance of Larry Cryell that might completely do the listener in KnockOut evolves and inspires a soul in all tunes. The fan that doesn't accept the Play for the performance of Larry either might exist. It might be how to make the sound and be the style of the performance. It is guessed that it is an appearing work as knowledge and the capability of three people are remarkable.

Work that guest's Victor Wooten and Benny Reitveld are really good is done and the album is brought close more perfectly. "Wrong Is Right" of the tune of the representative of Larry is reborn harder with this album. And, "These Are Odd Times" that overwhelming zeal, the explosion, and the dash feeling are comfortable will invite the listener to the crucible of the excitement. "Finare Wes And Jimi" of the last tune can be satisfied of the melody of the respect that shows the musician whom Larry really holds in high esteem. It is ..complete tune.. finished as other tunes always have the tension. I think that it is too regrettable to call this album the music of a simple project. The listener who likes music of work and Uncle Moe 's Space Ranch of Frank Gambale will be able to enjoy this album.

"Cause and Effect" marks Coryell's return to the electric full-fledged fusion minus brass instruments. Since this is a trio, there is more focus on thee tight interplay - Victor Wooten's bass is the fourth essential but less prevalent instrument.

The album starts fast with "These are odd times" and lays the foundation of the sound: rock sounding drumming, plenty of electric guitar and B-3 Hammond. Drums have plenty of fill-ins, they are intensive and loud, sometimes even entering the metal border. Tom Coster is a skillful and versatile keyboardist, mainly playing on Hammond but choosing other synths, too.

Music is more about sound and feeling than structure. Chords or progression are not challenging, it's soloing and ornate playing that adds a layer of interest.

"Bubba" is a catchy grooving track reminding me of 70's funk. "Nightvisitors" has superb irregular drumming work. "Miss guided missile" reminds a bit of "Spectrum" on a Billy Cobham album mainly due to drumming sequence in the beginning.

There are also more conservative tracks close to jazz such as "First things first".

"Finale: Wes and Jimi" is the most ambitious track, starting with ethereal guitar and Hammond before entering Hendrix' psychedelic territory and ending on a bluesy note.

Beautiful jam-driven modern fusion album.

4.5 stars. The closer "Wes And Jimi" is named after two of the greatest guitarists in the Jazz and Rock worlds and this entire album honours both of those styles of music. This is the heaviest record that I've heard Coryell on and he is a big reason for this with his powerful playing at times. He also hits us with that jazzy, fast paced picking. There really is two sides to this album and while I prefer the Rock style, as long as Steve Smith is the drummer here I'm happy. Maybe the best I've ever heard him.

"Cause And Effect" was released in 1998 not exactly a banner year for my music so here's one of the best from then. Tom Coster completes the trio on keyboards, of course having a couple of stints playing with SANTANA and playing electric piano on that "Caravanserai" album. Victor Wooten plays bass on the opener here while Benny Rietveld plays bass on three other tracks. There really should have been a bass player as part of this band since my top four tracks are the ones with the bass on them. Still what a pleasure this has been, even the more traditional sounding jazz/fusion tunes blow me away by the incredible instrumental work by all.

Besides the closer which is my fourth favourite, I have to go with the opener with Wooten on it, as well as the next track "Plankton" which is quite heavy, all with bass. The best one though might be "Night Visitors" and it's revisited later on, it that's good with "Night Visitors Revisited" a short 2 plus minute version. Smith is all over this and I just can't say enough about how he changes things up playing in these different styles and all the while sounding perfect. Coster by the way is playing mostly electric piano, organ and electronics here. Not my favourite keyboardist by a long shot but these three guys did great here. Sound quality couldn't be better.

A special album that is the best from both worlds. These guys brought it and left it. This record has been on the cusp of being added to my Jazz and related since I did the list, time to finally add it.