Release Date: May 17, 2024
Label: Che Cosa Guardare
"Let
Go" starts things off grandly with much energy and emotion. It has a funky
backbeat with an on-point rhythm section and some sharp guitar lines weaving
throughout, as Keith's smooth trumpet lays down the foundation to build on.
It's a great start to raise your spirits and get that blood pumping.
"She's So Sweet" is
the latest track released before the full album's release on May 17th. It is
sexy, smooth, and oh-so-sweet. The funky bass and guitar complement the trumpet
quite nicely.
"Cityscape"
hits the streets on a hot summer night. Think NYC with all the neon lights and
the nightclubs full of people and music having a good time. It is nighttime in
the city that never sleeps, and a musical soundtrack that keeps that energy
flowing and growing. Jazz meets funk with just the right touch.
"Flow"
starts with an excellent piano introduction as the trumpet slides in quickly.
It is chill jazz for the easy chair on a moonlight night or a table for two in
the corner with a candle burning so you can only see each other and nobody
else—romance at a nice slow and easy pace. The beautiful trumpet with a
prominent bass holds up the bottom end with authority and a softly touched drum
for added elegance.
"Hollywood
& Vine" returns to the city with different colors and attitudes. It's
different than NYC. Here, we have movie stars, rock stars, and many exciting
and well-to-do people. Is it a façade, or does the music make it all real? Once
again, the bass is prominent, leading the way as the trumpet quickly makes its
point. A synth adds some layers for a different touch, playing a more
significant role as the track moves closer to its conclusion.
"Lorena"
is very different from all the previous tracks. It starts with a Latin-flavored
acoustic riff as the trumpet makes its entrance beautifully, as it always does.
The timing is superb, and some excellent percussion keeps the atmosphere of the
serenade to the ladies intact from beginning to end. It is an instrumental love
song with all the trimmings to make it memorable and picturesque. Viva Fiala!
"How Long
Can I Wait" starts with many different sounds converging simultaneously.
It is hectic, and Keith's smooth-as-silk trumpet tempers the enthusiasm of the
activities around it. It is one of the more distinct tracks and needs your
ears' clarification. For me, it was progressive jazz fusion. It may take a few
listens to get it.
"MB's
Groove" is a slow and passionate groove, with the trumpet, bass, and drums
seemingly in sync with the same purpose: to lay it down so you can get into “your
groove” while listening. There is a short burst of the keys around the midpoint
as the horn takes a break and then comes back to lead the way to the close. The
track is so smooth; it is quiet storm jazz at its finest.
"Beyond
Infinity" starts winding towards the end of this jazz omnibus, as more
funk comes your way with a super funked-up bass with a low-end sound. A pedal
is being used for that unique sound. Keith's trumpet just kills it straight on
through. Then jazz to infinity and beyond with a cool keyboard section more
than halfway through. It has a lot of different elements blending to make it
one of the more unique tracks.
"Wits
End" is the end, the curtain closer to a delightful jazz fusion listen. It
ends appropriately with that very funky backbeat and guitar playing a
complementary role to Keith's amazing trumpet playing. Some of the horn parts
sound like classic 70s jazz and an excellent guitar with its wah-wah effects.
It's a trip back in time to the modern way.
This could
be New Beginnings for
many listeners. For this jazz lover, it was a welcome return and reminder of
how much I love jazz fusion and artists who are willing to push the boundaries
of the genre, which Keith Fiala does on this recording with great success. This
consistent and solid release keeps your attention from beginning to end.
Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck-MuzikMan.net Founder
May 13, 2024
Tracks:
01. Let Go
02. She’s So Sweet
03. Cityscape
04. Flow
05. Hollywood & Vine
06. Lorena
07. How Long Can I Wait
08. MB’s Groove
09. Beyond Infinity
10. Wits End
