ARTIST: VIBES ALIVE
CD TITLE: “After Hours”
Swingding Records sd 0001
Dirk Richter: vibes,keyboards; Randall Crissman: guitar, synth bass; Jeff Lorber:
Wurlitzer electric piano, clavinet; Luis Conte: percussion; Vinnie Colaiuta: drums; Gary
Meek: sax, flute; Jimmy Johnson, bass; Bob Summers, trumpet; Putter Smith, bass.
Vibes Alive is the collaboration of Dirk Richter and Randall Crissman, who have written
all the songs for this second cd project. Crissman is the featured guitarist throughout,
while Richter plays Vibes and keyboards. The first cut, Lighthouse, is an upbeat,
melodic and happy composition. Rather than a Lighthouse, it made me think about the
ocean lapping against the sides of my yacht as we glided across the Pacific Ocean.
After Hours is more melancholy and pensive. At the top of the tune, the melody is
doubled by Richter on vibes and Gary Meek on saxophone. In no time, the listener is
encouraged to hum along with this catchy phase. Jeff Lorber adds his special
techniques and mastery of synthesizer. Luis Conte on percussion and Vinnie Colaiuta
on drums keep the tempo steady. Together they add punch to the song. Although the
melody is haunting and slow, the double time underneath moves us right along. Once
again, the bow of our boat is pushing its way steadily through the waves. Lunch Truck
Pulls onto the scene at our first port and makes everyone onboard
dance. Jimmy Johnson uses his bass to pump up the rhythm and does things no synthesized bass can accomplish. His contributions to this tune are outstanding. Throughout this recording, the musicians use an effect that imbricates the music. I enjoyed the Latin flavored Sambathia. Crissman pulls out his acoustic guitar chops on this one and Johnson is back to play more bass. Meek soars on flute and the percussion and acoustic drums are intense, fueling the song with energy and excitement. Richter carries this piece with sensuous fluidity on vibes. Lorber is spectacular on the Wurlitzer electric piano. Yes, this one really takes flight and lifts us like seagulls soaring through space. Their compositions are wellwritten
and catchy, although at times the melodic repetition on some songs is a bit over indulgent. Not so with In The Garden. Here is a beautiful composition that deserves lyrics by virtue of the changes and chord structure. It’s a melody that begs to be sung by the first instrument; voice. All in all, this is a well produced Smooth Jazz Cd, stuffed like a delicious musical pie with the homegrown fruits of Crissman and Richter.
Reviewed by: Dee Dee McNeil

Dee Dee McNeil
August 2008

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