Keith Fiala: Keith Fiala: The Quest

The Quest from Austin-based trumpeter Keith Fiala presents twelve original tracks of varied textures, grooves and soundscapes. The album follows Fiala's well-received and charted New Beginnings (self-produced, 2024), which was released earlier this year. The Quest is deeper—more profound—and definitely an aurally stimulating "concept" presentation.

"Always With Me" launches the session. A longer repetitive melody over a light hip-hop rhythm bed appears before Fiala's open horn solos. This is a laid-back track with an '80s vibe. It is that type of melody that warrants lyrics. Things get upbeat with the title track, "The Quest." If one didn't know it, the track has a contemporary Herb Alpert melodic and production presence—trumpet over a descending harmonic line, which is doubled with chant-like voices. Textures and tempos slow down with "The Dream." It is a layered piece that is more largo than lively. "Behind Your Eyes," an intriguing cut, continues as a somewhat cinematic statement. It could probably be a knockout with added voices. Voices do indeed appear as chant in the opening of "Spirituale Regnum," another finely-produced track. The strings punctuate over all. There is a feeling that segments of this track will be grabbed up by eager samplers. The EWI from Roland Perez's solo adds flavor to the goings-on. This is a highlight cut.

Throughout the session, Fiala's horns are gorgeous weapons in his hands. He has a keen sense of melody and phrasing. His solo efforts are well developed and in synch with each of the various textures. His production choices across the session are, at times, brilliant. As a composer, Fiala favors easily-approachable melodies that appeal, with occasional pleasant directional surprises.

"Trapped In a Dream" presents a driving, almost disco groove. It offers a simple melody over a series of effects, both percussive and melodic. It is one of the shorter tracks and, while a fine statement, yearns to develop into a longer offering. "Midnight Rain" is a textural grabber, with both a Harmon-muted trumpet and open horn soloing. The feel here is noir, stark and dreary. The guitar solo by Billy Denk is a perfect statement. "Acquiescence" is another slower groove with longer melody over the now familiar hip-hop bed. An arpeggiated piano opens "Remembrance," a romantic melody that builds. The trumpet over chords presents a "Stairway to Heaven"-like texture. "Song for My Mom" is the finest track of the album. It is elegiac and haunting. The acoustic bass here is a fine touch, as opposed to much of the more electronic material. "On My Way Home" is an upbeat, optimistic cut with a pulsing rhythm bed. "Uncle Bob's Campfire Stories" closes the album with a quirky Frank Zappa-like angular synth-played melody and Fiala's Harmon-muted horn, which gives a solo across the range of his horn.

The Quest is a multi-dimensional album with interesting facets from an insightful and visionary musician.

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