Smith/Goodman/Levy/Burbridge

Smith/Goodman/Levy/Burbridge: The Stranger's Hand

by David Adler
January 1, 2000

A common shortcoming of today’s chops-oriented fusion is its tendency to playfully mimic every musical style under the sun without ever articulating a coherent, genuine style of its own. Such is the case with this fusion supergroup, of which drummer Steve Smith of Vital Information and Steps Ahead is the leader. He’s joined by violinist Jerry Goodman of early Mahavishnu Orchestra fame, keyboard/harmonica monster Howard Levy of Bela Fleck & The Flecktones, and bassist Oteil Burbridge of Aquarium Rescue Unit ...