Anyway, the first Vital Tech Tones disc took the instrumental world by storm. It combined the finesse of Smith's drumming with the dexterity of Bela Fleck & The Flecktones bassist Victor Wooten and the fiery fingers of guitarist Scott Henderson. Each artist has amazing solo and group projects away from each other. Why not let paths cross and toss a project down on a brand new record label? The result was wild then and wild now.

VTT2 begins with a track appropriately enough, "VTT." Wooten slowly slaps and pops with a scat drone introducing the band. It then picks up to showcase some of that dexterity. Very interesting way to begin a disc that will take many turns throughout.

The disc begins with the only vocal track on the disc, "VTT." Well, not really a vocal track as much as a quick rap introducing the players you are about to hear. Wooten slaps and pops his way through the catchy tune, which lights up towards the end. This shoots directly into "Subzero," which takes on many different tempo changes and musical emphases.

"The Litigants" starts out fast, and displays the incredible abilities of Smith changing cymbals and riding patterns drive this one kicking and screaming past the distorted leads of Henderson's guitar. Wooten takes an amazing solo, and then adds additional effects resulting in a variety of different bass sounds. It seems that this band just continues to grow stronger.

"Puhtainin' Tuh," scales back to a blues inprov with Smith keeping a reserved backbeat. Perhaps the weakest tune on the disc. As with the first Vital Tech Tones disc, a drum and bass solo composition has become a requirement. Although "Drums Stop, No Good" is not quite as memorable as the first disc, the playing again is superb.

"Catch Me If U Can" heats things back up with a blur of notes from all three musicians. Henderson takes lead and pounds out a memorable melody. The brightest spot on the tune is when Henderson and Wooten begin to exchange leads. The soloing is brilliant. "Nairobe Express" utilizes guitar synth and a roving bass to structure a busy yet funky tune. Extremely interesting.

The disc closes with "Chakmool-Ti," which stretches out in the form of solos for all musicians. Simply an extended jam session.

These three musicians have moved to the head their classes when comparing them to their contemporaries. The first Vital Tech Tones is amazing. VTT2 is a continuation from the first ground breaking release. Look forward to more incredible projects from each of these musicians.

BOTTOM LINE: A wild instrumental ride that delivers from beginning to end.