August 23rd, 2004
by Laurent Biehly

Karizma has always been a varied and exciting musical outlet mixing fusion, old school R&B, soul, funk, jazz and rock and served by an outstanding cast of musicians.

This particular incarnation of Karizma features founding member David Garfield together with former Karizma alumni Michael Landau and Vinnie Colaiuta and the great Neil Stubenhaus on bass. It was captured live in Germany and Denmark in 2000.

The band is clearly and definitively in a fusion mood. No vocals. No R&B. Pure classic fusion is the name of the game. Every fan of Return To Forever or Weather Report should check out this outstanding CD.

The musicianship on this album is simply ridiculous. All four members have been at the top of their respective game for 25 + years both in the studio and live. Still, despite their individual endless and incredible chops and the fusion setting, the band does not forget that music always comes first.

The star of the show is without a doubt Vinnie Colaiuta. He's all over the place. Document shows Vinnie in total control of his wilderness. His conversation with David Garfield on the superb and dramatic 'Nothing Personal' is amongst the most impressive drumming ever recorded.



Fusion does not mean that groove is left out in the cold. This is where the amazing Neil Stubenhaus comes into the game. Neil is keeping everybody together and provide the band with a solid background to lean on. Stubenhaus has this fantastic quality : he makes the other musicians sound better. To me, he is the most musical bass player ever. His work on Heavy Resin', Nothing Personal or E Minor Shuffle is simply brilliant.

Michael Landau's Hendrix influences find a nice bed to lie in on this record. His guitar and very distinctive sound definitively bring a rock element in Karizma's music. Landau's playing is always intelligent. He knows when and what to play. This album features some of Michael's most passionate work ever.

Last but not least, David Garfield. His solo on Don Grolnick's Nothing Personal is worth only buying the album. Seldom have I heard a keyboard player displaying so much passion. Each and every note Garfield plays is a gift. David's style is inventive, original and fresh and this album proves that, even though a bit overlooked in favour of bigger names, he has been one of the most important musicians of the last 25 years in the LA scene.

Document avoids the trap many fusion albums fall in : it is not only meant or interesting for musicians. Open minded average listeners (like yours truly) will have plenty of fun listening to it. Even though I have problems figuring out what these four magicians are doing and how they are doing it :) There's always a strong sense of melody and groove underlined by Neil Stubenhaus' tasteful playing in each and every compositions featured on this record.

Document is simply one of the best fusion albums of all time. Period.