New Beginnings

New Beginnings from trumpeter, composer and producer Keith Fiala offers up ten varied tracks of exciting, originally-composed and superbly-performed jazz. It delivers a vibrant mix of engaging melodies and intelligent hard bop jazz improvisation with platforms both in and beyond the smooth jazz vein.

The moderately-tempoed "Let Go" opens melodically with a memorable descending melodic line. Fiala spins a series of cascading ribbons from his bright horn and an energetic and neatly-mixed guitar solo from Marc Lionetti adds over the cooking rhythm bed. "Hollywood and Vine" is a chaotic up-funky platform with Michael Jackson-esque overtones, lots of layered "urban action," and a heated Fiala solo. "Cityscape" is a neat funk groove which shouts. It is a cooker, reminiscent of Herb Alpert's most noteworthy efforts in his "Rise" era.

Fiala's playing and compositional skills shine throughout the session. He has a knack for the memorable and approachable. His playing is superb, demonstrating an engaging sound and improv fluency. He possesses both mastery and gymnastic ability. The production qualities here are excellent.

"Flow" is a bossa track with a melodic line which winds, swirls and surprises. The lushness of the flugelhorn is a perfect texture for the somewhat cinematic track. Over a clap track and layered strings Fiala's optimistic melody sings forth on "She's So Sweet." It's an expansive statement including an echoed sitar solo by Ken Berry. Arguably, it is the most intriguing track on the date. 

"Latinesque" acoustic guitar opens the door for Fiala's flugelhorn on the lush romantic melody of "Lorena." Fiala, who spent years as Maestro Arturo Sandoval's assistant, demonstrates that influence here. Fiala's mellowness and lyricism make this a standout track. The aforementioned Sandoval guests on synthesizer on the lovely "MB's Groove," a slower, lushly textured track. "Beyond Infinity," a slow groover, starts with a spooky abyss-deep bass before the engaging melody dances above. "Wit's End" lives up to its name with Hollywood-style funk horn backing a cinematic line laid down by Fiala. With a tasty Ken Berry guitar solo, the track could easily be interpreted as one for an 007 or similar film.

Varied, layered, exceptionally well-produced and performed, New Beginnings is a superb launch album from a supremely talented artist.

New Beginnings is the first album of all-original compositions by trumpeter-extraordinaire Keith Fiala. I reviewed the first single from the album, "She's So Sweet," a month or so ago and was very impressed, so I was really looking forward to hearing the full album. 

I can say with all sincerity that the album is even more impressive as it demonstrates Fiala's ease with a variety of jazz styles as well as wide range of musical expression. An artist who has performed, taught and written books about music, Fiala has been ten-time Grammy winner Arturo Sandoval's personal assistant since 2017, performing with him as well as assisting him with all aspects of his career as his road manager, audio engineer and video producer. 

Before that, Fiala toured the world performing with his mentor, trumpeter and bandleader Maynard Ferguson as well as many other jazz greats. From smooth, easy grooves to carefree up-tempo jazz, it's about time Keith Fiala stood in the spotlight and New Beginnings should go a long way to putting him there!

New Beginnings opens with "Let Go," a bright, upbeat piece for horns (Fiala), drums (Johnny Friday), bass (Tyler Honsel), guitar (Marc Lionetti) and keyboard (Dr. Benjamin Irom). Much of the piece has the horns front and center, but Lionetti's electric guitar takes the lead for an extended solo that sends the piece soaring. 

The aforementioned "She's So Sweet" features Fiala on vocals and all programming as well as horns, but what really sets this lively and joyful piece apart is a sitar solo by Ken Berry - a truly unique toe-tapper! 

"Cityscape" is all Fiala on trumpets and programming - a little bit funky with an emphasis on fun! 

"Flow" has a Brazilian Bossa feel with a slow, easy groove and is also all-Fiala on horns and programming - a very short but refreshing tropical vacation for the soul. 

"Hollywood & Vine" picks up the tempo and adds a slightly mysterious and intriguing feel - great music for driving! 

"Lorena" was inspired by a reunion with someone who made a lasting impression much earlier in Fiala's life, and features Ken Berry on guitar along with Fiala on flugelhorn and programming. The gentle Latin rhythms and heartfelt guitar and horn combine to create a romantic slow dance. 

"MB's Groove" is an ensemble piece that features flugelhorn (Fiala), drums (Friday), bass, (Lannie Hilboldt), keyboard (Jamie Hilboldt) and a Moog solo by Arturo Sandoval himself! Relaxed, easy and soulful, this is definitely feel-good music! 

The closing track, "Wits End," includes a guitar solo by Ken Berry as well as Fiala's horns and programming. Quoting Fiala: It’s not hard to see that our current state of being is not without difficulty for nearly everyone.  This tune is a representation of the frustration and sense of feeling at a loss… almost feeling helpless and being at your 'Wits End!'" I also hear glimmers of hope as well as a spirit that refuses to give up.

I didn't name any specific favorites in this review because the entire album is so good! New Beginnings is available from Amazon, Apple Music/iTunes, and many streaming platforms including Spotify. Very highly recommended!

Kathy Parsons 

MainlyPiano.com

6/7/2024

The smooth refrains of a smooth Jazz album float over my senses and bath my mind with a soothing pastiche of a great vibrancy of colours, textures and rhythms, and I am glad to say that has all been provided by one of the finest trumpet performers in the business in Keith Fiela,and his brand new album New Beginnings. 

This is first full album of his own work and it is stunning, a light funky beat can be found on tracks like Hollywood & Vine and Cityscape, both tracks so very redolent of the subject matter and Fiala’s bliss filled trumpet stands supreme on both very sweet offerings, it’s like a monolith of brilliance in a Jazz filled sky of utter quality.

Fiala’s album is packed with sumptuous classy pieces, oozing luxurious textures and tones, just listen to songs like the latest single on She's So Sweet, a rhythmic pastiche of a light funky nature with some purely pristine percussion contained within, and then with a sublime wave of the brass instrument of opulence, we are gifted a welcome moment in a thunderstorm as we walk on the musical road called How Long Can I Wait, the repeating motifs and Fila’s subtle trumpet manifests something very special here indeed.

This is street wise jazz, bathed in the musical bath tub of magnificent vibrational melodies and stylish compositional structures, take in the magic of pieces like Beyond Infinity, a soul driven piece that reminded me of the Isley Brothers when it first opened, but dropped into a fluency so tranquil and cadenced, it is a simple delicacy that is undeniable.

Hats off must go to his band of musical merry men with sterling efforts of grandeur by Johnny Friday on drums, bass from both Tyler Honseland Lannie Hilboldt, keyboardists Jamie Hilboldt and Arturo Sandoval,and also Dr. Ben Irom, whilst concluding the album we can also give praise to guitarists Marc Lionetti and Ken Berr, who are simply amazing.

The final offering Wits End, has a symbiotic merging of a multi-instrumental nature that is the finest I have heard on any album for many years, it’s a track that crosses genres, and ticks every single musical box along the way, and is utterly delicious whilst doing it.

The artist states that this album took 4 years of incredibly hard work and dedication to bring together, and I for one say, Keith it was most certainly worth it brother, New Beginnings is not only a good place to start, it is a superb album, and without doubt the most chilled and fluent compilation of 10 jazz tracks in one place you are ever likely to hear. 

When was the last time you listened to a sound jazz recording? One that had a fusion of ambient, chill, and new age mixed in? Well, it has been quite some time for this listener since I have heard a recording like Keith Fiala's New Beginnings.

"Let Go" starts things off grandly with much energy and emotion. It has a funky backbeat with an on-point rhythm section and some sharp guitar lines weaving throughout, as Keith's smooth trumpet lays down the foundation to build on. It's a great start to raise your spirits and get that blood pumping.

"She's So Sweet" is the latest track released before the full album's release on May 17th. It is sexy, smooth, and oh-so-sweet. The funky bass and guitar complement the trumpet quite nicely.

"Cityscape" hits the streets on a hot summer night. Think NYC with all the neon lights and the nightclubs full of people and music having a good time. It is nighttime in the city that never sleeps, and a musical soundtrack that keeps that energy flowing and growing. Jazz meets funk with just the right touch.

"Flow" starts with an excellent piano introduction as the trumpet slides in quickly. It is chill jazz for the easy chair on a moonlight night or a table for two in the corner with a candle burning so you can only see each other and nobody else—romance at a nice slow and easy pace. The beautiful trumpet with a prominent bass holds up the bottom end with authority and a softly touched drum for added elegance.

"Hollywood & Vine" returns to the city with different colors and attitudes. It's different than NYC. Here, we have movie stars, rock stars, and many exciting and well-to-do people. Is it a façade, or does the music make it all real? Once again, the bass is prominent, leading the way as the trumpet quickly makes its point. A synth adds some layers for a different touch, playing a more significant role as the track moves closer to its conclusion. 

"Lorena" is very different from all the previous tracks. It starts with a Latin-flavored acoustic riff as the trumpet makes its entrance beautifully, as it always does. The timing is superb, and some excellent percussion keeps the atmosphere of the serenade to the ladies intact from beginning to end. It is an instrumental love song with all the trimmings to make it memorable and picturesque. Viva Fiala!

"How Long Can I Wait" starts with many different sounds converging simultaneously. It is hectic, and Keith's smooth-as-silk trumpet tempers the enthusiasm of the activities around it. It is one of the more distinct tracks and needs your ears' clarification. For me, it was progressive jazz fusion. It may take a few listens to get it.

"MB's Groove" is a slow and passionate groove, with the trumpet, bass, and drums seemingly in sync with the same purpose: to lay it down so you can get into “your groove” while listening. There is a short burst of the keys around the midpoint as the horn takes a break and then comes back to lead the way to the close. The track is so smooth; it is quiet storm jazz at its finest.

"Beyond Infinity" starts winding towards the end of this jazz omnibus, as more funk comes your way with a super funked-up bass with a low-end sound. A pedal is being used for that unique sound. Keith's trumpet just kills it straight on through. Then jazz to infinity and beyond with a cool keyboard section more than halfway through. It has a lot of different elements blending to make it one of the more unique tracks.

"Wits End" is the end, the curtain closer to a delightful jazz fusion listen. It ends appropriately with that very funky backbeat and guitar playing a complementary role to Keith's amazing trumpet playing. Some of the horn parts sound like classic 70s jazz and an excellent guitar with its wah-wah effects. It's a trip back in time to the modern way.

This could be New Beginnings for many listeners. For this jazz lover, it was a welcome return and reminder of how much I love jazz fusion and artists who are willing to push the boundaries of the genre, which Keith Fiala does on this recording with great success. This consistent and solid release keeps your attention from beginning to end.

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck-MuzikMan.net Founder

May 13, 2024

Tracks:

01. Let Go 

02. She’s So Sweet 

03. Cityscape 

04. Flow 

05. Hollywood & Vine 

06. Lorena

07. How Long Can I Wait 

08. MB’s Groove 

09. Beyond Infinity 

10. Wits End