THE QUEST

My love for all things Jazz has grown over the years, I think of it has as a multi-legged musical octopus, its many arms and tendrils form into a multitude of sub genres, perhaps my early induction came thanks for my undying love of progressive rock, some of the same times signatures found in Jazz can be found in prog, but here today in 2024, I sit and listen to the beautiful tones of one of the finest soulful trumpet performers of his day in Keith Fiala, and his latest album The Quest. How times have changed, but of course truly good music lives on forever, and that’s exactly what we have her with this explorative new release from Fiala, captivating music in motion.

The album itself is a vast body of work containing some 12 unique and enticing musical narratives. That voyage of plenty starts with the almost funky reggae styled opus called Always With Me, a fine hook of a composition that eases you into a blissful ride of smooth jazz and beyond.

The album itself is somewhat of a cathartic journey for the artist too, as three of the beautiful compositions inside this creation are inspired by the artists passed mother, the opening and aforementioned track being the first, with Remembrance and Song For My Mom being the other two, all are deeply emotive and reflective arrangements, and so they should be.

The Quest as a title track takes the entire collection of compositions and manifests an energy deep within, to create an effervescent energy to thoroughly enjoy, whilst manifestations like Behind Your Eyesflowed like a fresh autumn spring from a vast mountain of tone and timbre.

For me one of the most fascinating tracks off the album was Spirituale Regnum, I cannot recall a Gregorian chant being used on a Jazz based album before, but it worked in a stunning fashion, adding in the electronic vibrations and wizardry on one of the most unique starts I have heard, this made for me a track that is one of the most artistically clever pieces I have heeded from a Jazz artist in decades.

I remember listening and reviewing Fiala’s last album New Beginningsand I believe that the musician has climbed the ladder of uniqueness one step more with this enjoyable new release, tracks like Midnight Rain thrilled me completely, I was also grateful for the natural sounds at the start, but that probably more due to the lack of rain over the last 6 months in my village, but indeed with the electric piano, the bass and a bluesy guitar, combining that with Fiala’s trumpet gave me a musical experience that was so good, I had to listen to it in total three times before I could even write a single word.

Tips of the hat on the previous track must go to other musicians known to us at here at OWMR, with bassist Sean O Brien Smith, and that steaming guitar of Billy Denk. Every Jazz fan can find something they like on this album, perhaps the beautifully paced On My Way Home,or the concluding narrative Uncle Bob's Campfire Stories, regardless there is a tale to be told here on this album that is deeply compelling and one that really needs to be listened to.

The Quest by Keith Fiala is an album that will hook you in, sit you down and will not let you go until the last ember on the camp fire has gone out. Keith’s intelligent performances, superb musicianship have brought to us ever eager listeners a Jazz album that contains a storyline, an explorative nature, and unexpected twists and turns along the way, and thus is a release that is both captivating and enthralling and of course incredibly enjoyable, with all that in mind, surely another huge hit must be on the way for Keith Fiala and The Quest.

The Quest is the second album of original material by trumpet and flugelhorn master, Keith Fiala, and his second album in 2024! His first one, New Beginnings, blew me away and The Quest is quite possibly even better! Like the first album, the twelve tracks are varied enough that they don't fit neatly into one specific genre (I love that!!). Except for a few tracks with guest artists, Keith plays trumpet and flugelhorn as well as all programming, so this is mostly a very impressive solo album! A continuation of works that Keith composed over the past four years, The Quest takes the listener along on his musical journey to find peace, harmony and a balance in a time when nothing felt right. It's a soulful and heartfelt experience that I plan to revisit many times long after this review is finished!

The Quest begins with "Always With Me," the first of three pieces inspired by Keith's mother, who passed away three years ago. Warm and gently rhythmic with just a touch of melancholy, the piece also features Roland Perez on EWI (Electronic Wind Instrument). 

The title track was inspired by the way music can make a movie scene come alive. Bright and colorful with a crisp rhythm and a number of instrumental sounds and voices, it would very easily fit into a movie soundtrack itself! 

"The Dream" is much more ethereal with an easy flow and a relaxed "floating" feeling. "Behind Your Eyes" beautifully expresses how we sometimes try to hide our real feelings with a smile while our eyes tell the truth. Warm and comforting, it could be a romantic slow dance! 

"Spirituale Regnum" is really different! It begins with what could be a short Gregorian Chant that reappears in several parts of the piece. The strong bass guitar and lively percussion behind the horns give it kind of a "prog rock" feeling, but this one is in a genre all its own! Roland Perez plays EWI on this one, too. 

"Trapped In a Dream" expresses the frustration Keith was feeling with the music industry and our very challenging world. Dark with a driving beat and a fascinating variety of sounds, it's another amazing track! 

"Midnight Rain" is a very soulful collaboration that features Sean O'Bryan Smith on bass, Billy Denk on guitar and Roland Perez on EWI along with the horns and programming. Dark and moody yet very peaceful, it's another favorite. 

"Acquiescence," something of a companion piece to "Trapped In a Dream," is slow, open and from the heart - a reluctant acceptance of a difficult reality. "Remembrance" is the second piece Keith composed with his mom in mind. Deeply reflective, it's a powerful expression of sadness and loss as well as love - beautifully done! 

"Song For My Mom" is obviously the third track for Keith's mother. A slow jazz piece with piano, percussion and bass in addition to the horns, it is both melancholy and a bit nostalgic. 

"Uncle Bob's Campfire Stories" recalls more innocent times when Keith and his Uncle Bob took extended motorcycle trips around the US, camping out and enjoying life. The muted trumpet and other instrumental sounds express a longing for those adventures as well as happy memories. 

The Quest comes to a very pleasant close with "On My Way Home," "written as a testament to my moving from one place to another and going home to familiarity, friends, and searching for the balance once again."

Many thanks to Keith Fiala for taking us on this journey with him! I enjoyed every moment! The Quest is available from Amazon and Apple Music/iTunes as well as on mainly streaming platforms including Pandora and Spotify. I give it a very enthusiastic both thumbs up!