Vince Tampio - Adult Children

Vince Tampio

Adult Children
​self-released; 2020

4.0 out of 5

By Matt Jensen

Vince Tampio has a long and prolific resume. I have to admit as I was reading about his history my expectations raised for his release Adult Children. Suffice it to say even though my expectations were raised he managed to surpass them. Other people described his music as  “a contemporary instance of fusion done right,” and whose “nontraditional instrumentation maintains a spacious environment that proves ideal for a set brimming with imaginative, drawn-out improvisation.” I would agree.

The music I would say primarily fuses elements of jazz, rock and soul. There is a lot happening musically but for the most part I felt like the trumpet and the Latin percussion was the main thing happening.

The album starts with “Career Cheerleader'' which is a great introduction to the music. It’s very explosive and even a little dissonant at first. The song slowly settles into this killer groove. I loved the trumpet which is the lead instrument for most of the song. There is a lot that happens dynamically and in terms of structure. 

Next up is “The Tontin” which is a little more moody with silk sounding guitars and smooth horns. “Soul Food Buddhist” might have the best groove yet. I felt like melting on this song. It’s a little too high energy for a spa but close.

“Smug Fit” is experimental. I loved the timing of this song. The drumming is really exceptional but so is all the instrumentation on this song. “Vapid Transit” is the most high energy song yet and makes your adrenaline get pumping. It’s got a beat that seems impossible to dance to unless it’s choreographed. The album continues with “Tangled Bites,” “Cardinal Rule“ and the slow burn free jazz closer entitled “Blow Our Minds” which solidifies the signature sound. 

​This album was made by extremely talented musicians. There is no denying that. I really enjoyed every second of this. Take a listen.

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