Record Reviews
26 Reviews Found. Use search to find more reviews or follow the links in the review text.
  | BRUFORD LEVIN UPPER EXTREMITIES ~ BLUE NIGHTS
DGM 0002 ~ UK ~ Progressive Rock
2nd album from 2000, a 2CD live recording of what turns out to be one of the most interesting bands on the Prog scene today. Brillaint musicianship and lots of talent make this a fascinating document of improvised music of the highest level by veterans of the genre. The sometimes dark sound of the ensemble creates an atmosphere of anticipation and tension.
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  | BRUFORD LEVIN UPPER EXTREMITIES ~ UPPER EXTREMITIES
DGM 9805 ~ UK ~ Progressive Rock
1st album from 1998 by this group. Bruford (drums) and Levine (bass) first met as members of King Crimson and decided to create this band to pursue other avenues. With them play two additional excellent musicians Chris Botti (trumpet) and David Torn (guitar) , creating a unique and unparallel sound, somewhere between Jazz and Prog. Enchanting stuff!
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  | BILL BRUFORD ~ GRADUALLY GOING TORNADO
WINTERFOLD 005 (Barcode: 604388638529) ~ UK ~ Progressive Rock
Recorded: 1979 Released: 2005
3rd album by Bill BrufordFind albums by this artist, marking a new direction for the ensemble after Allan HoldsworthFind albums by this artist left leaving the guitar duties to the relatively unknown John ClarkFind albums by this artist. The sound is definitely more rock oriented than on the two earlier albums, but the compositions are wonderful as usual, with surprising tempo changes and plenty of stretched improvisational passages. The vocals are handled by bassist Jeff BerlinFind albums by this artist, who does a great job in both departments. Although not as strong as the earlier works, in retrospect this is still a great Prog / Fusion album with a well deserved shelve space for life.
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  | BILL BRUFORD ~ THE BRUFORD TAPES
WINTERFOLD 006 (Barcode: 604388638628) ~ UK ~ Progressive Rock
Recorded: 1979 Released: 2005
4th album, recorded live as a radio broadcast and was not initially intended for release, but once bootlegs of the show started to circulate, Bill BrufordFind albums by this artist decided to make this recording a formal release. This music was recorded before the 3rd album and therefore features music from the first 2 albums re-shuffeled and improvised on. It also features the new guitar player John ClarkFind albums by this artist, who replaced Allan HoldsworthFind albums by this artist just a few weeks prior to the recording session. The live and relaxed atmosphere enables the players to stretch out and display their talents in full and makes this a truly remarkable document.
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  | BILL BRUFORD / MICHIEL BORSTLAP ~ EVERY STEP A DANCE, EVERY WORD A SONG
SUMMERFOLD 006 ~ UK ~ Jazz
Recorded: 2003 - 2004
Following the tradition of playing and recording piano / drums duets with Partick MorazFind albums by this artist in the 1980`s, Bill BrufordFind albums by this artist continues such activity with the superb Dutch pjazz pianist Michiel BorstlapFind albums by this artist. Bostlap is a virtuoso player with years of experience as player, composer and band leader (see his albums on this site) and the duo works together like a dream. The music was recorded in 2003 and 2004 in Europe during the duo`s performances. where a DVD was fillmed as well. Great stuff!
Limited Edition including bonus sample CD
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  | BILL BRUFORD / MICHIEL BORSTLAP ~ IN CONCERT IN HOLLAND
SUMMERFOLD 007 (Barcode: 604388647927) ~ UK ~ Jazz
Recorded: 2002
Fillmed in two locations in Holland during a concert tour in 2002 this DVD brings together two of the leading lights in modern improvised music, the virtuoso Dutch pianist Michiel BosrtlapFind albums by this artist and British drums giant Bill BrufordFind albums by this artist. The music is breathtaking, neither quite pure jazz nor quite pure rock, an amalgam of influences and talets that really works. This is absolutely fascinating to see those two geniuses create! The material included here is completely different than the material on the CD released by this duo. Dolby Digital Stereo Sound, 90 minutes.
Individually numbered Limited Edition includes CD of the same material
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  | BILL BRUFORD / MICHIEL BORSTLAP ~ IN TWO MINDS
SUMMERFOLD 019 (Barcode: 604388697120) ~ UK ~ Jazz
Recorded: 2006 - 2007 Released: 2007
2nd album by the Jazz duo of legendary UK drummer Bill BrufordFind albums by this artist and Dutch piano virtuoso Michiel BorstalpFind albums by this artist, continuing the wonderful music they made together as documented on the CD and DVD released in 2004. All the music was recorded live in Holland and UK, directly to CD with no overdubs or any studio hanky-panky trickery involved, which makes this even more remarkable. As much as a duo of piano and drums might seem a limited vehicle for creating music, the talent and sheer brilliance of these two musicians proves all the skeptics wrong. There are no limits to human imagination and creativity, which are evidently present here. All the music was co-composed by Bruford and Borstlap except one Miles DavisFind albums by this artist standard. This music needs no recommendations to anyone already familiar with the duo’s abilities, and people who never had the opportunity to savor any of this delightful musical meal are invited to take a mouthful – they’ll never regret it!
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  | BILL BRUFORD / EARTHWORKS ~ ALL HEAVEN BROKE LOOSE
SUMMERFOLD 011 ~ UK ~ Jazz
Recorded: 1991
3rd album by Bill BrufordFind albums by this artist´s EarthworksFind albums by this artist with the same lineup as the previous recording, which means Earthworks had now 5 years of playing together and 3 years playing without personell changes. All this is evident as the perfection and interplay between the musicians is truly phenomenal and they swing like never before. The compositions are more daring and are mostly co-composed by the band members. A timeless piece of musc.
Limited Edition including bonus sample CD
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  | BILL BRUFORD / EARTHWORKS ~ DIG?
SUMMERFOLD 010 ~ UK ~ Jazz
Recorded: 1988
2nd album by Bill BrufordFind albums by this artist´s EarthworksFind albums by this artist. The only personell change is the new bass player Tim HarriesFind albums by this artist, who in addition to playing the acoustic bass also plays fretless electric bass, which influences the general sound and feel of the ensemble to a slightly fusion-like direction. Both the music and the performances are brilliant, as is always the case with anything Bruford`s involved with, and this is a wonderful addition to his discography.
Limited Edition including bonus sample CD
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  | BILL BRUFORD / EARTHWORKS ~ FOOTLOOSE AND FANCY FREE
SUMMERFOLD 005 (Barcode: 604388639328) ~ UK ~ Jazz
Recorded: 2001 Released: 2005
7th album and a 2CD set from this legendary Prog drummer Bill BrufordFind albums by this artist (YesFind albums by this artist, King CrimsonFind albums by this artist) comming back to his jazz roots. A classic quartet (sax, piano, bass & drums) seems to be the best way to play jazz still after all those years and this absolutely stunning live recording proves yet again that Bruford is one of the greatest musicians on earth and still my favorite drummer. Finger lickin` all the way!
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  | BILL BRUFORD / EARTHWORKS ~ LIVE AT THE SHAUBURG BREMEN 1987
MOOSICUS 1215 (Barcode: 885513121523) ~ UK ~ Jazz
Recorded: 1987 Released: 2022
This is an archival live album by the British Jazz drummer / composer / bandleader Bill BrufordFind albums by this artist and the first edition of his sensational quartet called EarthworksFind albums by this artist, which also included saxophonist Iain BallamyFind albums by this artist, pianist Django BatesFind albums by this artist and bassist Mick HuttonFind albums by this artist. The album was recorded by Radio Bremen in November 25, 1987, and offers ten tracks, all original compositions by the quartet members.
Bruford founded Earthworks in 1986 after spending almost twenty years as member of cutting edge Progressive Rock bands like YesFind albums by this artist (of which he was a founding member), King CrimsonFind albums by this artist, GenesisFind albums by this artist, U.K.Find albums by this artist and his own band called simply BrufordFind albums by this artist, returning to his Jazz roots. Earthworks comprised of the crème de la crème of the young British Jazz scene at the time and took the local as well as international scene by storm.
This live recording finds the quartet in absolute top form, over a year after their debut album was recorded and following extensive touring, which allowed them to develop the material and their unique musical approach. In contrast to expectations and speculations, Earthworks was a bona-fide Jazz quartet, which did not follow the Fusion path, which would have been more natural as a continuation of Bruford’s musical path up to that moment. Bellamy and Bates arrived from the sensational Loose TubesFind albums by this artist Big Band, which was one of British Jazz most surprising ensembles during the 1980, and Hutton was already a highly sought after young Jazz bassist on the local scene. Together they were simply unstoppable and the level of their performances was absolutely sensational. They were able to create a complex fury of sound, which was completely unprecedented on the British Jazz scene, and Bruford’s drumming behind Earthworks in as absolute peak of his career.
Overall, this album is a “missing link” in the Earthworks discography, from the period between the debut and the second album “Dig?Find albums with this title”, and of course an essential part in the Bruford discography, which none of his many fans will want to miss.
| | Updated: 17/06/2023Posted: 17/06/2023 | CD 1 Remastered Recommend To A Friend |
  | BILL BRUFORD / EARTHWORKS ~ STAMPING GROUND
SUMMERFOLD 012 ~ UK ~ Jazz
Recorded: 1992
4th album and the first live recording by Bill BrufordFind albums by this artist`s EarthworksFind albums by this artist. Most of the material was recorded live in the US, where the band toured extensively. As usual with live recordings, it allowed the band to present older material in the fresher live format, with extensive space for individual expression during the solos. The fact that the band had a stable line-up for several years before this recording was made is of course evident, as the interplay is quite phenomenal.
Limited Edition including bonus sample CD
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  | BILL BRUFORD / EARTHWORKS ~ THE SOUND OF SURPRISE
SUMMERFOLD 004 (Barcode: 604388639229) ~ UK ~ Jazz
Recorded: 2000 Released: 2005
6th album by Bill BrufordFind albums by this artist`s EarthworksFind albums by this artist. There is very little one can add except that this is as brilliant and as challenging as the previous one. Great compositions and the playing is top notch all the way. Bruford`s unique style of playing the drums is especially evident set against a jazz background. Just put this one on and listen, the music will do the rest.
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  | BILL BRUFORD / TIM GARLAND ~ EARTHWORKS UNDERGROUND ORCHESTRA
SUMMERFOLD 013 ~ UK ~ Jazz
As most of Bill BrufordFind albums by this artist’s recorded work in the last years comes in the form of his EarthworksFind albums by this artist quartet it is delightful to hear the Master drummer in a small Big Band setting (a nonet to be precise). Recorded live at the New York Iridium Club in 2004, the group comprises of Bruford and his fellow Earthworks saxophonist Tim GarlandFind albums by this artist with a wonderful gathering of excellent American jazzmen. The material includes new arrangements of music previously recorded by different Earthworks line-ups. There is a lot of energy and superb musicianship present, with extended solos and heated interplays. Obviously they had a gas playing together, which is an essential ingredient in the process of music making. The sound quality is very good, with proper balance between the horns and they rhythm section. Definitely recommended to the many Bruford fans and anyone who enjoys good jazz.
Individually numbered Limited Edition (of 3000) including a bonus CD
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  | PATRICK MORAZ / BILL BRUFORD ~ FLAGS
WINTERFOLD 002 ~ SWITZERLAND ~ Jazz
Recorded: 1985
2nd album by the Patrick MorazFind albums by this artist / Bill BrufordFind albums by this artist duo. Considering the excellence of the first album they recorded together, it was really difficult to follow, but they managed to pass the test with flying colors. This album is every bit as good as its predecessor and more! Moraz uses some synthesizer on this one to expand the range, but the music is basically acoustic and serene. A gem!
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  | PATRICK MORAZ / BILL BRUFORD ~ IN TOKYO
WINTERFOLD 011 (Barcode: 604388731220) ~ SWITZERLAND ~ Jazz
Recorded: 1985 Released: 2009
The duo of Swiss keyboardist Patrick MorazFind albums by this artist and British drummer Bill BrufordFind albums by this artist recorded a couple of splendid studio albums in the mid-1980s, playing a unique blend of Jazz and spontaneously invented music. Although both started their international careers as members of the legendary Prog group Yes, they were strongly connected to the Jazz roots, as their recordings as a due prove beyond any doubt. This great and most welcome album presents their work captured live for the first time, which was recorded at the time but remained unreleased for a quartet of a century. Now we can finally enjoy this music thanks to the belated, but most welcome release. The numerous fans of these musicians, both separately and as a duo, will surely enjoy this album immensely. Recommended!
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  | PATRICK MORAZ / BILL BRUFORD ~ MUSIC FOR PIANO AND DRUMS
WINTERFOLD 001 ~ SWITZERLAND ~ Jazz
Recorded: 1983
1st album by the Patrick MorazFind albums by this artist / Bill BrufordFind albums by this artist duo. Although both musiciabs are ex-YesFind albums by this artist members, they actually never played together in the band. Another thing they have in common is of course their fascination with Jazz and improvised music, and their 2 albums shows that beyond any doubt. Although duo albums can be difficult to digest sometimes, this album is so full of excitment and beauty that no music lover should have any problem with enjoying this!
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