Record Reviews
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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
| | | CD 2 Remastered Bonus Tracks Recommend To A Friend |
  | 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
| | | CD 2 Remastered Bonus Tracks Recommend To A Friend |
  | 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!
| | | CD 2 Recommend To A Friend |
  | 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
| | | CD 2 Remastered Bonus Tracks Recommend To A Friend |
  | 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.
| | | CD 1 Recommend To A Friend |
  | 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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