Record Reviews

BBM ~ AROUND THE NEXT DREAM VIRGIN 724358367324 (Barcode: 724358367324) ~ UK ~ Classic Rock Recorded: 1993 - 1994 Released: 2003 This is an expanded reissue / remaster of the only album by the short-lived British BBMFind albums by this artist trio, which comprised of three legendary figures: drummer Ginger BakerFind albums by this artist, bassist / vocalist Jack BruceFind albums by this artist and guitarist / vocalist Gary MooreFind albums by this artist. The original album presented ten tracks and this edition adds four bonus tracks, two of which were recorded live and two others are outtakes. Most of the songs were co-written by Moore and Bruce, some with the help of Kip HanrahanFind albums by this artist and a couple of Blues standards are also present. The sound and feel of the album is remarkably close to that of the iconic CreamFind albums by this artist, which is hardly surprising. The production is of course much more polished and the almost thirty years separating this trio from Cream made its impact, but overall the resemblance is remarkable, almost as if this could be the album Cream never recorded. Moore plays some outstanding guitar here, obviously with a wink towards Eric ClaptonFind albums by this artist, and Bruce is in top form singing his heart out, as is Baker beating the hell out of the drums. For some and incomprehensible reason this album was almost completely ignored at the time of its release in 1994, which proves that music went to the drain by that time, as it is an absolute classic example of the British Rock tradition and formidable Blues-Rock recording. Overall, this is an absolute marvel of an album, completely neglected and deserving being remembered. It offers brilliant songwriting and superb instrumental performances completely absent from today’s Rock scene. An absolute must in any decent Rock record collection!

Updated: 19/03/2024Posted: 19/03/2024

CD 1 Remastered Bonus Tracks Essential Recommend To A Friend

JACK BRUCE ~ MORE JACK THAN GOD SANCTUARY 211 (Barcode: 5050159021123) ~ UK ~ Classic Rock Recorded: 2002 - 2003 Released: 2003 This is the 13th (and one before the last) studio album by British bassist / vocalist / songwriter and music icon, Jack BruceFind albums by this artist. It was the second album co-produced by Bruce with American producer Kip HanrahanFind albums by this artist. The album presents fourteen tracks, nine of which are updated version of songs released on earlier albums, which were co-written by Bruce with poet Pete BrownFind albums by this artist, and five are new songs co-written with Hanrahan. Bruce plays bass, piano, synthesizers and sings, and is accompanied by several excellent musicians, like guitarist Vernon ReidFind albums by this artist, drummer Horacio FernandezFind albums by this artist and others. In many respects the album can be seen as a retrospective, recorded in view of Bruce’s declining health, which eventually lead to a liver transplant, shortly after this album was completed. He recovered from the transplant and resumed live performances, but did not release anything new (except for live concert recordings) until 2014, i.e. over a decade later. He died later that year. Bruce was undoubtedly one of the great Geniuses of British Rock and his unique bass, vocal and songwriting talents left one of the mightiest music legacies in Rock. He was a great Jazz lover as well and even recorded a great Jazz album early in his career, called “Things We LikeFind albums with this title”. I have been lucky to know Jack Bruce personally and spent many hours conversing with his, whenever out paths crossed. Overall, this is another strong album by Jack Bruce, in which he returns to many of his favorite songs in new arrangements. His bass playing and vocals as are strong as ever, despite his ailing health, and one can never get enough of his brilliant songs. A classic!

Updated: 20/01/2025Posted: 20/01/2025

CD 1 Recommend To A Friend

JACK BRUCE ~ SHADOWS IN THE AIR SANCTUARY 142 (Barcode: 5050749214225) ~ UK ~ Jazz-Rock Fusion Recorded: 1999 - 2000 Released: 2001 This is the 12th studio album by the legendary British singer / multi-instrumentalist / songwriter Jack BruceFind albums by this artist, who sings and plays bass and piano. He is supported by several musicians, including several percussionists, and prominent guests, including guitarists Eric ClaptonFind albums by this artist, Gary MooreFind albums by this artist and Vernon ReidFind albums by this artist and keyboardist Dr. JohnFind albums by this artist. The album presents fifteen tracks, most of which were composed by Bruce with lyrics by poet Pete BrownFind albums by this artist, or co-composed with Kip HanrahanFind albums by this artist, who also co-produced the album. Six of the tracks are new versions of songs previously recorded by CreamFind albums by this artist and West, Bruce & LaingFind albums by this artist or appearing on his earlier albums. The late recorded output by Bruce, which includes this album, its follower “More Jack Than GodFind albums with this title” and his final recording “Silver RailsFind albums with this title” are tragically little known and mostly ignored by his followers, despite the fact that they include some of his finest songwriting and playing. The songs are more introvert and lyrical, and offer beautiful melodies and as usual profound lyrics, reflecting the last phase of his life and career. Overall, this is a brilliant, as always, album by one of the greatest vocalists / musicians / songwriters of all time, who never achieved the proper recognition simply because he never compromised and created music he believed in. Despite his fame as a Rock superstar, his true glory remains deeply hidden in his solo career and his deep affinity to Jazz.

Updated: 31/10/2023Posted: 31/10/2023

CD 1 Recommend To A Friend