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  | 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 |
  | WEST, BRUCE & LAING ~ LIVE `N` KICKIN`
ESOTERIC 2072 (Barcode: 5013929717220) ~ USA ~ Classic Rock
Recorded: 1974 Released: 2008
3rd and last album by the short-lived Anglo-American super-group West, Bruce & LaingFind albums by this artist consisting of guitarist Leslie WestFind albums by this artist and drummer Corky LaingFind albums by this artist from the American band MountainFind albums by this artist and British bassist / vocalist / songwriter extraordinaire Jack BruceFind albums by this artist, of CreamFind albums by this artist fame. The group came together after both the first incarnation of Mountain and the Jack Bruce Band fell apart and was almost a "natural" choice of participants, considering the many parallels between Mountain and Cream, both stylistically and personally via Mountain member and Cream producer Felix PappalardiFind albums by this artist. This live recording is a great document of the level of energy involved in the group´s performances and the virtuosity of its members. Bruce´s bass playing is simply spectacular, as are his vocals and he is especially strong on his own compositions. People who like Cream´s live recordings, with expanded song versions, will enjoy this stuff immensely and the younger people can hear what Rock was all about, when it was truly rocking.
Visitors' Comments
Dr. Rafael Augusto Lara Palmeros
This one is WBL´s “swang song”, the last albumn in the short life of this extraordinary supergroup. Recorded live in Orpheum Theater, in Boston, Masachusetts, the band includes four tracks: “Play with fire”, is a Stone cover and is reminiscent of the “Why Dontcha” cut “Love is worth the Blues”, “The doctor” the live version of one of the studio tracks on their debut albumn.”Politician!” is a good track and “Powerhouse sod” is a version with an absolutely mind bending bass solo by Jack.
I think that this work sholuld have been originally released as two-albumn set, incluiding “November song”,”Sifting sand”,”Out of the fields”, “Polution woman” and others. Four stars of five.
| | | CD 1 Remastered Recommend To A Friend |
  | WEST, BRUCE & LAING ~ WHATEVER TURNS YOU ON
ESOTERIC 2075 (Barcode: 5013929717527) ~ USA ~ Classic Rock
Recorded: 1973 Released: 2008
2nd album by the short-lived Anglo-American super-group West, Bruce & LaingFind albums by this artist consisting of guitarist Leslie WestFind albums by this artist and drummer Corky LaingFind albums by this artist from the American band MountainFind albums by this artist and British bassist / vocalist / songwriter extraordinaire Jack BruceFind albums by this artist, of CreamFind albums by this artist fame. The group came together after both the first incarnation of Mountain and the Jack Bruce Band fell apart and was almost a "natural" choice of participants, considering the many parallels between Mountain and Cream, both stylistically and personally via Mountain member and Cream producer Felix PappalardiFind albums by this artist. This studio recording is a great document of the level of energy involved in the group´s performances and the virtuosity of its members. Bruce´s bass playing is simply spectacular, as are his vocals and he is especially strong on his own excellent compositions co-created (as usual) with poet Pete BrownFind albums by this artist. People, who like Cream and Mountain recordings, will enjoy this stuff immensely and the younger people can hear what Rock was all about, when it was truly rocking.
Visitors' Comments
Dr. Rafael Augusto Lara Palmeros
First of all, this item is a great release from Esoteric Records. Whatever turns you on is the second and last studio albumn for the excellent Blues-Rock supergroup West, Bruce and Laing. This studio recording is one of the most underrated albumns in the History of Blues-Rock. The musicians playing a marvelous music with a great performance by Bruce´s bass - I think that is Bruce finest bassplayer ever- (´Rock´n Roll machine, ´Back fire´,´Sifting sand´, ´Like a plate and the wonderful ´November´s song´), Leslie and Corky shine on some Mountain-like heavy Blues rockers like ´Rock´n Roll Machine and ´Backfire´. On other hand, ´Sifting sand´is a beauty song with one of those powerful West gospelvocals They are a real, great combination for Bruce and the music is well-played, strong and beautiful, but it really is Jack´s albumn. Time to re-valute this lost masterwork from a supergroup. Excellent!!! and a must for a Blues-Rock fan!!!. Five stars or more
| | | CD 1 Remastered Recommend To A Friend |
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