Bruford Tapes - CD

Personnel: Bill Bruford (drums, percussion); John Clark (guitar); Dave Stewart (keyboards); Jeff Berlin (electric bass). Recorded live at My Father's Place, Roslyn, New York on July 12, 1979. This live date from 1979 captures one of drummer Bill Bruford's pre-Earthworks groups in a dynamic performance. Although the broadcast tape used for this disc may not have been the best quality, the performance of this powerful ensemble of fusion masters transcends any audio deficiencies. Included in the group with the legendary British drummer are bassist Jeff Berlin, keyboardist Dave Stewart, and guitarist John Clark. Together, lead by Bruford's always-unique drumming, they make a good argument for the existence of the oft-maligned "electric" jazz of the '70s. Tracks like the boisterous opener "Hell's Bells" and the exceptional "Fainting In Coils" bring an air of raucous adventure to the fore as Bruford and company open the flood gates wide, ignoring any standard conceptions of neither traditional jazz nor rock. The free-flowing attitude of the group is equally evident on more subtle works like the gentle "Travels With Myself-And Someone Else." Another high spot is the two part "Sahara Of Snow," a stunningly diverse piece that takes the group through many colors and textures. Other fine cuts include the dazzling "Beelzebub" and the closing burner "5G."