BRUFORD: ONE OF A KIND

One of the best Bruford solo outputs, if not the best one, together with "Feels good to me". "One of a kind" proves Bruford's capabilities not only as a drummer but also a band member and composer. Surrounded by strong music characters of Jeff Berlin, Dave Stewart and Allan Holdsworth, this is a team effort that contains more warmth than a usual fusion record. "Hells Bells" is one of the catchiest tracks on the record, driven by a typical Bruford sound and rhythmic pattern. The mini-suite "One of a kind" retains a typical fusion feeling with Holdsworth's guitar, Stewart's synths and an improvisational feeling. It is a brilliant composition where all players stretch out and deliver challenging material for a feast. My favourite part are the final fast-paced 40 seconds which sound like graduation. "Travels with myself and someone else" remind me of National Health. After several less melodic tracks, we have a clear melody in "Fainting in Coils" with excellent keyboard synths. "Five G" is a showcase for the bass player and drummer led by furious face and coloured by gentle synths. Holdsworth kicks in with his ingenious guitar soloing. The final mini-suite comprises 2 parts and feels like unstructured part followed by a more symphonic and modern second part. A highly recommended fusion album with jazz and contemporary influences.