BRUFORD: ONE OF A KIND

This is one of those albums that is such a pleasure to listen to. Bruford could almost get whoever he wants to play on his albums because he's so respected, so yes we have an all- star lineup. Besides one of the best drummers i've ever heard Bill has Dave Stewart of HATFIELD AND THE NORTH and NATIONAL HEALTH fame on keyboards. Jeff Berlin an American Jazz bassist who is famous for not only his playing but for turning down a job offer from VAN HALEN. And the great Allan Holdsworth on guitar who's solo career and work with SOFT MACHINE, Tony Williams and others is well known. A more stripped down affair when compared to Bruford's debut, and it seems to work better.

"Hell's Bells" is a song Stewart and the late Alan Gowen wrote together, and thankfully we have the pleasure to hear it on this album. Pulsating synths with bass as Bruford joins in the fun. Holdsworth comes in at 1 1/2 minutes as Stewart backs off, he then returns late. "One Of A Kind Pt 1" opens with drums and keys before vibes then guitar arrive. It settles and blends into "One Of A Kind Pt 2" where it stays calm as drums and other sounds come and go. It's building 1 1/2 minutes in. Guitar after 3 minutes then a big finish. "Travels With Myself-And Someone Else" is pastoral early with piano. The bass before 2 1/2 minutes is prominant. Lots of keyboards in this one. Drums and guitar become more of the focus later. "Fainting In Coils" opens with spoken words before the music kicks in. This sounds really good then it lightens. This contrasts continues. The guitar is excellent. Organ after 3 minutes as it settles. Cool sound (Stewart) after 4 1/2 minutes then it kicks in again. "Five G" has a nice bass intro and I like the drumming too. Check out the guitar after 1 1/2 minutes.

"The Abingdon Chasp" is led by drums, piano and bass early. Guitar before 2 minutes then the tempo picks up. "Forever Until Sunday" is a moving piece because of guest Eddie Jobson's violin playing. A change before 3 minutes as the tempo picks up and it gets fuller. It ends as it began but instead of violin it's guitar. Cool. "The Sahara Of Snow Pt 1" is spacey to open then we get some piano after a minute followed by drums and a full sound. Nice. Vibes too. Bruford is amazing here. Holdsworth's turn 2 1/2 minutes in then it gets spacey again before kicking back in. Great sound. "The Sahara Of Snow Pt 2" has a heavier sound to it with clapping. It works actually then the guitar starts to play over top. I like it. Check out Holdsworth and Bruford here.

A very good Jazz / Fusion album all around.