Sunday Music Muse Day - Jack Bruce, James Blood Ulmer

This week's Sunday Music Muse Day  features two grreat musicians who are sadly no longer with us, but their musicial legacy lives on.  First, Jack Bruce - Jack Bruce Collector's Edition. I was a fan of bassist Jack Bruce from 1960's when he exploded on Rock scene with the power trio Cream, Eric Clapton on guitar and Ginger Baker on drum. Like Ginger Baker, Bruce also ventured into the jazz world, famously playing in the groundbreaking jazz fusion group Tony William's Lifetime, with John McLaughlin (pre-Mahavishu Orchestra). This Collector's Edition contain a lot tunes I never heard of his written by Bruce and Pete Brown, many are live recording.  There is specticular group of guitaristshowcsed on CD such as Eric Clapton,Gary Moore, Clem Clemson, and David Torn.  Bruce does a haunting rendition of Jimi Hendrix' Wind Cries Mary. The music is worthy of anyone's collection. The only down side to the package is the type design is almost unreadable on the CD cover.  It might be better on full size vinyl record sleeve. 

The next election is James Blood Ulmer - Music Speaks Louder Than Words. Ulmer passed away last June 3, 2026.  His music style has been described as "jazz, free funk and blues." His playing on this CD displays that perfectly. Subtitled "James Blood Ulmer Plays the Music Of Ornette Coleman",  it tells you all you need to know. Ornette Colemon is best known as "a principal founder of the Free Jazz genre".  Actually, I found this rather subdued for Ulmer but still was satisfying.  I wish there had been liner notes for it.  But, i guess he title makes the point and his intention clear. 

These are rare gems to be listened to and enjoyed often.  Take care, and peace.