Sundy Music Muse Day - Bill Bruford, Michiel Borstlap

This Sunday Music Muse Day shows how my random CD shopping something turn up more of the same.  In this case, more of Bill Bruford. First up, Bill Bruford's Earthworks Live - Stamping Ground.  Earthworks is the group the drummer formed after leaving King Crimson, and after his guitar based solo groups.  He stated it was a move to his more jazzy roots.  Definitely worth a listen. (I also loved this CD graphics)

My second is Bill Bruford & Michiel Borstlap In Two Minds, which could be considered a follow up to the CD by them, I featured last month.  This is live recording also.  They make an interesting drums and keyboard duo.

With so many suffering extreme hot weather or heavy rain, try to stay safe.  Enjoy some music when you get the chance.

Sunday Music Muse Day - Bill Bruford & Michiel Borstlap, Jack West & Curvature, Paul Flaherty

Hope everyone is enjoying this pleasant Sunday Music Muse Day.  My selections were bought knowing one musician, the second was the photo of player's guitar looked interesting, and third because of the CD title graphic.  First up is Bruford & Borslap, Every Step a Dance, Every Word a Song. This duet project of drummer Bill Bruford and piano and keyboard player Michiel Borstlap, recorded live on tour in Europe in 2003-4.  Bruford I've known for his work with King Crimson and his own solo works including the group Earthworks.  Borstlap is totally new to me, but the liner notes says Bruford and Borstlap have been making music together since meeting in 2002. This is hard to pin down Bruford's music. If anything it is a blend progressive rock, in a heavy dose of jazz.  There's an addition CD in the  package, "An Introduction to Winterfold Record which has an interview with Bruford  about his career between cuts of tunes from his various solo albums. Interesting stuff, But I had to go online to find the track list.   Definitely, worth a listen.

My second selection, Jack West & Curvature. I pick up this quartet's CD because of the photo of West's 8-string guitar with fanned out frets.  The cello player Mark Summer played with Turtle Island String Quartet, a group that plays "neo-classic" music including a rendering of Jimi Hendrix tunes.  The CD's music is adventurous, and again, worth a listen.

My last selection was bought on the strength of it's title,"Dragonfly Breath", because I like dragonflies. It has the dragonfly graphic similar to the one I use in my business cards.  That's the most positive thing I can say about this CD.  It's pure free jazz noise to me. I forced myself to give it one full listen, and I'll never feel inclined to play it again. I'll just enjoy the cover. The author of the liner notes praises the leader, saxophonist Paul Flaherty, and his music to high, heaven ,so to each, his own. You've been warned.

Enjoy.

Sunday Music Muse Day - Jade Warrior, Bruford.

This Sunday Music Muse Day finds me doing something I shouldn't do. Both selections are CDs of albums I had but no longer have because I sold my vinyl collection last year. In both cases, I liked the cover art too much to pass up, maybe even more than the music.  First up is Jade Warrior Way of the Sun. a progressive world music group, with the theme of this album focusing on Central and South America, as seen by the album art. The music is atmospheric and interesting, if you're in the right mood. I feel less guilty buying a CD copy since a cool mini-poster is included. (Actually, I was prompted to buy it when the CD popped up In a Bop Record Shop Facebook post.  I pass directly by Bop Shop on my way home from work every day)

Next up is Bruford Gradually Going Tornado, A 1979 release of the progressive rock fusion band led by drummer Bill Bruford of Yes and King Crimson, before his solo career and forming Earthworks.  This is another example of me liking the cover, and there are a couple of kickass tunes on the CD when you're in the mood for hard edge rock/fusion.

The cool days of fall has arrived, enjoy them and some good music.

Sunday Music Muse Day - Paul Bley, Bill Brufold

This Sunday Music Muse Day finds me featuring two CD coming from different direction the jazz spectrum.  First up, Paul Bley, with Gary Peacock and Paul Motian Not Two, Not One. Pianist Paul Bley (November 10, 1932 - January 3, 2016) was well known as part of the Free Jazz movement of the 1960s.  This ECM 1999 release was reunion of the classic Paul Bley Trio, with Peacock on bass and Motian on drum. At the time, they hadn't performed as a trio in 35 years. On line reviews give this a 4 star.  It's a introspective but adventurous, and engaging session.

My second selection is Bill Bruford's EarthWorks A Part, and Yet Apart. Drummer Bill Bruford maybe best remembered as a member of progressive rock groups like Yes (a founding member), King Crimson, and his own group Bruford. He formed this jazz group Earthworks in 1986.  In 2009 Bruford retired from public performances, but operates two record labels.  Bruford playing does show his swinging jazz drumming on this CD.  It a nice sample from his varied career.

On a side note, one of my favorite CD is the Bill Bruford with Ralph Tower and Eddie Gomez, If Summer had its Ghost.  Well worth checking out.

There enough good music to get you through a fine spring day. Enjoy.

Sunday Music Muse Day - Alan Holdsworth, a Tribute

Today's Sunday Music Muse day is in tribute to guitarist Allan Holdsworth who passed away unexpectedly this past Saturday , April 15, 2017.  He was one of my favorite Jazz Fusion guitarist, with a style and sound all his own.  This NPR radio post had a wonderful write up on him. http://www.npr.org/sections/therecord/2017/04/17/524332013/allan-holdsworth-revered-fusion-guitarist-dies-at-70

As I was visiting my local record shops for the 10th annual Record Store Day, Allan Holdsworth latest released Eidolon: The Allan Holdsworth Collection was a must have.  
 Eidolon is 2-Disc best of collection with the tracks chosen by Holdsworth himself form his solo group recording. It is curious to compare his best selection to your own favorites for his albums picks.

In sharing memories of him and his music with my friend, Rodney, I felt compelled to pullout all my Holdsworth LPs, CDs, with him as a leader and sideman.  I think I'm only missing three of his solo albums.  Seeing his name on other artists records lead me to pick them up.  Holdsworth also played with two of my favorite drummers, Tony Williams and Bill Bruford.

When I review my collection, I know I spend many hours of enjoyment listening to his music, and will continue to do so.  I guess that is the best legacy of any artist.  RIP, Allen Holdsworth, and thanks for the music.