Customer Reviews

Earthworks Live: Stamping Ground

5 star:		(2)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

This is jazz - esoteric and adventurous jazz, to be sure - not rock or "fusion". Expect less volume and force, and greater delicacy, than Bruford's rock projects (which I, like many, do love), and you won't be disappointed here.

Earthworks (this first edition) were an interesting and exciting band. I have a great affinity for them as I'm sure a lot of people do who were lucky enough to see them in concert. This CD only captures a fraction of the concert experience though. I like other fans would welcome another live package, or two, to complement this.

The music is playful and fun. Bruford's electronic "chordal" drumming is a very interesting base for the music, delicate but very much there. Django Bates (an interesting composer, keyboardist, and horn player) and saxophonist Ian Ballamy play in relatively inspired form over Bruford and bassist Tim Harries. I'm not overly thrilled with the digital recording sound here - the mastering seems to lack some force - but my only real complaint with this package is that the band was such a great live show that I wish there were more music here.

This CD not only proves the BB's Earthworks can do what's required to bring off what was on the studio CDs they can take it further than ever before. Being a BB fan since the early days of Yes and on through King Crimson I was once again totally blown away by Earthworks. Incredable percussion work leading radical and innovative jazz fusion for today. Live they do just that, they make the tracks come alive at a passionate level that gives you the feeling of being there and part of the whole scene. this is what music is all about.

Bouncy, energetic jazz featuring Bruford's creative and exceptionally musical drumming. The A refreshing offering by some English jazzers, the peck horn adds a unique voice and the rhythm section is fierce. Once again, Bruford gleefully ping pongs his way through blazing jazz and melodic ballads and all tracks are live (and exceptionally well recorded). high lights- Up North Pilgrim's Way

Not without a few minor shortcomings, at points drowning out in adventurous excess or succumbing to a perceivable artistic grandeur Bill Bruford's rock star status may have brought into his music-seeking roots, his finely tuned band nonetheless offered spectators a spectacular night of mildly avant-garde fusion jazz, and left a memorable live footnote for all modern experimental jazz lovers to dwell on with this under-appreciated gem.