Customer Reviews

How's Tricks

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

 

 

One of the remarkable things about Bruce's earliest solo albums (excepting his largely-acoustic jazz album, 'Things We Like') was the decision to focus on the songwriting, largely to the exclusion of instrumental soloing, and no doubt to the bemusement of many a Cream fan. Although 'How's Tricks' continued the tradition of highly original, iconoclastic and sometimes downright-eccentric songwriting, the addition of jazz pianist Tony Hymas's vogueish electric piano, Hughie Burns' souped-up guitar and Simon Phillips' OTT drum pyrotechnics, probably undermined the overall success of this album which today sounds rather more dated than the earlier releases. A move to democratisation of the songwriting contributions was partly successful (Hymas's 'Something To Live For') and partly disastrous (Burns's hideous, if mercifully-brief, glam-rock outing 'Baby Jane'). But the Bruce-Brown songwriting partnership was as good as ever. The real strength of 'How's Tricks' is probably in Pete Brown's wonderfully imaginative, evocative and esoteric lyrics, which give the album much of its character, depth and distinctiveness. The bonus tracks include an interesting early demo version of the beautiful 'Without a Word', stranger than ever thanks to Bruce's bizarre scrambling of the lyric. 'How's Tricks' can't quite compare with Jack's masterpieces - 'Songs for a Tailor', 'Harmony Row', and the gorgeous 'Out of the Storm', but is a rewarding listen for those with half an ear for poetry.

In my opinion, Songs for a Tailor is Jack's best album, with Harmony Row a close second. Simply put, they are masterpieces. HOW'S TRICKS, which came years later, is a fine effort, but not of the same calibre as the others just mentioned. Fans of his earlier work will enjoy hearing Jack's distinctive voice here and his fluid bass playing that sounds almost like a tuba. Most of the lyrics are similar to those in his early work, very surrealistic. There are several straightforward rock songs here like Baby Jane that don't do much for me. But, overall, a fine effort. I have never heard the CD, but have an old vinyl LP, which I enjoy hearing from time to time. I recommend HOW'S TRICKS for long-time fans. But newbies should start with his best work, Songs for a Tailor or Harmony Row.

This 1977 recording futures JB at his best. Ths songs are less spontanique then on previous albums, but presence of Tony Hymas and Simon Philips guarantee certain quality. Album seems too jazzy and "romantic". However the whole album has been in my opinion underestimated and considered weird. It is worth buying it and keeping on top shelve in your JB collection. Favourite song is first number "without a word"

Jack Bruce's fifth studio album, How's Tricks, is a masterpiece, and it ranks with "Songs for a Tailor" and "Harmony Row". The songwriting, musically and lyrically, is wonderful. There are very many strong points on the album, "Without a Word" "Something to Live For" "Waiting on the Call" and "Johnny B '77" and the rest are fun entertaining musical workouts. Unlike the previous 2 reviewers, I quite enjoy Hughie Burns' "Baby Jane", it's a good little rock piece. The bonus tracks are fairly worthwhile, an early take of "Without a Word" recorded by the first Jack Bruce Band, with Mick Taylor, Carla Bley, Roney Leahy, and Bruce Gary. The other bonus track is the single edit of "Something to Live For". It's shortened, but it's interesting.
I reccommend it to anybody, but beggining fans should listen to Bruce's earliest works, "Songs for a Tailor" and "Harmony Row"

An album that easliy grows on you. Bruce enlisted the help of some excellent musicians (Hymas and Phillips). But the stand out is Hugh Burns (he played the guitar solo on Rafferty's Baker Street). At times he sounds like Clapton and other times he can be Larry Carlton.

Bruce is more at home stretching musical boundaries and he ably achieves this on numerous tracks but balances the album out with some strong blues and more commercial tunes. And then of course Burns takes the lead on Baby Jane.

A nice introduction to mid-seventies Jack Bruce