04/02
"Over hundreds of nights and thousands of concerts, the imperceptible removal of grime and accretion will, you hope, let your light shine forth more brightly." Bill Bruford ( Earthworks, King Crimson)
Bill Bruford's Earthworks is that rare animal in jazz, a "working band". After several years of steady touring, Bruford has produced Earthworks' eighth CD Footloose and Fancy Free. Trust, empathy, and sharp reactions develop apace with consistent playing together and these qualities are much in evidence on this 14 track, 117 minute Double CD recorded at London's celebrated Pizza Express Jazz Club last summer.
The music is broadly taken from the two studio CDs produced by the current edition of the band, but also re-works pieces from Bill's group with Tony Levin B.L.U.E. (Original Sin), his studio outing with Ralph Towner, (If Summer Had it's Ghosts, Never the Same Way Once), and even the first Earthworks CD (Bridge of Inhibition).
Unusually, there is a simultaneous release from the band, of a companion DVD entitled Footloose in NYC. Now you can absorb the whole Earthworks experience and enjoy an intimate, up-close evening of state-of-the-art jazz at the New York City club The Bottom Line. One hour 50 minutes of concert footage comes complete with several different tracks unavailable on the CD, 20 minutes of backstage footage and interviews, a full biography and discography of Bruford's work, motion menus, and gorgeous surround sound.
"Watching drummer/composer Bill Bruford play the drums with such casual flair and effortless command has always been the only thing that could top the pleasure of just listening to him." Jazziz
Drummer-leader Bruford is rapidly becoming known as "Britain's Art Blakey" for the way he offers an international platform to some of the brightest jazz talent of the day, such as Allan Holdsworth, Jeff Berlin, Django Bates, Steve Hamilton, Patrick Clahar, and currently Tim Garland.
"Its no surprise anymore how good Earthworks is." Downbeat Magazine
Release Date: 23 April 2002
Catalogue Numbers: DGM0201, DGM0202
www.billbruford.co.uk
