Search - Jack Bruce :: Shadows in the Air

Great Comeback Release!

deepbluereview | SACRAMENTO, CALIFORNIA USA | 08/16/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This is clearly Bruce's best outing since Cream's breakup many, many, years ago and was long overdue. Bruce fans can now comfortably move the 1969 solo release "Songs For A Tailor" and BBM's 1994 "Around The Next Dream" one disc back on the changer.Bruce demonstrates what fans have known for years, he is more than just the former bass player for the former group Cream. On this disc Bruce plays the Vox, Piano, Bass and Acoustic Guitar and also demonstrates that age has not deprived him of his golden pipes. The reunion of Eric Clapton on "Sunshine of Your Love" and "White Room", two Cream classics, is a bonus to be sure and the remakes are both true to the originals and excellent. However, the CD would have been a success even without those songs added. That's how good it is.It is also nice to hear Gary Moore playing again with Bruce on two songs "Heart Quake" and "Dark Heart". As with the Clapton numbers (Cream), Bruce is just Ginger Baker away from a full power trio reunion (BBM). The addition of Dr. John on two numbers is an added bonus. A welcome addition to any collection!"

Welcome back Jack

larry a. dyer | Elkhart, Indiana United States | 07/12/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"With "Shadows in the Air" Jack Bruce serves a reminder once again that he is truly one of the great unsung and under appreciated artists of the past several decades.Unlike most performers who can be stereotyped and counted on to record material within the realm of general expectations, Bruce had always been a chameleon of sorts. And on his latest release he shows all of his colors...and magnificent they are. Shadows in the Air has something for everybody. Blues, jazz, rock, latino rhythmic excursions and Bruce's own eclectic hybrid of Scottish folk/soul are all on glorious display. Bruce moves effortlessly from one style to the next with each excursion given the master's touch with tasteful production and virtuoso playing from a stellar cast of musicians. Bruce taps into the musical veins of locations such as London, Havana, New Orleans and New York in taking the listener on a world tour of sound. Much has been written of his coaxing Eric Clapton into joining him once again on revisited Cream classics "Sunshine of Your Love" and "White Room". But while both of these tracks are wonderful and Clapton plays superbly, this release moves forward instead of back. Nine of the tracks are new Bruce compositions and serve as confirmation that Jack's songwriting is in fine form. "52nd Street" is a first-rate blues about the greedy and shameful state of affairs in the recording industry delivered with an urban feel. "Directions Home" a wonderful dedication to Tony Williams and Larry Young as Jack nods towards the seminal band Lifetime. On "Windowless Rooms", Dr. John's organ adds a steamy atmosphere to the proceedings. And Gary Moore's haunting lines on "Dark Heart" showcase why he is one of the very finest guitarists around. But the recording belongs to Jack. An instrumental virtuoso in his own right, Jack's legendary bass playing has matured to the extent where he seems content to subdue things a bit thus allowing his fellow musicians the opportunity to shine. This is particularly evident on the Cream tunes as Jack allows Clapton space to breath unlike he might have in the 60's. He no longer flashes a previous tendency to compete with Eric. Instead he seems content to compliment. The mark of a true pro is maturity. And make no mistake about it...this is mature music. And on top of it all, Bruce's remarkable voice sounds better than ever. Shadows in the Air isn't without fault. All that percussion tends to be too busy on "White Room" and distracts from the song's essence. Ginger Baker did it better by himself over 30 years ago. The West, Bruce & Laing classic "Out Into the Fields", arguably one of Jack's finest compositions and certainly among his most passionately delivered vocal performances, lacks the fire on this recording when compared to the original. It would have also been nice had Jack picked up his cello and joined in on something complimentary with Alfredo Triff's violin. But this is splitting hairs. Shadows in the Air is a dynamic piece of work and a worthy purchase for any discriminating listener searching for something a cut above most of the dreck which now haunts the airwaves.The word "genius" is an overused term to the point of nausea. But when it comes to Jack Bruce...it genuinely applies."

Jack emerges...and SOARS!!

Jason A. Levine | Seattle, WA USA | 07/30/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I simply wanted to add to the current list of reviews to further push the idea that this is a terrific record. Jack's voice is pristine, and from the first four notes of "Out Into The Fields" you can feel the brilliance the lies ahead. I guess it boils down to the fact that he's never stopped playing and singing - (remember 'No Stopping' with Robin Trower) and it SHOWS!Put together with an ensemble lineup, (though interspersed among the tracks, which was a great idea) two drummers and his undeniably recognizable bass sound, this latest venture for Jack is more a return to what he's all about - complex melody and harmony, stylistic playing, interesting arrangements and fab performance. And kudos must also be given to Kip Hanrahan. I own their previous collaborations (Vertical's Currency, et als) and I can only say that "Shadows" collaborative effort makes for a wonderful listen, but also a terrific time piece - one that will take you on a journey, and deliver the goods, and leave you wanting more. Jack IS back (though he never left). Thanks JB. Mastering Note: From the liner notes, I gather this was recorded on 24-track analog...Don't let that fool you...It's rich, warm and deep sounding, with soaring highs and crisp mids. They definitely got it right. A+"