PATRICK MORAZ & BILL BRUFORD - MUSIC FOR PIANO AND DRUMS

I'm reviewing the 2004 re-master, with bonus live tracks.

The simplicity of piano and drums with no other instruments and (as far as I can tell) no overdubs is a great combination, provided the instrumentalists are up to the task, and there's no doubt both Patrick Moraz and Bill Bruford are. But, it's difficult to classify this as progressive music - it really is a jazz album. It won't take you more than a couple of tracks to decide whether or not this is for you. The compositions are mostly by Moraz, fairly simple structures that allow for a large degree of improvisation from both players. The production is of high quality. The bonus live tracks are OK but nothing special - they include Moraz using electronic keyboards and I found some of the synth sounds he chooses rather thin and nasal - should have stuck with piano, Pat! Another case of more is less with bonus tracks. Overall though I enjoyed it and if if you like either of these players you should add it to your collection. 3 stars fits the bill - good, but not essential.

Maybe this review isn't the place to say this but I will anyway - in the same week I bought this album, I also acquired Jan Hammer's "The First Seven days" - an out and out progressive album that is not listed on PA - yet this jazz album is here! Granted no system is perfect but...