THE BRUFORD TAPES

Though the studio albums do sound better, 'The Bruford Tapes' is a magnificent performance by a great outfit. At their peak, Bruford's boys put on a great presentation of many favorites and simply cook all night at the kind of event one wishes they had witnessed. Another thing I really enjoyed is Bruford's method of arranging and playing his music, i.e. we get to hear him "test" songs which is a fascinating peek into his system of composition. In addition, this has to be one of the finest ensembles in prog history and the 'Unknown' John Clark (who was recommended to Bruford by Holdsworth himself when Allan couldn't do this tour) pulls off the best AH impression on record. If you can tolerate the radio broadcast sound of this CD (EG 1979) you shant be disappointed. I give it four stars here but it probably deserves five.