SONGS FOR A TAILOR

Songs for a Tailor was Jack Bruce's first released album after his split with Cream, and although he displays some similar roots in psychedelic rock, blues and RnB/jazz as he did with Baker and Clapton, this album clearly shows that of the three, Bruce was by far the better and more creative writer. At this early point in his career Bruce sounds poised to rival the greats, Paul Simon, Stevie Wonder, Donald Fagen, take your pick, Jack Bruce really had it going on back then with the jazz influences and unique chord structures. Echos of The Beatles, Hendrix, Ceam, Robert Wyatt and Syd Barret are extended with techniques taken from early proto-fusion jazz artists and the new progressive rock scene in London. If Jack had assembled a permanent band playing this material, they would have been one of the best on the scene.

With half of jazz rock pioneers Colosseum on board along with Mountain's Felix Papalardi, and with songs that will show up on Mountain and Colosseum albums, this album takes on an almost 60s 'super group' vibe, possibly an answer to Jack's bandmate's effort in Blind Faith. But it's this lack of a real band that is this album's downfall too. Despite all the clever songwriting and excellent instrumental skills involved here, this still sounds like a 'solo album', which means a little bit better than a demo. There's a rushed unfinished feel to a lot of the production and a certain sameness that makes the songs somewhat numbing over extended plays. Having a real band on board would have pumped some life into these very deserving tunes.

Overall though, this is an excellent freshman effort from Jack Bruce, one of the best songwriters to come from the world of rock music.