BRUFORD: FEELS GOOD TO ME

What a marvellous album! I remember when it came out in the late seventies. Most of the members of Yes had just released solo-albums that were only so-so (no-one in their right mind could call BEGINNINGS, FISH OUT OF WATER, OLIAS OF SUNHILLOW true masterpieces, even though they all have their moments) - but Bill Bruford then astonished the world with an album that was sheer joy from start to finish.

It's no use trying to list all of FEELS GOOD TO ME's qualities, there's just too many, so here are just a FEW reasons to be cheerful: (1) Alan Holdsworth's extraordinary guitar solos (which would never sound better than here); (2) Dave Stewart's superb keyboard arrangements; (3) Kenny Wheeler's fluegelhorn interventions (how many rock drummers would have given one of the world's greatest jazz trumpeters such a tasteful role to play on their first solo-album?); (4) Annette Peacock's sexy vocals; (5) Jeff Berlin's incredible virtuosity on the electric bass; (6) and last, but certainly not least, Bill's own unique way of drumming, which has never failed to amaze me, from THE YES ALBUM (1970) to his latest forays with Earthworks...

My only criticism is that this album sounded great as an L.P. but rather tinny in its first reincarnation on C.D. (E.G. records). Much to my relief, the remastered version on Bill's own label now sounds beautiful and pure.