BILL BRUFORD & RALPH TOWNER & EDDIE GOMEZ: IF SUMMER HAD ITS GHOSTS

I think Bill shows real talent and sense of style by teaming up with the classic ECM artists' Ralph Towner (classical guitar and keyboard player also known from group Oregon) and bass player Eddie Gomes. This string duo recorded with Jack DeJohnette classic jazz album "Batik", and Bill is in my opinion with similar professional level with the mentioned master drummer. On this album the emphasis focuses towards more tender and melodic playing with drums, and I believe this scenario was elevating after the mekChanikC aural terrorism deeds of the 1990's double trio sessions. The acoustic aesthetics are also different when compared to the third stream oriented "Batik", "If Summer Had Its Ghosts" is more romantic neo-classic voyage to the realm of tender melodic and intelligent drum rhythms, caressed by the acoustic strings of Ralph and Eddie. The few occasional digital samples melt to this non-amplified tonal tapestry perfectly due their realistic sonic appearance. My ultimate favorites here are the slow "Amethyst (for Carmen)" and tender "Forgiveness", but I don't' think there are weak links on the song selection. The careful theme variations of "Never The Same Way Once" was also on the forthcoming Bill Bruford's Earthworks repertoire, and with the drum solo of "Some Other Time" a tribute is being paid for a musical innovator. My own adoration for this album is emphasized by its personal meaning for my listening habits; I got deeply immersed in classic jazz music when listening to this after seeing some DeJohnette, Hancock, Holland, Metheny activity from 1990 Mellon Jazz Festival. Similarly I found Bill's jazz solo works after his King Crimson career, and discovered the serene musical world of Ralph Towner along with other ECM artists, what a revelation.