BRUFORD LEVIN UPPER EXTREMITIES

I had no idea what I was getting into with this album. Bruford and Levin keep that KING CRIMSON spirit alive with some heavy, experimental and Avant-garde music. David Torn is a mad man here, i've never heard him play like this before. And having Botti on trumpet playing so dissonant and passionate made me think of Miles at times. In fact a customer asked me if I was listening to Miles Davis as he listened intently. I love this stuff. Dark, heavy, experimental and the playing is flat out incredible to say the least.

"Cerulean Sea" has such an interesting sound to it. It's intense, catchy, repetitive and powerful. "Original Sin" begins with "Interlude" where the bass and drums sound amazing as the trumpet joins in. Guitar expressions follow as we are into the main track along with other strange sounds. The guitar is wicked here. The trumpet is back to the fore but then the guitar takes that role before 4 minutes. Insanity ! "Etude Revisited" opens with us listening to a conversation as bass and drums kick in and take over. The trumpet starts to blast and the guitar is crazy. This blows my mind. That conversation is back to end it. "A Palace Of Pearls (On A Blade Of Grass)" is atmospheric as sounds pulse and the trumpet comes and goes tastefully for a change (haha). Loud bangs follow after 3 minutes as the atmosphere gets louder. Lots of percussion sounds late. "Fin De Siecie" turns heavy quickly as the trumpet plays over top. It turns even more heavy duty before 2 minutes as the guitar also joins in. It then settles with trumpet. We're cooking again before 4 minutes. The drums are louder to end it.

"Cracking The Midnight Glass" has what sounds like bowed bass and I love when the sound kicks in at a minute. So freaking good ! The bass, guitar and drums lead here. it picks up before 2 minutes as contrasts continue. This is a monster folks as it ends with bowed bass just like it began. "Thick With Thin Air" is dark as strummed guitar arrives 2 minutes in. Atmosphere follows to end it. "Cobalt Canyons" has some killer bass and drum work. How good is this ? Someone call 911 'cause Torn is on fire after 2 minutes. "Deeper Blue" has these deep bass lines that growl as gentle guitar helps out. Trumpet joins in playing over top. A relaxed tune. "President's Day" is catchy as the trumpet plays over top. It settles before 3 minutes but kicks back in quickly. A dark atmosphere arrives before 5 minutes.

I would dare say that this is the best thing i've heard Bruford in besides KING CRIMSON and YES. I still can't believe how amazing this is. Thankyou so much Todd for allowing me to finally hear this.