BRUFORD: FEELS GOOD TO ME

One of the most talented and technically skilled drummers in the world of prog, 1949-born English drummer Bill Bruford had a long and prolific career during the 70's with Yes and King Crimson, before joining Genesis to replace Phil Collins behind the drum kit, when he was the lead vocalist of the band in the 76' tour.In 1977 he found his own project Bruford, when he joined forces with famous keyboardist Dave Stewart, guitar virtuoso Alan Holdsworth and jazz bassist Jeff Berlin.The first Bruford album ''Feels Good to Me'', originally released in 1977 on EG Records, featured also Annette Peacock on vocals, Kenny Wheeler on flugelhorn and John Goodsall on rhythm guitar.

With ''Feels Good to Me'' Bruford prooved to be not only a great drummer but an excellent composer as well, as he wrote or co-wrote all of the album's tracks.The style is a mix of fiery NATIONAL HEALTH-like Canterbury Prog and complex Jazz/Fusion with Holdsworth shining on the guitars and Stewart performing another excellent show with his work Minimoog and Polymoog synths.There is a certain charm hidden in the compositions, which turn from rhythmic Fusion to complicated Progressive Rock in a blink of an eye, highlighted by the incredible solos of Holdsworth, a man who set up an entire guitar school around his style.Stewart's keyboards are fantastic, often having this NATIONAL HEALTH lovely and andventurous vibes or simply bursting a breezy jazzy atmosphere.Little to be said about Bruford's playing, his performance is just so confident and infallible.All tracks contain well- measured material of more atmospheric moments blended with powerful interplays and solos, while Peacock's ethereal female vocals are another reason why the album is so nicely balanced.

Fantastic first release by Bruford and co., this is a great example of complex still fairly enjoyable jazzy Progressive Rock with strong Canterbury leanings.Not to be missed by all fans of trully well-crafted proggy adventures.