Record Reviews

JACK BRUCE ~ LIVE `75 ESOTERIC 2300 (Barcode: 5013929430044) ~ USA ~ Progressive Rock Recorded: 1975 Released: 2011 This previously unreleased material, recorded by the Jack BruceFind albums by this artist Band is the only document of this excellent ensemble, which was active for just a brief period of time. The band comprised of stellar musicians: guitarist Mick TaylorFind albums by this artist (who just left The Rolling StonesFind albums by this artist), American keyboardist / composer Carla BleyFind albums by this artist, keyboardist Ronnie LeahyFind albums by this artist and drummer Bruce GaryFind albums by this artist, the band was among the best on the scene at the time and their performances (as the one captured here) were a true feast to the ears. They play new arrangements of Jack´s classic material, one piece by Tony WilliamsFind albums by this artist (another Jack Bruce gig earlier on) and the CreamFind albums by this artist anthem "Sunshine Of Your Love" is also included. This material is a must for the numerous Jack Bruce fans, especially in view of the fact that is was hidden for so many years.

CD 2 Oversampling Remastered Recommend To A Friend

JACK BRUCE ~ LIVE AT ROCKPALAST 1980, 1983 AND 1990 MIG 90862 (Barcode: 885513908629) ~ UK ~ Jazz-Rock Fusion Recorded: 1980 - 1990 Released: 2019 This Box Set presents a collection of live concert recordings by iconic British bassist / vocalist / songwriter Jack BruceFind albums by this artist, captured by the German TV program Rockpalast. The 5CD / 2DVD collection presents forty-three tracks, recorded on three different occasions, as described below. With a few exceptions all the songs were written by Bruce with lyrics by the poet Peter BrownFind albums by this artist. CD1 & CD2 were recorded / filmed on October 19th, 1980 and the lineup includes Bruce, guitarist Clem ClempsonFind albums by this artist, American keyboardist / guitarist David SanciousFind albums by this artist and drummer Billy CobhamFind albums by this artist. CD3 was recorded / filmed on October 16th, 1990 and is a solo performance by Bruce playing piano and singing. CD4 & CD5 were recorded / filmed on November 1st, 1983 and the lineup includes Bruce, Sancious and drummer Bruce GaryFind albums by this artist. DVD1 includes the video material of CD1 to CD3 and DVD2 includes the video material of CD4 and CD5. The music includes most of the songs Bruce recorded during his career and up to that time, including several going back to the CreamFind albums by this artist days. Although there are a few surprises here, each and every appearance by Bruce was completely unique, as his fans and followers are of course aware of. His incredible bass virtuosity is fully covered here, as are his vocal performances, and every minute of Bruce on stage is pure delight. Overall, this is an incredible piece of archive material by one of the greatest Rock / Jazz-Rock Fusion musicians of all time. Although the sound quality is a bit iffy at times, this monumental collection of Bruce’s live material is an absolute must to his followers. His unique power of expression remains unchallenged and his premature departure robbed us of his talent and personally a Friend for almost fifty years…

Updated: 04/03/2024Posted: 04/03/2024

5CD+2DVD 7 Digisleeve Box Set Remastered Recommend To A Friend

SPIRIT ~ SEA DREAM (EXPANDED EDITION) ESOTERIC 2925 (Barcode: 5013929472570) ~ USA ~ Classic Rock Recorded: 1984 - 1986 Released: 2025 This is a reissue of a 2CD compilation of previously unissued studio tracks by the American Rock group SpiritFind albums by this artist, assembled in 2002 by the Spirit archivist Mick SkidmoreFind albums by this artist. It includes tracks by guitarist Randy CaliforniaFind albums by this artist, drummer Ed CassidyFind albums by this artist and keyboardist Scott MonahanFind albums by this artist, with additional musicians: bassist Mark AndersFind albums by this artist and drummer Bruce GaryFind albums by this artist. The dates of these recordings are not specified, but they are in the late 1980s. This expanded compilation includes sixty-five tracks, mostly written by California, and includes two additional CDs with live material recorded between 1984 and 1986 by California, Cassidy, Monahan and bassist Dave WaterburyFind albums by this artist. The music is largely as excellent as most of the material Spirit and later California recorded during their convoluted career, emphasizing what a brilliant songwriter and guitar player he was, as well as his high awareness of social and political issues. In retrospect he surely was one of the most significant American Rock artists of all time. Overall, Skidmore’s excellent work of archiving the vast Spirit recorded legacy and the recent cooperation between him and the EsotericFind albums on this label label finally brings back to life in an orderly fashion the entire splendor of Spirit’s recorded output in superb remastered sound quality and proper historic perspective. It emerges as one of the biggest archiving / reissuing projects ever made, which of course the music of Spirit fully deserves. Wholeheartedly recommended not only to Spirit fans but all Classic Rock enthusiasts.

Updated: 05/04/2026Posted: 05/04/2026

CD 4 Digisleeve Box Set Remastered Bonus Tracks Recommend To A Friend