Many people will know the name Bill Bruford from his widespread and varied career playing for bands such as Yes or King Crimson or perhaps many of the sessions Bill has managed to notch up over the years, most notably for Genesis for whom he briefly drummed alongside Phil Collins when Phil took over the vocalists spot vacated by Peter Gabriel. These days Bill fronts the jazz quartet Earthworks and in addition to playing the odd session Bill seems more than happy playing dates as far afield as Japan and South America to enthusiastic jazz audiences and music lovers in general. The second incarnation of Earthworks is in essence an acoustic Jazz trio rather than the more modern approach featuring electric instruments favoured by the original line-up of Earthworks, which Bill founded in the 1980s. The first release from Summerfold Records was the wonderful live album recorded in San Francisco in 2002, Random Acts Of Happiness. The third release from Bill on his new Summerfold imprint is actually a re-release of the sixth Earthworks album entitled A Part, and Yet Apart, which was originally released through the DGM label. The album features the line-up of Bill Bruford (Drums/Percussion) Steve Hamilton (Keyboards) Patrick Clahar (Tenor and Soprano Saxophones) Mark Hodgson (Bass).
The band have built an enviable reputation over the last seven years and attracted many new fans to the cause who are themselves new to jazz. The album is a fine blend of melody and technical ability. A Part, and Yet Apart was the first release from this particular line up of the band and one that is popular with many modern jazz fans. The album includes the tracks Sarah's Still Life, No Truce With The Furies and Curiouser and Curiouser. During 2004 Bill Bruford's Earthworks travelled the globe playing concerts as far afield as Spain, Mexico, Europe and the UK. If you are perhaps familiar with the name but not heard any of the Earthworks albums A Part And Yet Apart would be a good place to start being as it one of the most accessible albums released by this remarkable band.
