Jack Bruce - Silver Rails

by Lisa Torem

published: 22 / 3 / 2014

Label: Esoteric Recordings
Format: CD

intro

Magical and eclectic latest solo album from former Cream bassist and singer-songwriter, Jack Bruce

Jack Bruce’s former epic,' More Jack Than God', revealed many sides of his creative persona, but on his new and much anticipated release 'Silver Rails', the British multi-instrumentalist, ex-Cream bassist/singer-songwriter and then solo careerist delves into a surprising range of genres. From the contemporary ‘Drone’, which casts a spell with its eerie soundscape over an urban canvas, the wry and politically astute ‘Rusty Lady,’ so softly and yet deviously shrouded in an Americana beat to the delightfully pop yet nostalgic ballad, layered with Mersey beats and bittersweet chords of ‘Fields of Forever', 'Silver Rails' CD astounds. If that weren’t enough as far as magical songwriting, try adding guest appearances by some very famous and versatile friends such as guitarists Robin Trower and Phil Manzanera and a lush co-write with Bruce’s manager and wife, Margrit Seyffer, called ‘Candelight,’ a rhythmic and blonde-roasted ballad. Bruce holds nothing back in his narrative: “I wrote myself a sad song a million years ago,” he confesses. “Driving through the rain” and reveling in “crazy gigs” are all part of the accessible monologue. The pacing on the album is also excellent; the tracks thematically meld into each other and are intelligently sequenced. Bruce’s voice has never sounded better. ‘Reach for the Night’ is a perfect example of how his upper and lower range still maintain resilience and this ballad, one of this writer’s favourite tracks, launches one into a Jacques Brell state of wonderment. Bruce mans the keys and pays careful attention to dynamics. If you close your eyes, you might think he’s crept into your living room. Pay attention to 'Silver Rails' and you’re guaranteed an excellent ride.

Track Listing:-

1 Candlelight
2 Reach for the Night
3 Fields of Forever
4 Hidden Cities
5 Don't Look Now
6 Don't Look Now
7 ndustrial Child
8 Drone
9 Keep It Down
10 No Surrender

Band Links:-

https://www.facebook.com/JackBruceMusic
http://www.jackbruce.com/2008/
https://twitter.com/jackbrucemusic
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jack_Bruce
https://www.youtube.com/user/JackBruceMusic

Label Links:-

http://esotericrecordings.com/
https://www.facebook.com/EsotericRecordings/
https://twitter.com/esotericarts
https://www.youtube.com/user/EsotericRecordings

interviews

Interview (2014)

Lisa Torem speaks to former Cream bassist and music legend Jack Bruce about his new solo album, 'Silver Rails'

profiles

14/4/1943 – 25/10/2014 (2014)

Nick Dent-Robinson reflects on the life of Cream bassist Jack Bruce, who died aged 71 in October

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reviews

I've Always Wanted to Do This (2015)

Late Cream bassist and solo artist Jack Bruce performs with a variety of players on a live album, which has been remastered from its original 1978 recording