Jack Bruce - I've Always Wanted to Do This

by Lisa Torem

published: 8 / 6 / 2015

Jack Bruce - I've Always Wanted to Do This

Label: Esoteric Recordings
Format: CD

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

Review

I’ve Always Wanted To Do This is an album, which highlights Jack Bruce’s solo career. The material was conceived in 1978 and is now available in a remastered form. The compositions are varied in style, tempo and depth and celebrate several songwriting partnerships. Bruce was famous for being the bassist/songwriter in the power trio Cream and for having played with Robin Trower and other guitarists, but on this album he collaborates with a variety of artists. ‘Hit and Run’ ‘Facelift 318’ ‘Dancing on Air’ ‘Living Without Ja’ ‘Running Back’ and ‘Bird Alone’ were co-written by Jack and his longtime collaborator Peter Brown; ‘Mickey The Fiddler’ was a co-write between Bruce and David Hart; ‘In This Way’ was written by David Sancious and Peter Brown; ‘Running Back’ by David Sancious, Clem Clempson and Graham Bell; ’Out to Lunch’ by Clempson and Bell and ‘The Wind and the Sea’ by Billy Cobham. ‘Hit and Run’ features glorious harmonies and Bruce’s astounding tenor, which rises above the barrage of rock riffs, gripping crescendos and truly singable hooks. ‘Running Back’ has an uncanny Steely Dan type groove. Bruce’s dominant voice offsets a tidal wave of rhythms. The slower-paced ‘Facelift 318' is no less riveting. ‘In This Way’ finds Bruce in exceptional voice, his range impressive and tone warm and inviting. Backing vocals collide, rhythms jar, yet all elements fuse together like a hand in a boxer’s mitt. Probably the most ethereal dreamscape is ‘Mickey the Fiddler’. ‘Dancing On Air’ sidesteps; this ultra smooth jazz piece features captivating solo work. ‘Living Without Ja’ is a rock ‘n’ roll carnival with lively keys and an uncompromising bass line. ‘The Wind and The Sea’ is a beautiful homage to nature, embraced by gentle nuance. The closer ‘Out To Lunch’ is an uncomplicated and fun jam. Although Jack is no longer with us, this album serves as a positive reminder about Jack’s legacy, about how willing and eager he was to collaborate with other musicians and about his ability to work with other writers in an often-experimental setting. It’s a very enjoyable album, which remains timeless.

Track Listing:-

1 Hit And Run
2 Running Back
3 Facelift 318
4 In This Way
5 Mickey The Fiddler
6 Dancing On Air
7 Livin' Without Ja
8 Wind And The Sea
9 Out To Lunch
10 Bird Alone

Band Links:-

https://www.facebook.com/JackBruceMusi
http://www.jackbruce.com/2008/
https://twitter.com/jackbrucemusic
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jack_Bruc
https://www.youtube.com/user/JackBruce