The Best of Bill Bruford – The Winterfold & Summerfold Years, spans his groundbreaking work from two independent labels: Winterfold and Summerfold. This 35-track, 3CD box offers a comprehensive look into his evolution as an artist outside of the confines of his work with Yes and King Crimson.
The first disc of the set draws heavily from Bruford’s early work with his own band, including tracks such as “Back to the Beginning” and the anthemic “Hell’s Bells,” co-written with Dave Stewart and Alan Gowen. These compositions showcase Bruford’s flair for complex writing, where his drumming often acted as an orchestral underpinning. It also features collaborations with other master musicians like Allan Holdsworth, as well as vocalist Annette Peacock, adding lyrical depth to Bruford’s innovative instrumental arrangements.
The second disc moves into Bruford’s Earthworks period, beginning with the electronic and chordal drum explorations that made the group so distinctive. Tracks like “Up North” and “Stromboli Kicks” illustrate how Bruford’s technical prowess and improvisational instincts shaped the group’s forward-thinking sound.
By the time listeners reach the third CD, they are treated to Bruford’s later, more intimate work, such as the 1997 jazzy acoustic album If Summer Had Its Ghosts with Ralph Towner and Eddie Gomez. Material from his 1999’s Earthworks LP A Part, and yet Apart, also act as a counterpoint to his early work by ditching electronic instrumentation.
For those new to Bill Bruford’s music, this collection charts his journey from progressive rock drummer to a jazz composer and bandleader, maintaining the improvisational spirit that defines his career.
Further information
The Best of Bill Bruford – The Winterfold & Summerfold Years is released on 18 October 2024
