Jack Bruce-Monkjack

[juncers]

I bought this at a charity shop yesterday. I wasn't expecting much. I couldn't have been more wrong!!

This is an outstanding album. Jack sings with real feeling and emotion and plays piano with great sensitivity. Bernie Worrell fills in the spaces that need elaboration.

This amazing album was recorded in 1995. Granted, it's about as far away from Cream as you can get, but why is it so little known???

I found very little about it on the internet. Anyone know the history or why it was a commercial flop.

Thanks,
Ray


Jack Bruce-Piano and Vocals
Bernie Worrell--Hammond B3 Organ

 

[cubdog]

I've never heard of it but will be doing some research. Time to check Spotify.

cubdog

 

[cubdog]

It is on Spotify, I'll check it out today.

I've always believed Bruce was the heart of Cream. If you replaced Backer with another drummer or Clapton with another guitarist Cream's sound would have been similar. Replace Bruce's unique bass lines, distinctive voice, or songwriting and you would have a completely different group.

cubdog

 

[juncers]

I've always believed Bruce was the heart of Cream. If you replaced Backer with another drummer or Clapton with another guitarist Cream's sound would have been similar. Replace Bruce's unique bass lines, distinctive voice, or songwriting and you would have a completely different group.

cubdog

I don't think too many people would argue with you on that ( at least people who lived through the Cream era).

Of course, lead guitarists get all the glory and history gets re-written every generation.

Ray

 

[RichPA]

Thanks for pointing this one out - I own several of his solo albums, but had never heard this one until I listened to it on Beatsmusic.com this morning. Reminds me of some of John Cale's piano-oriented stuff.

 

[juncers]

Thanks for pointing this one out - I own several of his solo albums, but had never heard this one until I listened to it on Beatsmusic.com this morning. Reminds me of some of John Cale's piano-oriented stuff.

I can see that (except it never gets that weird). Glad you enjoyed it Rich. The strange thing is it's recorded on a small independent label. It may be that its lack of popularity is related to the label's lack of marketing muscle. Who knows?


Ray

 

[yopparai]

jack is seminal bass.

graham bond, john mclaughlin, ginger baker, john mayall, eric clapton, manfred mann and steve winwood.

all his playmates before cream.

enjoy.

 

[gregj]

Jack Bruce has many recordings, as a leader and side player, that were overlooked. I just listened to "No Answer" by Michael Mantler recorded in 1974. It's a rather far out musical interpretation of Henry Beckett's writing, but Jack's multi-tracked vocals and bass are all over it, along with Carla Bley on keyboards and Don Cherry on trumpet. Just about anything Jack's playing/singing on is rewarding.

 

[vinyl1]

I am sorry to have to announce the sad news that Jack Bruce has died at the age of 71.

Obituary here:

http://www.bbc.com/news/uk-scotland-29772926

 

[juncers]

Jack Bruce has many recordings, as a leader and side player, that were overlooked. I just listened to "No Answer" by Michael Mantler recorded in 1974. It's a rather far out musical interpretation of Henry Beckett's writing, but Jack's multi-tracked vocals and bass are all over it, along with Carla Bley on keyboards and Don Cherry on trumpet. Just about anything Jack's playing/singing on is rewarding.

I'll look for that. Carla Bley, Don Cherry and Jack Bruce--amazing. Thanks.

Ray

 

[juncers]

I am sorry to have to announce the sad news that Jack Bruce has died at the age of 71.

Obituary here:

http://www.bbc.com/news/uk-scotland-29772926

I saw that-thanks. I really don't what to say, so I've ignored all the Obit comments on AK.

Jack and Cream were the only reason I bothered with popular music at the time ( 10 years old!). It led me to the blues, jazz, prog rock and then soul and other types of music.

R.I.P.

Ray