This live recording of Moraz and Bruford dates to 1985 and it finds both musicians in top form. This is a great recording – and I’d argue that it’s the most logical choice for first disc by this duo. It definitely has a lot of swing to it and I’d say that the music truly comes to its true fruition in live performance.
This review is available in book format (hardcover and paperback) in Music Street Journal: 2009 Volume 5 at lulu.com/strangesound.
Track by Track Review
Blue Brains Bruford leads this off with both tuned and non-tuned percussion. This has a killer groove. As someone who has seen Bruford live several times with different outfits, the drumming is trademark Bruford. The keys join bringing a definite jazz element to the table. This is a classy opener that calls to mind Bruford's Earthworks quite a bit.
Hazy There’s a lot more electronics in this arrangement and it’s perhaps more purely high energy jazz in nature, too. It also works towards strangeness.
Eastern Sundays
There’s more drama – and Eastern elements – in the melodic music presented here. This is another killer live performance.
Cachaca
Perhaps more rock oriented than a lot of the music here, this reminds me a lot of EmersonLake and Palmer.
Galatea
More gentle and melodic, this is also more purely piano based than some of the other stuff.
The Drum Also Waltzes
As the title suggests, this is a percussion solo from Mr. Bruford.
Flags
This one’s more melodic and accessible and quite pure jazz in nature. It’s a highlight of the set.
Children's Concerto
More energized, this is still quite a bit in the same sort of motif as the previous number. It’s another strong track.
Jungles Of The World
This is very much about electronic percussion and reminds me a lot of music from Bill Bruford’s Earthworks. It’s a great tune and might be my favorite on show here.
Temples Of Joy
They close the set off with a track that’s basically a keyboard solo and this at times reminds me of EmersonLake and Palmer, but at other times of Yes.
