New Albums From Jack Bruce and The Hold Steady

After a slow start as far as new albums have been concerned this year, it is rather nice to welcome two tasty new releases. Jack Bruce has not produced a new studio album for ten years but on 'Silver Rails' we see him accompanied by drummer Cindy Blackman-Santana and John Medeski on keyboards along with a host of illustrious guitarists in the form of Phil Manzanera ('Candlelight'), Robin Trower ('Rusty Lady'), Bernie Marsden, Uli John Roth ('Hidden Cities') and Jack's son Malcolm Bruce. Furthermore, Jack has been reunited on some of the numbers with his former songwriting partner, Pete Brown. The style of music represents most of Jack's career and includes reworkings of two older songs, 'No Surrender' (from 'A Question of Time') and 'Keep It Down' (from 'Out of the Storm').

As one would expect, the playing is superb but considering Jack's past health problems, one might not be prepared for just how strong his voice sounds. Also the songwriting is still pretty sharp. OK there may be no absolute classics like 'Theme For An Imaginary Western' or 'We're Going Wrong', but musically Jack still has things to say. Currently my personal favourite is 'Hidden Cities' which seems to hark back to the style Jack employed on what for me are his two greatest albums, 'Songs For A Tailor' and 'Harmony Row'.

This is an album that is currently being played quite a lot in the White Room. Welcome back Jack.



The other release comes from New York outfit, The Hold Steady who disappointed me with their last album, 'Heaven Is Whenever'. The latest, 'Teeth Dreams' sounds much more like the in-your-face rock I was used to with their first four albums. Further listens are required but the signs are promising and I may be returning to this subject in due course. 

Incidentally The Hold Steady are also playing a handful of dates in the UK early in May though Jack Bruce recently cancelled his proposed tour due to 'unforeseen circumstances'.