Esoteric Schallplatten & CDs

Review: Released in July 1971, Harmony Row marked a bold step further into the post-Cream creative world of bassist Jack Bruce. Building on the stylistic breadth of his earlier solo release Songs For A Tailor, the album shakes up jazz, folk, rock, classical, and Eastern influences into a poignantly expansive, socially aware sound, with Chris Spedding (he of Sex Pistols demos fame) on guitar and John Marshall on drums. Bruce, meanwhile, assumed most other roles, from handling vocals, piano, organ, bass, and cello to sculpt what has since become known as one of his crowning achievements. This deluxe box set includes the newly remastered original mix alongside fresh stereo and 5.1 Surround Sound mixes by Stephen W Tayler, sourced from the original 16-track masters. It also features unreleased demos and session outtakes, a 1971 TV performance with Graham Bond, a 1972 German documentary, and an in-depth essay by Sid Smith.

Review: Jack Bruce's classic album Songs For A Tailor receives a new official gatefold LP vinyl release, offering fans a chance to experience this seminal work in its full glory. Remastered from the original master tapes and cut at Abbey Road Studios, the album showcases Bruce's distinctively diverse style, drawing on influences from jazz, folk, classical, and rock. Produced by Felix Pappalardi, the recording sessions at London's Morgan Studios brought together some of Britain's finest musicians, including Chris Spedding, Jon Hiseman and Dick Heckstall-Smith, among others. Notably, George Harrison also made an appearance during one session. Originally released as Jack Bruce's first solo project after the demise of Cream in 1968, Songs For A Tailor achieved chart success in both the UK and the USA. Now considered a masterpiece, this LP edition faithfully restores the original artwork, offering fans a chance to revisit and rediscover one of Jack Bruce's most seminal works.