Although he will always be mentioned in the same breath as the British supergroup Cream, bassist and songwriter Jack Bruce has an enormous track record. After his successful adventures with the fusion group Spectrum Road, he returns on Silver Rails to the sound of his profound song albums from the late 1960s and early 1970s, of which 1969 Songs For A Taylor is the best known. Just like then, he
… brought in lyricist Pete Brown (who also signed with Bruce for the Cream hits White Room and Sunshine Of Your Love) for a collection of artisan rock songs in which jazz and blues are never far away. Many acquaintances from his career came to help him in the studio, such as guitarists Robin Trower and Phil Manzanera and producer / percussionist Kip Hanrahan. Bruce, who was practically given up around 2004 after a poorly healing liver transplant, especially sounds remarkably vital as a singer. His white soul voice with lilting vibrato has a number of serrations, but that thoroughness only enriches his well-carried recitation of the many strong songs on this album. (MR)more
