Bill Bruford's career is like his drumming sound -inimitable. Known for his ringing metal snare drum, crisp cymbal work, and knack for complex time signatures, a young Bruford came to prominence in the late '60s with Yes. The drummer completed his British art rock trilogy by briefly joining Genesis in the 1970s and spending a quarter-century with King Crimson through the late '90s. In between King Crimson dates, Bruford led a dazzling self-titled jazz fusion solo band from 1978 to 1980.
This 6CD box set covers Billβs musical journey throughout the years; CD1&2, titled βThe Collaboratorβ β is a collection of songs from Yes, King Crimson, UK & National Health displaying Billβs formidable talent. CD3&4 titled βThe Composing Leaderβ is where Bill demonstrates his composing ability from his solo career and musical project βEarthworksβ. The last two CDs titled, βSpecial Guest & Improvisorβ showcase Billβs natural talent for writing and improvising with a plethora of musicians. Including, Roy Harper, Akira Inoue, Kazumi Watanabe, Steve Howe & many more. There is a detailed biography written by Bill included within the box that features rare and unseen photos. The outer box artwork, gatefold CDs and booklet have been designed by the incredible artist and graphic designer Dave McKean.
THE COLLABORATOR (2CD)
CD1
- Yes - Iβve Seen All Good People
- Yes - Heart of the Sunrise
- Yes - And You & I
- King Crimson - Great Deceiver
- King Crimson - Fracture
- King Crimson - One More Red Nightmare
- King Crimson - Starless
- UK - Nevermore
CD2
- King Crimson - Frame by Frame
- King Crimson - Neal And Jack And Me
- King Crimson - Heartbeat
- King Crimson - Waiting Man
- Anderson, Bruford, Wakeman, Howe - Brother of Mine
- King Crimson - Sex Eat Sleep Drink Dream
- King Crimson - Larks Tongues in Aspick: Pt 2
- King Crimson - Three of a Perfect Pair
- King Crimson - Man With An Open Heart
- King Crimson - Elephant Talk
- King Crimson - Indiscipline
- King Crimson - Big Funk
- PianoCircus feat. Bill Bruford β The Still Small Voice
The Composing Leader (2CD)
CD3
- Bruford - Seems Like a Lifetime Ago: Pt 1
- Bruford - Seems Like a Lifetime Ago: Pt 2
- Bruford - One of a Kind: Pt 1
- Bruford - One of a Kind: Pt 2
- Bruford - Palewell Park
- Bruford - Joe Frazier
- Bill Brufordβs Earthworks - It Neednβt End in Tears
- Bill Brufordβs Earthworks - My Heart Declares a Holiday
- Bill Brufordβs Earthworks - Downtown
- Bill Brufordβs Earthworks - Pilgrimsβ Way
- Bill Brufordβs Earthworks - Temple of the Winds
- Bill Brufordβs Earthworks - Candles Still Flicker in Romaniaβs Dark
- Bill Brufordβs Earthworks - Nerve
- Bruford, Towner, Gomez - Thistledown
CD4
- Bill Brufordβs Earthworks - Beelzebub
- Bruford-Levin - Original Sin
- Bill Brufordβs Earthworks - Revel Without a Pause
- Bill Brufordβs Earthworks - Triplicity
- Bill Brufordβs Earthworks - The Sound of Surprise
- Earthworks Underground Orchestra - Speaking in Wooden Tongues
- Bill Brufordβs Earthworks - Modern Folk
- Bill Brufordβs Earthworks - White Knuckle Wedding
- Earthworks Underground Orchestra - Footloose and Fancy Free
- Heavenly Bodies - Thud!
Special Guest & Improviser (2CD)
CD5
- Roy Harper - Grown Ups Are Just Silly Children
- Roy Harper - Hallucinating Light
- Chris Squire - Lucky Seven (single edit)
- Chris Squire β Silently Falling
- Al Di Meola β Calliope
- David Torn β Voodoo Chile
- Kazumi Watanabe - Andre
- Kazumi Watanabe - Small Wonder
- Steve Howe - The Inner Battle
- Buddy Rich Big Band - Lingo
- Pete Lockettβs Network of Sparks feat Bill Bruford - Prism
- PianoCircus feat. Bill Bruford & Colin Riley - Achilles Feel
CD6
- Moraz-Bruford - Galatea
- Moraz-Bruford - Symmetry
- PianoCircus feat. Bill Bruford & Colin Riley - Stalling Between Two Fools
- King Crimson β No Warning
- Moraz-Bruford - Flags
- Moraz-Bruford - Split Seconds
- David Torn - Previous Man
- David Torn - Three Minutes of Pure Entertainment
- Bruford-Borstlap - 16 Kingdoms of The 5 Barbarians
- Bruford-Borstlap - Stand on Zanzibar
- Earthworks - With Friends Like Theseβ¦
- Bruford-Borstlap - Low Tide, Camber Sands
- Bruford-Borstlap - Kinship