Jack Bruce Robin Trower - Seven Moons

‘Seven Moons’ is the album from a new project that borders on that much overused description of being a ‘supergroup’ - but this time we have bona fide, genuine legends: Cream’s bassist and vocalist Jack Bruce, and Procol Harum (plus a 70’s superstar in his own right) six stringer, ol’ Trout face himself (!) Robin Trower.

Completing this power trio is the immensely respected drummer extraordinaire, Gary Husband (Level 42, Allan Holdsworth, Gary Moore plus many highly regarded Jazz outfits). As someone who enjoyed many nights boozing with Gary in various pubs in Maida Vale (West London) back in the mid 1990’s, I had a personal interest in hearing this one!

Overview!

The fact that this is an old school power trio - combined with Jack Bruce’s inimitable velvety vocals and distinctive bass – means that it’s no surprise this is very much in classic Cream mode. What is particularly interesting however, is that Trower’s famed Hendrixian fretwork gives an insight as to how Cream may have sounded if indeed Jimi was in the role made famous by Clapton many moons ago.

‘Seven Moons’ and ‘Lives of Clay’ are concise and economical examples of classic blues rock; ‘Distant Places Of The Heart’ is a Cream/’Bridge Of Sighs’ hybrid, whilst ‘So Far To Yesterday’ is a jaunty trip back to the late 60’s, mixing classic pop from that era with groove laden riffs.

‘Just Another Day’ is a laidback, textural bluesy ballad with some evocative guitar, ‘Perfect Place’ has a funky ‘late at night in a smoky bar…’ shuffle type vibe, and ‘The Last Door’, with its rising octave laden riffs is a Trower tour de force, combined with a classic Bruce style descending chorus. ‘Bad Case Of Celebrity’ is a bluesy, balladic, swipe at the culture of the modern day ‘Celebrity’.

Rounding up the album is ‘Come To Me’ and ‘I’m Home’, both low-key atmospheric tracks with a hint of melancholy about them.

The musicianship – particularly in terms of dynamics and arrangements – is beyond reproach. This is the work of three absolute masters of their game, and a lesson to many on how to achieve an organic and ‘real’ sound. No studio trickery here, and you just know that this would sound fabulous in a suitably intimate venue. Trower has espoused many of the overtly Hendrixy stylings that many (unjustly) felt he was all about. Instead, this is a beautifully executed example of vibrato, bending and sheer TONE. Jack Bruce has never sounded better, and Gary Husband proves once again why he is one of the most respected - and versatile – drummers the UK has ever produced.

Conclusion

This is, in many places, a surprisingly low-key album, with none of the grandstanding that might be expected by its protagonists. Instead atmosphere and ruminative introspection are the name of the day.

Guitarists seeking a master class on fiery high octane blues guitar will be best advised to listen before buying; however those seeking something more considered and atmospheric, with great use of dynamics from three of the best musicians around should check this out immediately.