Search - Jack Bruce :: Live on the Old Grey Whistle Test

An interesting glimpse into live Jack Bruce

M. Phillips | Asheville, NC | 06/14/2000

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Live on the Old Grey Whistle Test is two slices of live Jack Bruce with two different bands. The first half (tracks 1-7) features a short-lived band that Jack formed in 1975. It featured former Rolling Stones guitarist Mick Taylor, Carla Bley on keyboards, Ronnie Leahy on piano and synth, and Bruce Gary on drums. The band disintegrated due to personal differences before they could record an album, so this CD represents their only recording. The songs performed are all from Jack's first three solo albums. The second half of the album features Jack's All-Star band with jazz fusion stars Billy Cobham, David Sancious, and Clem Clempson. This is the tighter half of the CD, as the band has much more chemistry and communication than the previous half. They perform several tracks from their 1980 album "I've Always Wanted to Do This" along with "White Room," "Politician" and "Theme For An Imaginary Western." All the performances are very solid too.One downside to this CD, however, is that it's in mono. This is because it was originally recorded for a BBC television show, and this was a long time before stereo TV. Also, there are numerous mistakes in the liner notes. Most notably, the Tony Williams Lifetime song "Wildlife" from Believe It is credited as "Spirit." I own both albums, and believe me, I recognize the melody because it's my favorite track from that album.Still, overall, this is a very enjoyable CD and an interesting glimpse into live Jack Bruce for those that have already perused his back catalog and are looking for more."