Jack Bruce – Silver Rails
Esoteric Records
http://www.cherryred.co.uk/shopexd.asp?id=4540

Rating: B-

Jack Bruce has always had a hard time getting guys like me to review a Jack Bruce solo album as a Jack Bruce solo album and not as a Cream album.  While that is reality, even nearly a half a century down the line, it is not fair to Mr. Bruce.  The guy is writing quality music, singing wonderfully and playing bass into his 70s. 

For Silver Rails, Bruce has take a bit of time, several years actually, and co-written some fine songs.  As many in his genre are doing, he invited some of his famous friends along to help out. Guest appearances on the album include Robin Trower, Phil Manzanera, Uli Jon Roth, Cindy Blackmon Santana, John Medeski, Bernie Marsden, and his son Malcolm Bruce.

The best musical moments on the album are the ethereal “Candlelight,” the rocking “Hidden Cities” and the Cream like “Rusty Lady.”  On "Hidden Cities” Bruce employs Carlos Santana’s wife Cindy Blackmon Santana on drums and German guitar virtuoso Uli Roth on guitar.  On “Rusty Lady” Bruce teams up with a man he has made several albums with, Robin Trower.  This one is a throwback to the classic Cream days.  These guys have always played well together and it appears they will remain a great match for as long as they are proficient on their instruments.

To be unfair, I wish this album had more of the Creame-esque styling of “Rusty Lady” on it.  Still, there are enough cool moments on this sucker to make it fall out somewhere between bitchin' and groovy. 

Songs / Tracks Listing

1. Candlelight
2. Reach for the Night
3. Fields of Forever
4. Hidden Cities
5. Don't Look Now
6. Rusty Lady
7. Industrial Child
8. Drone
9. Keep it Down
10. No Surrender

By Jeb Wright