Bill Bruford-Feels Good To Me (1978)

Bill Bruford is one of those musicians who, throughout his career, has kept busy with dozens of collaborations, both as a member of some of the biggest bands on the planet (King Crimson, Yes, and U.K.), as a guest on various projects (Genesis and Earthworks), and by contributing to albums by other artists (Rick Wakeman, Steve Howe, Roy Harper, Pavlov's Dog, etc.). Even so, he found time to pursue a parallel career, releasing half a dozen highly acclaimed albums. On his first record, released in 1977, Bruford assembled a dream band composed of guitarist Allan Holdsworth, keyboardist Dave Stewart, and bassist Jeff Berlin, while other musicians such as guitarists John Goodsall and John Clark, bassist Neil Murray, and singer Annette Peacock appeared as guest artists. Stylistically crafted in the jazz-rock vein, this album showcases the virtuosic pyrotechnics of keyboardist Stewart, the virtuosic bass playing of Berlin, the exceptional guitar work of Allan Holdsworth, and the high-level drumming technique of Bruford. The sparse vocals contributed by Annette Peacock add a distinctive touch to instrumental compositions such as the dynamic fusion track "Beelzebub", the jazz-rock number "Sample and Hold", the poignant "Either End of August", and the melodic "Back to the Beginning" and "Seems Like a Lifetime", in which Peacock delivers a highly original and captivating vocal performance.