Bill Bruford's Earthworks Live in Frankfurt 1988

[@andymartin8162]

What is often overlooked is that what makes Bruford so great is that he is a musician making music, not a drummer keeping time. Everything he does is about making music--which will keep him safely in the top 1% forever.

[@theresa42213]

Andy ~ Yep! Far and away my favourite drummer! Always has been! When it comes to his time keeping though ....its not only impeccable, he's developed a style with that too! Beautiful wrist action, lovely to watch. l caught this show in Vancouver BC, and l couldn't believe how enjoyable it was!

[@juresaiyan]

Greatest Bruford comment of all time.

[@minifuzz5]

Worth mentioning that he booked probably THE most creative London based musicians with Django,Ian and Mick in this,his initial(and imo best) Earthworks line up.As a drummer I have a great respect and admiration for Bill Bruford but I would argue that the influence of Django Bates on a whole generation of UK based and beyond musicians is equal if not greater.Bill knew this when he engaged them to tour and record with him;Anyway,great memories of seeing this line up!

[@larrylong3100]

i Loved the band UK in the late 70'S and Bill Bruford's "One Of A Kind." Which were all masterpiece's. Now for the first time I get to see Earthworks Live. I absolutely love this whole thing. Amazing!

[@drewper73]

I don’t know why it has taken me so long to get into Earthworks. I’ve been a diehard fan of Bill Bruford since 1987, when I first started listening to “Fragile” by Yes. I love his work with Yes and of course King Crimson!! I’m familiar with his band that featured Allan Holdsworth, Jeff Berlin, and Dave Stewart and I love that stuff. But for whatever reason, I’m just now getting into Earthworks. I’ve been reading Bruford’s autobiography. If you’re a fan of his, I highly recommend reading it. You get to learn his point of view of things about subjects like Yes, electronic drums, King Crimson, Robert Fripp, and so much more. He’s one of my top five favorite drummers of all-time!!

[@ProgJester]

reading it right now - that's why I'm even watching this video :) such a smart and clever dude, Bill is!

[@theresa42213]

@@ProgJester ~ You finish the book? Got into Bill in '80 when l bought The Yes Album. Slickest wrist action of all time! Far, and away my fave! Seen him 3x, including _this show!_ He's a blast live! He sealed the deal for my fave when l heard Second's Out (The Cinema Show) in '81! He walked away from Yes, and then filled in for Genesis ?! weird! l bet he's quite eclectic personality wise too! Goes by ''Dr.'' Bill Bruford now. xD To me he's just _''Bruf''_

[@TheSonsofHorusx]

Don’t forget about U.K another great bruford group

[@martingriffith7156]

A belated point about Bruford's electronic drums; sure, 26 years later, they sound a little dated, but at the time they were core to what he was trying to achieve with Earthworks - playing tuned riffs on the drums, rather than just keeping time. As experiments go I have to say that it was pretty successful.

[@theresa42213]

Martin Griffin ~ You BETCHA! Bill mastered _it all_ on the drums! By far my favorite player! l saw him 3x with 3 different bands including this show. He's _fun_ to see live! Really engaged and smiley! Loaded with class! xD

[@theresa42213]

MorbidManMusic ~ BWahahahahaha! great, GREAT comment dude! xDDD

[@stevekatz4372]

Sounding dated is a good thing! The best music in the world was being performed at that time!

[@loganperry]

I agree 100 percent. Truly some awesome stuff. Besides, the dated sound isn't even bad, it's one large reason I love Earthworks.

[@WarlikePeace]

I specifically try to find other stuff from this time period like the Anderson Bruford Wakeman Howe stuff or Yes Union because this kit is so unique.

[@Wizardofgosz]

I just saw a video of Bill selling most of his drums at some giant drum shop in the UK. It made me sad. His music was very much the soundtrack to so much of my life. I finally finished filling in all the holes in my Earthworks CD collection, and for me, it's one of the greatest band EVER.

[@madmonksmekshop]

Maybe it was just time to move on. It can be a great release/relief to let go of accrued material every now and again. 🙂

[@dianahasty5969]

Don't be sad! When I saw Earthworks I got to shake his hand and talk to him for a minute or two. And he seemed so cool!!! I'm a big Yes fan also and I saw King Crimson. I could barely speak I was sooo excited!I counted of the concerts off that I've seen from him! And how much I liked the Earthworks. My point is I have the feeling that whatever happens hes okay with it.

[@grocker7683]

One of my favorite drummers, great technique, wrist action is wonderful. The most relaxed player I've ever seen. Go Bill.

[@theresa42213]

Robert ~ Thats what l always loved about my fave drummer Bruf too! Plays with his wrists just flawlessly!

[@8stringswildoo]

All of the players are incredible musicians!

[@fusionhead1]

The keyboardist is out of this world!

[@JimmyGrodotzki-gv5kw]

Django Bates

[@8stringswildoo]

One of my top 5 albums and drummers of all time,

[@theresa42213]

Saw this show at the Jazz festival in Vancouver BC, and was _STUNNED!_ l've seen Bruf 3x Crimson '83, Earthworks '88, and ABWH '89, and just _LOVED_ every second!! l only wish l could have seen him 100 times! l'd _never_ get board! Everything he does is like a carnival ride for the ears, and mind ....and eyes! He is _far and away_ my favourite drummer!!! Thanks Bill for all you've shared! And Thank You Lord for blessing Bill with such talent!!

[@richardlafontaine5049]

I had the TRIP on seeing this amazing band 3 times live.Bates,Ballamy were simply NUTS.We were all there to see BB but..these players were and are still SERIOUS musical physicians..enjoy them today..amazing musicians.

[@tomwachter577]

Saw him on the same tour in Munich. What an innovator....i loved his drumming since the first Yes Album when he was almost still a kid.. One of the few drummers you can recognize just by listening. Thanks for posting...

[@hockeyhelps3910]

I agree You can recognize him just by listening.

[@gustavogivovich5484]

Surely, a few years ago i listened the first album of "Gordian Knot", and just by the drum´s sound i knew that Bill Bruford was playing on that record!

[@theresa42213]

@@hockeyhelps3910 ~ INDEED you can hear its him! Immaculate drummer! No 1 for me Since the beginning!

[@Samsgarden]

People do this with guitars all the time. It's idiotic.

[@drewbacsi]

Kind of like when you hear Jeff Beck on the guitar.

[@basdassen9583]

This legend is a musician first and after that he is a great drummer. Almost all his music is fantastic!

[@cliveappleby8019]

I have been playing drums since I was 5 now 53 I've got King Crimson songs and all kinds of Jazz in my arsenal. I've playing in 4 bands. My favourite is my first band covering Crimson. Then my band in BC Canada playing original rock and pop music. My stance is very jazz oriented and it's obvious with the way I play solo. It sounds like a song, mostly because I'm going through the stages of a song as I play. I LOVE Bruford's mixed time signatures and improvisation combined with melodic passages sends shivers through my body. I can't get enough of Bruford's influence with such a vast catalogue of music I have dozens of songs to master. 8^) Be well folks and stay safe! ! !

[@theresa42213]

Wrist action is amazing! His drumming style makes it look like hes having a cup of tea. He _really_ got a hold of his facial muscles too! ln early King Crimson he made some funny faces. This man has mastered himself! Bravo Bruf!

[@danyelle8856]

genio bill qualsiasi cosa cazzo suoni o con chi ! troppo bravo grande della musica dei nostri tempi

[@stephankoehr9789]

Still fresh, original and wonderful after all these years. Been there back then it is fantastic to be able to relive this great gig. Pity that the 21st century isn‘t remarkable in terms of musical innovation.

[@SuperMusicology101]

Everything this great Drummer does is golden great Band Earthworks

[@Julianwinn]

There is NOTHNG to dislike about this most innovative of jazz musicians, in this band. The energy and inventiveness is second to none. And, as is noted below, although some may find the chordal drums dated I certainly don't. Bruford has always made incredible music. Last, Up North is a tune that cam play endlessly in your head. And Bridge of Inhibition ... no shit!

[@richardlafontaine5049]

Earthworks I saw twice at this period and I ELEVATED! These guys were the Beatles of Jazznest! Bill, Djang Mick & Ian! WorksAmania!

[@peterwaters4119]

what can one say ? this music is a pure glimpse of Heaven and the Dance of Life

[@carlosserrano3985]

Bill was the king of the Simmons drums in the 80'S.

[@damnyankeefl]

I saw this band that year in cambridge mass. one of the most amazing performances i've ever seen.

[@darrylpokea2862]

❤Your comp mirrors any one of us and all of us navigating/walking amidst the seemingly chaotic zeitgeist and making some sense out of the non-sense!❤

[@theresa42213]

''My Heart Declares a Holiday'' 13/8ths _STUPENDOUS!_

[@CoreaKixx420]

Fantastic my friend!!!...Bill Bruford is still one of the most brilliant and creative musical forces on the planet. Keep pushing the envelope Bill!!!...and greetings to all, from Tim in Ontario, Canada.

[@porkusmag]

I saw him I guess in 2001.... awesome master!

[@teddingtontcu]

Emotional shirt.................Bloddy fantastic

[@darcsaster]

oh, I say! what what! this made my day in a big, big way...love Bill Bruford

[@apleasantsymmetry]

Bridge Of Inhibition is a Bruford classic masterpiece, the whole concert is brilliant!

[@evankeal]

Emotional Shirt I like, I jammed along to that in my formative years from the Stomping Ground CD, usually on bass but playing the keyboard part. Good to see it for the first time

[@saulfermusic]

Brufford magnífico, como siempre

[@greggorypeccary1]

Thanks. Saw them in Toronto awesome show. Jaw on the bar room floor!

[@prickyX]

Saw this at the Diamond club, i stood about ten feet away from Bruford on his hi hat side. If I recall, he had his stick in his mouth a lot of the time from switching program sounds.

[@dvaidr]

Saw Ian Ballamy at Scarborough Jazz Festival. On fire.

[@adlib001]

Very nice of you, thanks.

[@kelvinwilson9217]

Bruford always good to listen too - in a leauge of his own.

[@teddroberts993]

This is some cool music. Thanks Bill

[@daveharris501]

You can see where Adrian Belew gets his inspiration from. Total Class !!

[@DJRockAngel]

saw them in 1990...amazing performance

[@ScottLHolmes]

Oh, my what wonderful interesting lovelynesses.

[@hiddenfire65]

Beautiful, beautiful. Great band.

[@BenetMcLean]

i saw them also in 1990 and really agree - they were incredible

[@matycee]

I bought this on vinyl when it came out primarily because I dug the cover, loved the name of the project(was familiar with Spiral Jetty and other, literal earth work artists) and of course was familiar with Bruford as a drummer being a young drummer myself. I know, I know... so what? I couldn't agree more. I'm just sayin'. I didn't love the album and wasn't even into jazz but some of the drumming chops are just so good. Anyway, still have the album and have improved my music appreciation a thousand times over since then(was in my early 20's)... I'm psyched I have a 1st issue of this! Prob not hard to come by however...

[@harrolldthebarroll]

The Beat with Feet Bill Bruford Awesome Band One of the best Drummers Ever Great Live Gig : )

[@DarkeningSkies1]

I adore both incarnations of Earthworks (electric & acoustic), but man what I wouldn't have given to hear this line-up do ONE album in the acoustic format Bill moved to in the late 1990's. Django on a grand piano & peck horn, Ballamy on sax, and Hutton back in on acoustic bass viol (not sure Tim Harries would have switched from fretless bass guitar) ... what a remarkable group of players here.

[@davemilnes1147]

Bates' solo on 'It Needn't End In Tears'. That's all I need to say. Sublime.

[@mainsblanches8793]

Great finaly!!...wow!!...

[@VideoEyes100]

Who Plays Like That....Oh That's Bruford...Great band, Weather Report Feel...I like it...V^V!!!

[@daveh9335]

Greatfull to have seen Earthworks

[@evankeal]

Emotional Shirt is my all time favorite track from them.

[@jokergag]

I knew Bruford was an awesone drummer but i had never seen and heard him playing with this fantastic band, Earthworks; really impressive, although the audio is definitely too low, especially for the drum set, which is a shame!

[@netmoth]

WOW! what a find.

[@michaelbarady6636]

That's a stage full of talent. Damn!!! 👍

[@nickj5451]

Oooh! How unexpected from Bill Bruford! I had no idea

[@mcminimethec]

Thanks ! Brings me back.

[@kcrimsoniano]

JAMMIN' JAMMIN' JAMMIN' JAMMIN'

[@SuperMusicology101]

just a killer band and amazing sound From this great Band!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@Audioarchivist]

It's too bad for the bit of HiFi VHS mistracking buzz static noise from time to time - I'd sure love to take a crack at re-transferring this without that noise! hehe Cool. Chordal drums. Lotsa haters for vintage electronic drums now, hey? Great idea for it's time!

[@bashwhack]

saw these live back in the day :) starts with MAKING A SONG DANCE 6/8 & 7/8 i even have the album

[@bingbongtoysKY]

fantastic ❤

[@mainsblanches8793]

..they were lucky to have that bass player!!...

[@Jimbowlcoach]

I saw this tour in DC, Bill played the sax part through the drums! The sax player played the sax run

[@michaelw9781]

"YES", you do; run into Earthworks Bill.

[@DJRockAngel]

I saw them when I was in Germany

[@superdananderson1382]

Great video.

[@frankalfar]

Never will be another Bill Bruford. This performance is pure fusion 🔥 my friends. 👏👏👏👏👏👏👏, Also their is Weather Report in this band, or at least Zawinul.

[@DarkeningSkies1]

Always thought Earthworks should have signed with ECM. Love it!

[@fernandoabdo1255]

extraordinaria Presentación

[@udomatthiasdrums5322]

still love it!!

[@bogeybast]

Odd & unexpected music, straining at the usual labels we are fond of using to categorize the familiar forms we've come to know & love. I doubt any of these quirky little ditties will ever become standards but they are provocative & beautiful in their own original ways.

[@Ptoughneighdoughknee]

django bates is a monster

[@timwhite5647]

Bruford should still be performing, everybody else is...unless they have left this mortal coil.

[@zeruchofficial]

For many they have no choice. Bruford at least seems to have invested his Yes and Genesis and KC royalties into a retirement fund while he went and got his music PhD and kicks back.

[@ChrisEchoes]

Bill trusted these players tremendously hence the numerous co-compositions with on the 3 albums they did. Their whole raison d'etre was creating this hybrid of acoustic and electronic sounds within jazz.

[@theresa42213]

Ahh ….. thirteen!! lt really IS a holiday! Hahaha! l was at this show in Vancouver @ The Commodore! l _just about_ had a baby! Bill is like …..Christmas!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! xDD

[@acoronab]

Hijo, que buena música

[@scottd8238]

This was the peak of Western Civilization.

[@christopherfox1454]

I like bill's kit

[@zigarrozuelto]

Increíble!

[@drepfabbian]

Not easy music at all; but knowing it, you can appreciate their remarcable improvisations.-

[@JimmyGrodotzki-gv5kw]

Concert: I don’t have this one Django Bates 🩵💚💜💟!!!!

[@robmanic44]

He was once a student, now he's a master. I don't think I have to list his musical influences.

[@loffe9]

wow.! this is a bit good

[@Cpayne30]

It's too bad that the drums are so low in the mix...

[@edlima209]

The mix of this performance is such a bummer, though, man...

[@tinmachine693]

Jacob Rees Mogg plays double bass? Nice!!

[@bobsfog6339]

I Can't find making a song and dance.... plz help

[@yassveena]

Oohh Wooow, why are some people so good .... ?? :D Well, i know why - they got it ;)

[@HikikomoriDev]

wow um that start lol

[@angelicahernandez6468]

The best

[@j.jester7821]

I am a huge Bruford fan, Yes and Crimson especially. listened to earthworks years ago. tried listening to some of it recently. IT did not age well at all. Some of it is better than others. The saxophone in particular has a Kenny G. vibe, Earthworks catalog lacks soul and has no funk imo

[@michaelw9781]

Has to be good

[@wuckle]

Yup, the Meters are well-groovy - can't argue with that. But Bill gets the groove going in this show. Definately not un-groovy :)

[@marcleblanc3602]

Interesting, need to be there to swim in it.

[@philmerrall324]

Also see Phil Merrall - UK Politica

[@stereopolice]

2:58 nothing says 1988 like that mushroom cap.

[@The-Autistic-Rat]

It's coming back for some reason, I see it all the time on preppy kids

[@botteongabriel6]

unique technique

[@thetruthissweet2847]

First song I sense a mix of King Crimson Indiscipline sound crossed with a Frank Zappa jazz sensibility.

[@herbertvonzinderneuf8547]

I am sure each of these guys knew what they were doing. But jazz always sounds to me me like a collection of talented musicians playing away, taking no cognizance whatsoever of what their colleagues are doing.

[@MaterLacrymarum]

It's the exact opposite.

[@jakeenan]

Shame Bruford's drums are a tad low in the mix here. These kits are all back in vogue now it seems. Danny Carey obviously heavily influenced them- among others, and Bruford's playing, applying it to his recent Tool work.....before everything went tits up.

[@permisox]

It reminds me some sounds of Weather Report....

[@azurduy117]

synth solo at 43:27