by Brian D. Holland.

Seven Moons is the latest collaborative effort from Jack Bruce and Robin Trower. Certainly anticipated by fans, it’s their first release since the '80s, as well as their first with Gary Husband on the drum kit. Proof that both iconic performers still have what it takes to create good music, it also confirms that age hasn’t mellowed or slowed them down much, especially when it comes to exerting a potent sound. Many of the songs contain a '70s ambiance, not lacking of the imaginative tone, creativity, and vision the era is known for. A melding of the well-suited, Bruce brings Cream-esque bass playing brilliance and vocal melody to the table, while Trower touts his familiar Stratocaster into Marshall sonic muscle. He wrote the lyrics to all of the compositions as well.

Trower gets right into bubbly, distorted phrasing in the album’s opener, "Seven Moons." As Bruce lays down a creative vocal melody containing adventurous lyrics of the land of the seven moons, a descending chordal arrangement amid floaty guitar soloing ensues throughout. Trower ends it with a soaring lead, lightly salted with wah-wah though heavy with passion. So distinctive are the styles of both icons that the tracks sometimes possess more of one than the other, adding a refreshing imbalance of diversity to the overall flow.

Since both players have been known to delve deeply in a blues element now and then, that attribute is well represented on the album. "Lives of Clay," a 12-bar blues very reminiscent of Cream, is coerced along by a funky guitar and bass progression. And while "Bad Case of Celebrity" is in a slow blues groove, "Perfect Place" is another one that’s funky and vibrant. "Distant Places of the Heart" may call to mind a similar title to Cream fans; however, the comparison stops there. This one is the quintessential Trower/Bruce composition, as it possesses strong elements of each. The potent vocal emotion and crawling bass pattern matches the lethargic flow and dreamy, bending guitar riffs. Though not as obvious, this quality is perceptible in "Just Another Day" and "I’m Home" as well.

"The Last Door" is the standout song on the album, as it validates the magnitude of the Trower/Bruce alliance. It’s a great rock song in both the modern and the classic sense, and its rhythmic flow is intoxicating and exciting. Gary Husband’s drumming forces it along enthusiastically. And although Trower’s stunning rhythmic chops are prominent, Bruce’s voice matches the effectiveness of the song’s potent drive in a fervent manner. Trower’s scorching lead work is incredible throughout. Without going any further, let me just say that it really rocks.

Though all of the trio magic and sonic punch one might expect to find on Seven Moons exists in abundance, the amazing comradeship and melding of styles has to be heard to be truly appreciated. These guys are definitely a super trio of profound measure and depth. Robin Trower and Jack Bruce are at their best, and perform solidly, Husband as well. The music contains all of the blues, power, lethargic drive, and dreamlike qualities one might imagine, along with the musicianship that a competent trio must possess to be considered truly genuine. Seven Moons is eleven songs destined to be classics, played by a classic trio in both an innovative and classic manner. And when it comes to rock 'n' roll, it doesn't get any better than that.

Though the Robin Trower Band is now touring the US and the UK performing his classic hits, there’s talk of a tour with Jack Bruce and Gary Husband to follow. Keep in touch with what’s happening by visiting their websites.

Seven Moons Track Listing

1. Seven Moons
2. Lives Of Clay
3. Distant Places Of The Heart
4. She’s Not The One
5. So Far To Yesterday
6. Just Another Day
7. Perfect Place
8. The Last Door
9. Bad Case Of Celebrity
10. Come To Me
11. I’m Home

Jack Bruce - bass, vocals
Robin Trower - guitar, vocals
Gary Husband - drums

V-12 Records

Links:
Jack Bruce
Robin Trower
Purchase Seven Moons on Amazon