''The Sound of Surprise'' is an album by
Bill Bruford's Earthworks. It was the second Earthworks album to feature saxophonist Patrick Clahar, pianist Steve Hamilton and acoustic bassist Mark Hodgson. Unlike previous Earthworks albums, it showcases a more traditional acoustic jazz quartet sound. It was released on
Robert Fripp
Robert Fripp (born 16 May 1946) is a British musician, songwriter, record producer, and author, best known as the guitarist, founder and longest-lasting member of the progressive rock band King Crimson. He has worked extensively as a session ...
's
Discipline Global Mobile label in 2001.
Reception
In a review for
AllMusic
AllMusic (previously known as All Music Guide and AMG) is an American online music database. It catalogs more than three million album entries and 30 million tracks, as well as information on musicians and bands. Initiated in 1991, the databas ...
, John Duffy wrote: " Precisely what made the early Earthworks records so interesting were the chordal drums, largely horn-driven songs, and more progressive outlook. Going back to a traditional jazz quartet format feels somehow like a step backward."
Writing for
Jazz Times
''JazzTimes'' is an American magazine devoted to jazz. Published 10 times a year, it was founded in Washington, D.C. in 1970 by Ira Sabin as the newsletter ''Radio Free Jazz'' to complement his record store.
Coverage
After a decade of growth ...
, Steve Smith stated: "With each of his successive side projects,
rufords edged closer to the trappings of mainstream jazz, stripping away the electronics and gimmicks until finally, on ''The Sound of Surprise'', what's left is the very foundation of the tradition: a saxophone, a piano, a bass and a drum kit." He concluded by calling the album "far and away Bruford's most convincing jazz work to date."
David Cisco of Progressive World called the album "a treasure of complex musical arrangements and exciting musicianship," and commented: "''The Sound of Surprise'' showcases the master timekeeper's vision and songwriting and production skills while sharing the spotlight with his highly talented bandmates. Almost every type of jazz is represented... ''The Sound of Surprise'' is indeed a surprise and a very happy one, to boot."
Track listing
# "Revel Without a Pause"
# "Triplicity"
# "Shadow of a Doubt"
# "Teaching Vera to Dance"
# "Half Life"
# "Come to Dust"
# "Cloud Cuckoo Land"
# "Never the Same Way Once"
# "The Wooden Man Sings, and the Stone Woman Dances"
# "Sound of Surprise"
Personnel
*
Bill Bruford - drums
*Patrick Clahar - tenor and soprano saxophones
*Steve Hamilton - piano
*Mark Hodgson - bass
References
{{DEFAULTSORT:Sound Of Surprise
2001 albums
Bill Bruford albums
Earthworks (band) albums
Albums with cover art by Dave McKean