b o b

I saw this listed in a Noteworthy Music catalog (before they went out of business) and had no idea what it was, but fortunately decided to take a chance. It turned out to be a jazzy disc that ranges from upbeat and bouncy ("Temples of Joy", "Impromptu, Too!", "Everything You've Heard is True") to dark and avant sounding ("A Way With Words"). Each player also gets one completely solo track (all keyboards on "Karu", all drums on "The Drum Also Waltzes"). Moraz sticks mostly to piano, although the Kurtzweil is frequently used to add color. Bruford plays mostly acoustic drums, occasionally adding texture with electronic drums. The music reminds me at times of Moraz's Story of i album, and at times of the one Bill Bruford's Earthworks album that I've heard. Overall I'm pretty happy with this disc. I wouldn't pay through the nose on ebay for it or anything, but if you're a fan of the jazzier end of prog and happen to stumble across a copy at a used CD store, by all means grab it. And if anyone is looking to part with a copy of the first Moraz/Bruford CD (Music For Piano and Drums) at a reasonable price, let me know. review by Bob Eichler — undated —

j o e

Though they were never in the band at the same time, Yes' two biggest jazzophile alumnae got together in the early-mid 80s to record two albums. This is the second one and is out of print on CD, these days typically fetching bids of $25 and up on eBay. Flags is uneven and the Kurzweil can tend to sound dated, but still this one generally passes the goal line. Moraz contributes some lively, tightly composed numbers like "Temples of Joy" and "Impromptu, Too!" (probably my favorite song on the album) and a more delicate number that has shown up on his other solo recordings entitled "Karu." Bruford performs a Max Roach composition, "The Drum Also Waltzes." The two also perform some bouncy, looser jazz numbers that are half-composed and half-improvised: "Split Seconds" and "Infra Dig." Flags is a worthy addition for any Yes completist's collection, though be warned it has little in common with the Yes sound. review by Joe McGlinchey — undated —