I met him decades ago when I was an aspiring musician working at a hotel he was staying at on tour. He took the time to sit with me and give me various pieces of advice and insight about the music industry. I've never forgotten that kindness. One of the greats, on many levels.
For me, Bill Bruford's most telling characteristic as a player is his willingness to place the accent in his drumming in the most unexpected locations. It can be unsettling when you are listening, but it is so very interesting. Enjoyed the interview.
You've got full agreement here. I would maybe bet that you, like myself hundreds upon thousands of times, have listened to, say, "America" or "South Side of the Sky" or "Fracture" whilst ferociously (but with a measured discipline) air-drumming... but either 1. falling out of step with Bill, or 2. striking the air when you THINK that Bill is going to hit his snare but doesn't, or 3. knowing FOR CERTAIN that Bill will NOT hit his snare at beat x only to be frustrated and soon after fallen behind a measure or two when he does hit it and you are sitting there dumbfounded at how he does it. The secret is..... COUNT. 1, 2, 3, 4... Took 30+ years for that to sink in deep enough.
He looks incredibly healthy. Not just for his age but in general. I am reminded of another great drummer, Phil Collins, and how much not only time, but the rigors of being such a good drummer and demanding so much of oneself across decades that must have done to him. While his stepping away when he did has made the music world much poorer, Bill Bruford is clearly a very intelligent person who recognized where he was in his life, what he was capable of, and decided it was time to get out while the getting was good before he either had people shaking their heads going "oh, such a shame" or hurt himself to a point where he couldn't function in life, much less behind a drum kit. Thanks for the great interview, Barry!
As a fellow musician and life long YES fan, I'd have to say The "Close to the Edge" version of YES may have been the most talented group of musicians ever assembled in a rock band !! That album, in my opinion, remains one of the top 5 albums ever recorded ! As great as the record is, they were even better live !! I saw three different shows of that American tour ......AMAZING !!
@@99beatmonster sadly, you're right. He offered to do the tour but the band decided to make a clean break after Bill told them of his decision. Alan White was right there and ready to go. He did an amazing job on that tour, especially considering he had three days to learn the Yes music. If Bill had toured on CTTE we would have a Yessongs with Bill, which would have been fitting and very very nice since it was all his music.
@@kirkknighton2687 as great as Alan was, he lacked the Jazz vibe of Bruford, the lightness of touch at times and the sound Bill produces from his instrument...totally his own. Crimson were a better vehicle for Bill imo, but I still treasure the music of Yes as early inspirational music in my journey as a drummer.
@@KingJorman listen to Real and Defined Androgens by Annette Peacock from her album X-Dreams. I think he has real power in the way he plays. He might not break as many cymbals or sticks as the 'hard hitters' but for me his playing works, it is articulate. He once referred to it a effortless brutality. Alan was a great player of course but Yes lost more than they gained when Bill left imo...but that's all it is an opinion. Other folk are free to like the music or not. I do understand your point, Bill wasn't Bonham ...and there's a place for both.
Of all the gifts given Bill, in this life, the ability to keep time is the greatest gift he ever got. Thanks for this great interview, because he doesn't really grant that many Q&A sessions. We all lament his retiring, but I think he deserves his rest and we should leave him alone to do so.
Chris Squire continued to be "Habitually Late" through out his entire life, even to the point of having a (Yes) song named after his condition: Tempus Fugit ("Time Flies" in Latin). It's rumoured that Chris was even late to his own funeral.... R.I.P.
@@lorcazola I've always heard Squire was called Fish because he took long bath's that lasted for hours, and was one of the main sources of his 'Lateness'. Wiki'd him just now, and YES he was born on March the 4th. You know what else I saw on his Wikipedia? It lists Anderson, Bruford, Wakeman and Howe as one of his "Bands" !?! Even showing the AWBH album... Incredibly, Clueless, Unresearched and How!!! EDIT: It's actually his GOOGLE profile that's misinformed, not Wikipedia. You can personally edit on Wikipedia (in which case, it would have been corrected by now), not Google though.
@@lorcazola Nonsense! You show me the physics and math, as well as how stars light years away can possibly change a persons psychological traits and behaviors Biology, chemistry... based on some absurd and unsubstantiated BELIEF that their positions in the sky relative to their movement, which are not in perfect alignment, but moving over time, can possibly dictate character traits! YOU CAN'T, and probably never will. There's way more evidence, that it's someones traits that partially dictate a choice of instrument, as well as why there are way more stories about bass players having similar traits, no matter when or where they were borne, one of them being late, and also lazy, unprepared, too cheep to buy strings... as with other instruments like keyboardists being shy, and prone to over complicate, Guitarists wanting to be above and beyond everyone else in the mix... None you can just say apply to all of them, just a little more prevalent. I know, I have been in the industry for over 4 decades as a musician in bands dealing with their traits, and otherwise on the road all over the world. I met many greats, including Bill on a few occasions, different incarnations of King Crimson, and many more. "Astrology" is completely non-scientific nonsense, and horoscopes are ridiculously vague, stay purposely within shared traits and events we all have plenty of , "Predict" (they don't) experiences in daily life, and rely on your chances (High odds) you have something to attribute to it and have you say "That's so meeeeeeeee!", while anyone of any sign can say the same, no matter who's sign they are reading horoscopes for (thoroughly tested), and made to make gullible fools fall for it, and buy whatever services and silly potions... pseudo science markets and makes big money with, and the same goes for religion! I suggest you look up the James Randi foundation, his and other s books and videos, debates... where they not only explain the cons of supernatural claims and pseudoscience and magic, but even show you how freaking easy it is to do it yourself! They had a $100,000 (later upped to $500.000) reward for anyone in the world to claim the prize if they could show good and viable evidence for their claims in a controlled environment, no one ever won it, and when word got out it could ruin your reputation for being exposed as a con, as they did Uri Geller, Jon Adams and many more, and fewer and fewer people accepted the challenge after 30+years, James Randi decided the money is worthless just sitting in a vault untouched, and thought it a good supplement to his retirement. He's was also very entertaining and a really great person. He died only a few years ago, at a ripe age, so none of the spells and voodoo people claimed to do him in with, obviously didn't do shit either!
wonderful to hear a thoughtful, intelligent and above all articulate musician. Better still to be interviewed by someone who carries the same characteristics (although not sure if Barry is a musician).
Bravo, Barry. You allowed Bruford to shine and asked interesting questions for information most of us wanted to know. The best interviewers are like the chorus in an ancient Greek play. Don't let this go to your head! LOL
He been a favorite of mine since Yes. His drumming is very original, brilliant and unmistakable. You could always tell when it was him on the drums no matter what band he was in. I thoroughly enjoyed the musical journey and the many musical styles throughout his career. I really miss seeing him play live. It was always enjoyable to watch and listen. Live long and prosper Bill.
Nobody in the world like Bruford. Gentle, modest guy . he cares only about where music can and should go. He never heard Tales from the topographic ocean, the best Crimson album in his opinion is the one he’s not in. Huge inspiration and a fantastic musician. My favorite drummer from the age of 16. Love to hear him talk and explain music!
Brufford is the ultimate drumming technician. Very polished. He generally hates to do Q&A. I remember the clip in luded in the video, making ABWH, and he gets upset with the cameraman taping the conversation. He seems very comfortable with not having or wanting to talk about himself. He tolerates it but hates it. It's only now that he seems more comfortable talking about himself. That all said, he is a music force.
I think he was always ON the beat, even before .. like say Aynsley Dunbar with Jeff Beck ... sure wasnt the behind the beat guy, like John Bonham - he wouldnt fit in Zep at all 🤣 if he ever cared...
All my favorite drummers have a very personal, identifiable sound: Elvin, Buddy, Ginger, Billy Cobham and of course BB. The two times I remember Bill the best were with Crimson at the Shrine in L.A., 1974 and with UK at the Santa Monica Civic in 78 or 9. Bill is just brilliant and I wish he wasn't retired. Crimson could have a lot less drummers and a lot more drums if Bill were back!
One of the very best. Seen him live with King Crimson . Discipline years. Double Trio. Just amazing. From YES to King Crimson to Genesis to UK Earthworks . Bill is thoughtful and articulate. Robert Fripp and Bruford there's that tension between the two masters. Fracture is just Atonishing. Love listening to Bill . Bill served the Music .
Way too short and that's a compliment. Bill is an expert at dodging subjects he has little interest in discussing but you kept him on track better than most
Great interview. Bill is one of my drumming idols and seems to be an intellectual heavyweight (similar to another idol, Neil Peart). I loved his autobiography - the man writes at least as well as he drums. I laughed when he mentioned that he's never heard Topographic Oceans. When the man moves on he really moves on. LOL
Anywhere you hear a band with Bill at the drums, the band is always scarily tight. Bruford has time and tempo down and has the rare ability to truly project that rock solid time to the far corners of the stage and rope in the whole band. You hear a much looser Yes immediately after Bill left.
Bill is a musician first and composer/player second, he sees the big picture and has the courage to do unusual and interesting things to advance the art of music. This attitude is what prog. music is by definition and I applaud all who share this desire, no matter their level of accomplishment.
Great interview. I have so much respect for BB and his career, and he's such an introspective and thoughtful guy. He seems simultaneously very serious and passionate about the art/music, but also pragmatic about the task at hand, and the practicality of the music business/recording/interpersonal band dynamics, etc. with a sharp wit, of course. Great overview in 24 minutes. I'd probably get the box set, but I have most of the recordings. Well...I'll probably get it eventually anyway....must support the man, the myth, the legend.
Bill, I’m an old fan of yes. I still get chills every time I hear the live version of the union tour, especially the drum intro to lift me up. I know the album was different but seeing all you guys together was priceless. Thank you for teaming up with Alan for that. You guys are the best.
I've hit the drumbs myself more than once, and this man is both a gift to drumming and to talking about working within bands. It's a tricky business and timing is everything.
Close to the edge!! Classic Bill , he was a very difficult act to follow! We were lucky to have Alan White after that though! I am sorry you had a toothache, you r such a pro in every respect!!!
I was a huge YES fan until "Topographic". I listened all the way through once when it was released. Pulled it out a few months ago and couldn't make it through the 1st side. Had Bruford still been in the band it would have been a very different record. I still love all the previous 3 albums. As a drummer I prefer "snap" to "thud". It would be cruel to have Bill listen to it and have to comment.
Brilliant interview. It must cause a little cognitive dissonance in the King Crimson fan club to hear Bill Bruford rank the eighties line up over the iconic seventies line up that he was part of.
Yeah me too so Bruford not a Wetton fan? Surprised 2 bands with Wetton/Bruford and at least 3 albums Larks, Red ,and U.K. all listed as great all time prog albums then there is the live material would b nice of Mr. Bruford to say at least a few kind words of Mr. Wetton.
Probably my favorite percussionist/drummer - certainly one of them, I enjoyed this interview with Mr. Bruford who is both musically and personally articulate (which is pretty rare isn't it?) Thanks *EXCEPT you failed to ask (my question) about UK and what happened....
Great interview Barry, I could happily llisten to Bill talking about stuff for hours. I found his autobiography to be one of the best of its ilk that I've read and would heartily recommend it and I think this may be one box set that I'll have to grab.
The greatest symbiotic relationship between bass and drums I've ever seen is Peter Erskine and Jaco Pastorious. " The the best way to learn how to play is on a Bandstand." - B.Bruford
Enjoyed a great interview. Let's see, I've seen Mr. Bill Bruford 8 times, solo and with other bands: King Crimson (73 twice, 74, 84), BRUFORD band (NYC '80), ABWH ('89), Yes Union ('91), Earthworks ('91). He is the most intellectual drummer of all, a Master indeed. The only 2 bands I missed him with were when he briefly was in Genesis and UK. My only reservation was why did he play the Simmons electronic drums so long and really ended up being infamous.
Signature sound...where I place the note!!!! That's how I always felt about Bill's work. His choice of where to play. No one else played like that. It's what made me such a big fan of his work.
I got into Yes in 1983 and my first live experience was ABWH in 1989, this was the one and only time i saw Bill live but what a gig, great memories, great interview. I saw Asia in 2008 and was more excited to finally see John Wetton live, and Carl.
What defines BB's sound ? In the 70s esp in Yes, that art of having notes very distinct from each other "punctuated" , even in rolls and quick sequences, with lots of unique linear patterns, both power and subtlety (loud notes standing out so clearly from quieter ones). His (what I percieve as) very efficient hi-hat use as an appogiatura to a kick in Fracture (at 4'28, The Mercury Grid at 0'50 has a similar pattern) and I don't know where, is linked to him forever. When he moved to jazz his playing became richer but will less of pattern enhancement so one would take more time guessing who was playing.
Thanks for an interesting interview. Nice to hear you both talking about music. I am a bit surprised on your different approach, like the “ on note or between notes”. Well, I am surprised that none of you mentioned Bill’s work on the Absolute Elsewhere album In Search of Ancient Gods, witch happens to be one of my manny favorite albums. All the best to you both and may all good things come your way!
One of the things about Bill's drumming that was great was not 'what' he played', but 'what he did not play'. While every other drummer is trying to play thousands of notes with hyperbolic drumming, Bill's style was restrained and focused on putting in stuff that sounded good without cluttering up the music with over-drumming. That to me is what made his playing unique. I find that is true with other instruments as well, like piano, where people are all over the keyboard with notes doing all kinds of fancy stuff, but the piano players that are great know when to play, and when not to play.
I saw The Crims in '84 and they played "the sheltering sky"...although the strings dominate the direction, it's Bruford's slit-drum that sets the tone. Top tier musicianship.
God, I was dejected when the music press announced that Bill was leaving Yes. His replacement was duly announced and being none the wiser yet optimistic my friend helpfully played me 'Instant Karma'. I was frankly horrified. And coming round to Bill's 'curly sandwiches' metaphor. New to the area here a recommended neighbour did some plumbing for me 2 years ago, curiously I'd already heard that he was/is a musician who had played to a decent level so I asked if he'd played with anyone I might have heard of. Expecting a couple of semi-obscure metal bands I was gobsmacked when he said Bill Brufords Earthworks!! A true 'curly sandwich' anecdote. He's now a good friend too
Always a joy to hear him speak about his long career. I still would love to listen to that snare drum 'ping' or his position of THE note live. Keep well both of you.
as *soon* as our excellent host mentioned "prog metal" I thought of Meshuggah, wondering what sort of take Dr Bruford would have on them, and then at 16:55, Bill says (somewhat humorously) "Do you remember Meshuggah?" ... I almost fell out of my chair ... he continues: "Terrific! Absolutely amazing!" ... had to hit the Pause bar to pause the video just to take that in, hoping that he would then offer some observation on Tomas Haake, but, no it's so easy to listen to Bruford speak, but even better with an intelligent, well paced host as we're treated to here thanks for sharing this with us
In answer to the question, what is the Bruford sound? Years ago I was in the car with my drummer friend, and we came across some incredible music on the radio. The guitarist had the speed of Dimeola, but was also bending notes like Hendrix. I couldn’t identify the guitar player, but my drummer friend said, that’s 100% Bruford on the drums! It turned out to be Kazumi Watanabe, with Bruford on an acoustic kit. So whatever that Bruford sound is, it came across loud and clear to my drummer friend!
Great interview! I think Bill's right. It's the timing. Sure, there's his snare "bonk" which did seem to sound very similar regardless of what snare he was playing. Though I will admit that not all recordings of Bill have that "bonk". So, there's definitely more to it than that.
Would have loved to have known if THIS actually happened: Rick wakeman has said that when he first joined Yes, after the first show he did with them, Chris and Bill were arguing about who missed a musical cue and Bill punched Chris. Leaving Rick to surmise "What have I gotten myself into. This band is about to break up!" Mr. Wakeman has been known to exaggerate...
Barry - Have you heard a recent solo by Carl Palmer? I heard one from November 2021. That man is still incredible! Both he and Bill are incredible. Just in different ways. I'd love to hear you interview Carl.
@@classicalbum Well, that is a great shame. I will say that I don't care for his management. I had a less than pleasant interaction with them several years ago.
Kind of weird to think to myself "yep, that's exactly it!" when Bill says his signature sound is where he places the notes, because it is, after all, the man himself saying it so it's kinda like "well, duhhh?", but yep, that's exactly it. No one else on the planet plays like him.
Wow! So grateful for this thoughtful and articulate interview with a rhythm genius! Grateful for your channel, and very thankful for Bill Bruford.
I met him decades ago when I was an aspiring musician working at a hotel he was staying at on tour. He took the time to sit with me and give me various pieces of advice and insight about the music industry. I've never forgotten that kindness. One of the greats, on many levels.
For me, Bill Bruford's most telling characteristic as a player is his willingness to place the accent in his drumming in the most unexpected locations. It can be unsettling when you are listening, but it is so very interesting. Enjoyed the interview.
You've got full agreement here. I would maybe bet that you, like myself hundreds upon thousands of times, have listened to, say, "America" or "South Side of the Sky" or "Fracture" whilst ferociously (but with a measured discipline) air-drumming... but either 1. falling out of step with Bill, or 2. striking the air when you THINK that Bill is going to hit his snare but doesn't, or 3. knowing FOR CERTAIN that Bill will NOT hit his snare at beat x only to be frustrated and soon after fallen behind a measure or two when he does hit it and you are sitting there dumbfounded at how he does it.
The secret is..... COUNT. 1, 2, 3, 4...
Took 30+ years for that to sink in deep enough.
Agree … wonderful drummer
He looks incredibly healthy. Not just for his age but in general. I am reminded of another great drummer, Phil Collins, and how much not only time, but the rigors of being such a good drummer and demanding so much of oneself across decades that must have done to him. While his stepping away when he did has made the music world much poorer, Bill Bruford is clearly a very intelligent person who recognized where he was in his life, what he was capable of, and decided it was time to get out while the getting was good before he either had people shaking their heads going "oh, such a shame" or hurt himself to a point where he couldn't function in life, much less behind a drum kit. Thanks for the great interview, Barry!
And to think that Phil Collins is actually a few years younger than Bill - so sad.
He looks like he could live to 100
Interesting take...and yes much poorer. But for me, Bill's sound will always be 1969 thru 1972, though I love all of his work.
Kudos to BB. Peart did the same thing
Phil struggled with alcoholism, divorce and loose of much of his $ in recent years.
As a fellow musician and life long YES fan, I'd have to say The "Close to the Edge" version of YES may have been the most talented group of musicians ever assembled in a rock band !! That album, in my opinion, remains one of the top 5 albums ever recorded ! As great as the record is, they were even better live !! I saw three different shows of that American tour ......AMAZING !!
I'm pretty sure that Bruford never toured 'close to the edge' , but was replaced by Alan White when Bill left for Crimson.
@@99beatmonster sadly, you're right. He offered to do the tour but the band decided to make a clean break after Bill told them of his decision. Alan White was right there and ready to go. He did an amazing job on that tour, especially considering he had three days to learn the Yes music. If Bill had toured on CTTE we would have a Yessongs with Bill, which would have been fitting and very very nice since it was all his music.
@@kirkknighton2687 as great as Alan was, he lacked the Jazz vibe of Bruford, the lightness of touch at times and the sound Bill produces from his instrument...totally his own. Crimson were a better vehicle for Bill imo, but I still treasure the music of Yes as early inspirational music in my journey as a drummer.
@@99beatmonsterbut can bruford rock?
@@KingJorman listen to Real and Defined Androgens by Annette Peacock from her album X-Dreams. I think he has real power in the way he plays. He might not break as many cymbals or sticks as the 'hard hitters' but for me his playing works, it is articulate. He once referred to it a effortless brutality. Alan was a great player of course but Yes lost more than they gained when Bill left imo...but that's all it is an opinion. Other folk are free to like the music or not. I do understand your point, Bill wasn't Bonham ...and there's a place for both.
Of all the gifts given Bill, in this life, the ability to keep time is the greatest gift he ever got.
Thanks for this great interview, because he doesn't really grant that many Q&A sessions.
We all lament his retiring, but I think he deserves his rest and we should leave him alone to do so.
Chris Squire continued to be "Habitually Late" through out his entire life, even to the point of having a (Yes) song named after his condition: Tempus Fugit ("Time Flies" in Latin).
It's rumoured that Chris was even late to his own funeral....
R.I.P.
They called him the late Chris Squire.
It's a Pisces trait. The Fish. You can be late if you are the best bass player ever !
@@lorcazola I've always heard Squire was called Fish because he took long bath's that lasted for hours, and was one of the main sources of his 'Lateness'.
Wiki'd him just now, and YES he was born on March the 4th. You know what else I saw on his Wikipedia?
It lists Anderson, Bruford, Wakeman and Howe as one of his "Bands" !?! Even showing the AWBH album...
Incredibly, Clueless, Unresearched and How!!!
EDIT: It's actually his GOOGLE profile that's misinformed, not Wikipedia.
You can personally edit on Wikipedia (in which case, it would have been corrected by now), not Google though.
@@lorcazola Nonsense! You show me the physics and math, as well as how stars light years away can possibly change a persons psychological traits and behaviors Biology, chemistry... based on some absurd and unsubstantiated BELIEF that their positions in the sky relative to their movement, which are not in perfect alignment, but moving over time, can possibly dictate character traits! YOU CAN'T, and probably never will.
There's way more evidence, that it's someones traits that partially dictate a choice of instrument, as well as why there are way more stories about bass players having similar traits, no matter when or where they were borne, one of them being late, and also lazy, unprepared, too cheep to buy strings... as with other instruments like keyboardists being shy, and prone to over complicate, Guitarists wanting to be above and beyond everyone else in the mix... None you can just say apply to all of them, just a little more prevalent.
I know, I have been in the industry for over 4 decades as a musician in bands dealing with their traits, and otherwise on the road all over the world. I met many greats, including Bill on a few occasions, different incarnations of King Crimson, and many more.
"Astrology" is completely non-scientific nonsense, and horoscopes are ridiculously vague, stay purposely within shared traits and events we all have plenty of , "Predict" (they don't) experiences in daily life, and rely on your chances (High odds) you have something to attribute to it and have you say "That's so meeeeeeeee!", while anyone of any sign can say the same, no matter who's sign they are reading horoscopes for (thoroughly tested), and made to make gullible fools fall for it, and buy whatever services and silly potions... pseudo science markets and makes big money with, and the same goes for religion!
I suggest you look up the James Randi foundation, his and other s books and videos, debates... where they not only explain the cons of supernatural claims and pseudoscience and magic, but even show you how freaking easy it is to do it yourself! They had a $100,000 (later upped to $500.000) reward for anyone in the world to claim the prize if they could show good and viable evidence for their claims in a controlled environment, no one ever won it, and when word got out it could ruin your reputation for being exposed as a con, as they did Uri Geller, Jon Adams and many more, and fewer and fewer people accepted the challenge after 30+years, James Randi decided the money is worthless just sitting in a vault untouched, and thought it a good supplement to his retirement. He's was also very entertaining and a really great person. He died only a few years ago, at a ripe age, so none of the spells and voodoo people claimed to do him in with, obviously didn't do shit either!
@@JasonSmith-jr7jh outrageous!
wonderful to hear a thoughtful, intelligent and above all articulate musician. Better still to be interviewed by someone who carries the same characteristics (although not sure if Barry is a musician).
What a great interview. I so much agree on what he is saying about the 80-s version on King Crimson. I love it.
Bravo, Barry. You allowed Bruford to shine and asked interesting questions for information most of us wanted to know. The best interviewers are like the chorus in an ancient Greek play. Don't let this go to your head! LOL
He been a favorite of mine since Yes. His drumming is very original, brilliant and unmistakable. You could always tell when it was him on the drums no matter what band he was in. I thoroughly enjoyed the musical journey and the many musical styles throughout his career. I really miss seeing him play live. It was always enjoyable to watch and listen. Live long and prosper Bill.
Always loved Bill`s work. He wonderful in interviews also. Great job gentleman!
The first time I saw Bill play was King Crimson's Discipline tour, he completely blew me away with his drumming.
One of my favourite drummers, his playing always stands out in the music and always compliments it.
Nobody in the world like Bruford. Gentle, modest guy . he cares only about where music can and should go. He never heard Tales from the topographic ocean, the best Crimson album in his opinion is the one he’s not in. Huge inspiration and a fantastic musician. My favorite drummer from the age of 16. Love to hear him talk and explain music!
Brufford is the ultimate drumming technician. Very polished. He generally hates to do Q&A. I remember the clip in luded in the video, making ABWH, and he gets upset with the cameraman taping the conversation. He seems very comfortable with not having or wanting to talk about himself. He tolerates it but hates it. It's only now that he seems more comfortable talking about himself. That all said, he is a music force.
It's Bill's gorgeous feel that is his signature. Center of the beat mostly, but often elsewhere. He has made my life better just by drumming.
I think he was always ON the beat, even before .. like say Aynsley Dunbar with Jeff Beck ... sure wasnt the behind the beat guy, like John Bonham - he wouldnt fit in Zep at all 🤣 if he ever cared...
All my favorite drummers have a very personal, identifiable sound: Elvin, Buddy, Ginger, Billy Cobham and of course BB. The two times I remember Bill the best were with Crimson at the Shrine in L.A., 1974 and with UK at the Santa Monica Civic in 78 or 9. Bill is just brilliant and I wish he wasn't retired. Crimson could have a lot less drummers and a lot more drums if Bill were back!
One of the very best.
Seen him live with King Crimson .
Discipline years.
Double Trio.
Just amazing.
From YES to King Crimson to Genesis to UK Earthworks .
Bill is thoughtful and articulate.
Robert Fripp and Bruford there's that tension between the two masters.
Fracture is just Atonishing.
Love listening to Bill .
Bill served the Music .
Way too short and that's a compliment. Bill is an expert at dodging subjects he has little interest in discussing but you kept him on track better than most
Bill Bruford has to be one of the most accomplished drummers ever.
Great interview. Bill is one of my drumming idols and seems to be an intellectual heavyweight (similar to another idol, Neil Peart). I loved his autobiography - the man writes at least as well as he drums. I laughed when he mentioned that he's never heard Topographic Oceans. When the man moves on he really moves on. LOL
I was astonished!
@@David-iv6je I wasn't. Why would he want to listen to it?
@@chrisgale5634 So you never ever ever wondered what an ex girlfriend was up to? :D
@@David-iv6je I think BB understandably moved on.
Bruford has a hard-earned Ph.D in music. Peart was nicknamed The Professor...
Great interview, Bill was always my top 5 drummer 🤘
Anywhere you hear a band with Bill at the drums, the band is always scarily tight. Bruford has time and tempo down and has the rare ability to truly project that rock solid time to the far corners of the stage and rope in the whole band. You hear a much looser Yes immediately after Bill left.
ABWH..saw the tour.. absolutely excellent..mr.bruford is the best of his jazzy/prog style..he and Phil Collins..phenomenal
Discipline is my favorite album of the entire 1980's.
hearing Bruford say "Meshuggah" literally made me spit out my coffee lololol
I am sure with all the bands Bill Bruford has worked with he could tell all sorts of stories. One of the greatest drummers ever.
I was seriously hoping that he would answer "Trio" by King Crimson when asked what track he'd had most influence over
I would like Trio played at my funeral. Thought that after hearing it in 1977
Bill is a musician first and composer/player second, he sees the big picture and has the courage to do unusual and interesting things to advance the art of music. This attitude is what prog. music is by definition and I applaud all who share this desire, no matter their level of accomplishment.
Your interviews have become must-view. Great work.
Great interview. I have so much respect for BB and his career, and he's such an introspective and thoughtful guy. He seems simultaneously very serious and passionate about the art/music, but also pragmatic about the task at hand, and the practicality of the music business/recording/interpersonal band dynamics, etc. with a sharp wit, of course. Great overview in 24 minutes. I'd probably get the box set, but I have most of the recordings. Well...I'll probably get it eventually anyway....must support the man, the myth, the legend.
Great interview! Bruford is the GOAT IMO.
What a wonderful interview. Bruford is so very talented and one of the best drummers I’ve ever heard play.
Bill, I’m an old fan of yes. I still get chills every time I hear the live version of the union tour, especially the drum intro to lift me up. I know the album was different but seeing all you guys together was priceless. Thank you for teaming up with Alan for that. You guys are the best.
I've hit the drumbs myself more than once, and this man is both a gift to drumming and to talking about working within bands. It's a tricky business and timing is everything.
A great interview by an iconic drummer. Thanks and keep up the good work!
Thanks, will do!
Close to the edge!! Classic Bill , he was a very difficult act to follow! We were lucky to have Alan White after that though! I am sorry you had a toothache, you r such a pro in every respect!!!
My favourite drummer for fifty years. His work with KC was revelatory. The Bruford snare sound is iconic.
What stands out most for me about Bill's style is his masterful use of paradiddles. Absolutely brilliant 👏
Great interview! Someone needs to make a reaction video where Bill reacts to listening to Topographic Oceans for the first time!
😂😂😂😅
I'd like to see that as well. It would be a Long Video, I can't imagine him sitting through 70-80 min of Music.
I'd love go see that!!!
I was a huge YES fan until "Topographic". I listened all the way through once when it was released. Pulled it out a few months ago and couldn't make it through the 1st side. Had Bruford still been in the band it would have been a very different record. I still love all the previous 3 albums.
As a drummer I prefer "snap" to "thud".
It would be cruel to have Bill listen to it and have to comment.
It would be tough enough to keep him awake...
Thank you for leading off with my question. Chuffed. Great interview.
Brilliant interview. It must cause a little cognitive dissonance in the King Crimson fan club to hear Bill Bruford rank the eighties line up over the iconic seventies line up that he was part of.
Yes... I´m one of them 😉
I second that!
Yeah me too so Bruford not a Wetton fan? Surprised 2 bands with Wetton/Bruford and at least 3 albums Larks, Red ,and U.K. all listed as great all time prog albums then there is the live material would b nice of Mr. Bruford to say at least a few kind words of Mr. Wetton.
I agree with him. The stuff with Belew and Levin was off the scale brilliant.
I third that, never cared for the Belew era of KC.
This is a really well balanced, interesting interview - thank you Bill and Barry.
Wow. Bruford . So many great songs. Legend.
Bill looks so younger of his age, healthy. Besides, he sounds cleverly, having a great diction👍🏼
Probably my favorite percussionist/drummer - certainly one of them, I enjoyed this interview with Mr. Bruford who is both musically and personally articulate (which is pretty rare isn't it?) Thanks
*EXCEPT you failed to ask (my question) about UK and what happened....
I love how Bill pushes "Fracture" forward.
Fantastic interview! I yearn and strive to have Bill Bruford energy in my daily routine.
Great interview Barry, I could happily llisten to Bill talking about stuff for hours. I found his autobiography to be one of the best of its ilk that I've read and would heartily recommend it and I think this may be one box set that I'll have to grab.
He's one of my many drumming heroes.
I learned how to play drums from this man.
Thank you Bill!
❤️
The greatest symbiotic relationship between bass and drums I've ever seen is Peter Erskine and Jaco Pastorious. " The the best way to learn how to play is on a Bandstand." - B.Bruford
Brilliant interview and questions, Barry.
Great musician and very articulate. May your retirement be long and rewarding Mr Bruford.
Enjoyed a great interview. Let's see, I've seen Mr. Bill Bruford 8 times, solo and with other bands: King Crimson (73 twice, 74, 84), BRUFORD band (NYC '80), ABWH ('89), Yes Union ('91), Earthworks ('91). He is the most intellectual drummer of all, a Master indeed. The only 2 bands I missed him with were when he briefly was in Genesis and UK. My only reservation was why did he play the Simmons electronic drums so long and really ended up being infamous.
Excellent point, I hated the electronic drums and can’t remember a single thing he did on them to tell the truth
Sleepless on KC’s ToaPP.. Excelkent use of electronic drums.
Much like you I saw bruford 9 times….. in 7 different bands/ lineups. My favorite lineup was the quartet with Berlin, Stewart and Holdsworth/ Clark
Signature sound...where I place the note!!!! That's how I always felt about Bill's work. His choice of where to play. No one else played like that. It's what made me such a big fan of his work.
I got into Yes in 1983 and my first live experience was ABWH in 1989, this was the one and only time i saw Bill live but what a gig, great memories, great interview. I saw Asia in 2008 and was more excited to finally see John Wetton live, and Carl.
What defines BB's sound ? In the 70s esp in Yes, that art of having notes very distinct from each other "punctuated" , even in rolls and quick sequences, with lots of unique linear patterns, both power and subtlety (loud notes standing out so clearly from quieter ones). His (what I percieve as) very efficient hi-hat use as an appogiatura to a kick in Fracture (at 4'28, The Mercury Grid at 0'50 has a similar pattern) and I don't know where, is linked to him forever. When he moved to jazz his playing became richer but will less of pattern enhancement so one would take more time guessing who was playing.
Thank you for a great conversation.
Love so much of Mr. Bruford's work. Such a talent. GOAT.
Very articulate, very informative. Love his interviews.
Wow. I want to send my thanks for using my question about the “Bruford” sound. Cheers!!! Thanks for the smile.
What's always stood out to me is the space between the notes or what I like to call hang Time
Thanks for this interview. One of my favourite drummers. Nice interview, thanks. Peace!
Thanks for an interesting interview. Nice to hear you both talking about music. I am a bit surprised on your different approach, like the “ on note or between notes”. Well, I am surprised that none of you mentioned Bill’s work on the Absolute Elsewhere album In Search of Ancient Gods, witch happens to be one of my manny favorite albums. All the best to you both and may all good things come your way!
Wisconsin the late 1970s as a teenager and a large part of that was music including Yes, King Crimson, U.K. and Bruford's bands.
Bruford saying he finds Meshuggah amazing just made my day.
That was a big surprise! He probably likes the complex rhythmic aspects of some of their music.
This is a great interview. All your interviews are great.
Thank you
Interviewer lost a ton of credibility with his smug disdain for The Who’s “Live At Leeds”. He managed to sound like a guy who was an old man in 1971.
Disdain for 'Live at Leeds' ?- I rank it as the best live album ever! As listed in my 'top ten live albums' Jeeez.
@@classicalbum @Cl I tk they’re referring to 3:35
One of the things about Bill's drumming that was great was not 'what' he played', but 'what he did not play'. While every other drummer is trying to play thousands of notes with hyperbolic drumming, Bill's style was restrained and focused on putting in stuff that sounded good without cluttering up the music with over-drumming. That to me is what made his playing unique. I find that is true with other instruments as well, like piano, where people are all over the keyboard with notes doing all kinds of fancy stuff, but the piano players that are great know when to play, and when not to play.
Man, Beelzebub! That track is so deeply etched in my mind forever. Thank you Bill, for all of it.
Wow Bill is very up to date with the music, he mentioned Meshuggah :-) great drummer, very reconizable after 1st hit rimshot.
I saw The Crims in '84 and they played "the sheltering sky"...although the strings dominate the direction, it's Bruford's slit-drum that sets the tone. Top tier musicianship.
Terrific job, Barry. Bill's an engaging interview.
God, I was dejected when the music press announced that Bill was leaving Yes. His replacement was duly announced and being none the wiser yet optimistic my friend helpfully played me 'Instant Karma'. I was frankly horrified. And coming round to Bill's 'curly sandwiches' metaphor. New to the area here a recommended neighbour did some plumbing for me 2 years ago, curiously I'd already heard that he was/is a musician who had played to a decent level so I asked if he'd played with anyone I might have heard of. Expecting a couple of semi-obscure metal bands I was gobsmacked when he said Bill Brufords Earthworks!! A true 'curly sandwich' anecdote. He's now a good friend too
Always a joy to hear him speak about his long career. I still would love to listen to that snare drum 'ping' or his position of THE note live. Keep well both of you.
Nicely done, sir!
Stellar interview. That made my day, thanks!
Glad you enjoyed it!
Tales was so experimental as Lark's Tongues in Aspic. It's time to listen to it and maybe learn a lot.-
"Nifty little combo, there!" Cute understatement, Bill.
as *soon* as our excellent host mentioned "prog metal" I thought of Meshuggah, wondering what sort of take Dr Bruford would have on them, and then at 16:55, Bill says (somewhat humorously) "Do you remember Meshuggah?" ... I almost fell out of my chair ... he continues: "Terrific! Absolutely amazing!" ... had to hit the Pause bar to pause the video just to take that in, hoping that he would then offer some observation on Tomas Haake, but, no
it's so easy to listen to Bruford speak, but even better with an intelligent, well paced host as we're treated to here
thanks for sharing this with us
Hahaha! Great interviews (you can remove "Topographic Oceans" from the title of this video, though)
In answer to the question, what is the Bruford sound? Years ago I was in the car with my drummer friend, and we came across some incredible music on the radio. The guitarist had the speed of Dimeola, but was also bending notes like Hendrix. I couldn’t identify the guitar player, but my drummer friend said, that’s 100% Bruford on the drums! It turned out to be Kazumi Watanabe, with Bruford on an acoustic kit. So whatever that Bruford sound is, it came across loud and clear to my drummer friend!
Thanks Barry and Bill 👍🏻
Great interview to you both
This was fantastic. Thanks to both of you.
Always love to see/hear BB
See him in Spain 🇪🇸 this week as special guest at the MoonJune Music 🎶 Festival.
Great interview! I think Bill's right. It's the timing. Sure, there's his snare "bonk" which did seem to sound very similar regardless of what snare he was playing. Though I will admit that not all recordings of Bill have that "bonk". So, there's definitely more to it than that.
Favorite Bruford CD - #1 Starless and Bible Black; #1a U.K.
great questions, ones I'd have but haven't heard asked of him. thank you.
Great interview, very well done and great questions. Thank you!
Glad you enjoyed it!
Would have loved to have known if THIS actually happened: Rick wakeman has said that when he first joined Yes, after the first show he did with them, Chris and Bill were arguing about who missed a musical cue and Bill punched Chris. Leaving Rick to surmise "What have I gotten myself into. This band is about to break up!"
Mr. Wakeman has been known to exaggerate...
Amazing discussion. Thanks.
Very smart & articulate. Good interview with some great questions. I'd have asked about UK as well - that could have been an interesting story
"Godfather of Progressive Rock Drumming!!"
Thank you for this, good interview and overall presentation.
Can't think of two more different approaches to drumming than Bruford or Moon, I love both !
🤘🎅👍
Very cool.
Did not Bill play a couple of days with Savoy Brown?
Peace on earth.
I believe he was actually fired from that band. For "over playing".
Barry - Have you heard a recent solo by Carl Palmer? I heard one from November 2021. That man is still incredible! Both he and Bill are incredible. Just in different ways. I'd love to hear you interview Carl.
Carl wont do zoom interviews
@@classicalbum Well, that is a great shame. I will say that I don't care for his management. I had a less than pleasant interaction with them several years ago.
He's one of my favourite drummers and has a lot of stuff. I've tried to get it all and im always finding more . Him and ginger Baker are my favourite
Kind of weird to think to myself "yep, that's exactly it!" when Bill says his signature sound is where he places the notes, because it is, after all, the man himself saying it so it's kinda like "well, duhhh?", but yep, that's exactly it. No one else on the planet plays like him.
i guessed 5% was his first song. Great interview.
oh and thanks Barry for touching on a couple of my questions. :) "Good speed" as he finished up.