Jack Bruce – Bass

Jack Bruce was one of those superb musicians who, whilst known primarily as a bass player and singer, could play a whole catalogue of instruments and had skills as an original arranger and composer that allowed him to move in any number of directions. His reputation also afforded him numerous opportunities to record as a sideman with a plethora of artists. In this case, it was singer Jon Anderson who benefitted from the Scot’s inimitable playing.

The track ‘Heart Of The Matter’ appeared on Anderson’s 1980 album ‘Song Of Seven’. I actually saw the band on tour around this time although it was John Giblin on bass (he also appears extensively on the album). It’s great Pop with a 12:8 groove – that makes it slightly harder to read but, once you get into the shuffle feel, it starts to make sense.