Jack Bruce : Smiles & Grins : Broadcast Sessions 1970 – 2001 : 4CD / 2 BluRay Box Set Review
I’m excited to share my thoughts on another fantastic box set from Esoteric Recordings, a division of Cherry Red Records. This is a comprehensive collection of Jack Bruce’s legendary radio and TV sessions spanning from 1970 to 2001.
“Smiles & Grins” is a meticulously curated box set featuring every surviving radio and TV session recorded by Jack Bruce for the BBC and Radio Bremen. This set includes:
4 CDs: Covering sessions from BBC Radio, Beat Club, Jazz in Britain, and more.
2 Blu-rays: Featuring unbroadcast sessions, full concerts, and special performances.
68-Page Book: Written by Sid Smith, providing a comprehensive look at Jack Bruce’s legacy.
The set design is absolutely top-notch, with each disc packaged in individual sleeves and labeled with spines for easy identification. Esoteric Recordings has truly done justice to Jack Bruce’s legacy with this beautifully designed collection.
Disc 1 – Radio 1 In Concert (1971): Captures the raw energy of Jack Bruce’s live performances with tracks like “Theme for an Imaginary Western.”
Disc 2 – Sounds of the 70s & Jazz In Britain (1971): Contains a unique Radio 1 session not found in previous collections and more tracks from John Heisman’s 1971 Jazz broadcast.
Disc 3 – Old Grey Whistle Test & Jazz In Britain (1975-1978): Features a dynamic Jack Bruce Band session and two spirited Jazz In Britain performances.
Disc 4 – Radio 1 Session & Jazz In Britain (1977-1978): Presents rare recordings showcasing Bruce’s versatility.
Blu-ray 1 – Tony Williams Lifetime & Old Grey Whistle Test (1970-1975): Highlights the Beat Club’s unbroadcast Tony Williams Lifetime session and Jack Bruce Band’s OGWT concert.
Blu-ray 2 – Jack Bruce & Friends in Concert (1981) & Later… with Jools Holland (2001): Offers a mix of classic hits and collaborations with stellar musicians.
The Performance Highlights
The two Blu-rays are the real draw of this set, packed with mesmerizing performances: The Tony Williams and Jack Bruce and Friends Concerts in particular are amazing.
Tony Williams Lifetime (1970): An unbroadcast session featuring “Smiles and Grins” and “Dance of the Maya,” with John McLaughlin on guitar.
Jack Bruce Band – Old Grey Whistle Test (1975): The full band live with Whispering Bob Harris introducing.
Jack Bruce & Friends – University of Surrey (1981): Clem Clempson and David Sancious join Bruce for electrifying renditions of “White Room” and “Politician.”
Later… with Jools Holland (2001): Jack Bruce performs “Sunshine of Your Love” with a tight, percussion-driven band.
“Smiles & Grins” is a meticulously curated, lovingly produced collection that pays fitting tribute to Jack Bruce’s remarkable career. The book, filled with essays and rare photos, provides valuable context, allowing listeners to better appreciate Bruce’s diverse musical journey. Whether you’re a longtime Jack Bruce enthusiast or new to his work, this box set offers an in-depth exploration of one of rock’s most influential musicians.
Phil Aston, Now Spinning Magazine
