SPECTRUM ROAD
This all-star band emerged from a discussion between Vernon Reid and Jack Bruce when Vernon was touring and recording with Jack around 2003. They bonded over how much they admired the groundbreaking music of Tony William’s Lifetime, in particular the first and second editions of that seminal band, particularly the second edition, in which Jack participated with Larry Young and John McLaughlin and recorded the classic album Turn It Over in 1970. Vernon suggested using John Medeski on keyboards and Tony Williams acolyte Cindy Blackman on drums. This band premiered in December 2008 at the Blue Note in Tokyo. The 2011 shows were the first time the band has played in the United States. Spectrum Road has just finished recording an album which will released in the Fall of 2011 on Palmetto Records.
Jack Bruce is a Scottish musician and songwriter, revered as a founding member of the British psychedelic rock power trio, Cream, for a solo career that spans several decades, and for his participation in several well-known musical ensembles. Best recognized as a memorable vocalist and electric fretless bassist, Bruce has been referred to as a "World-class pioneer in his main instrument; a composer of some of the most endurable and recognizable rock songs of our time; an accomplished classical, jazz and Latin musician and one of popular music's most distinctive and evocative voices." The Sunday Times stated "... many consider him to be one of the greatest bass players of all time.”
Vernon Reid spent his formative years on the downtown New York jazz-funk-punk scene in the early 1980’s and is probably best known for his leadership of the pioneering multi-platinum rock band Living Colour, Vernon is also recognized around the world for his collaborations with creative spirits that range from musicians (Carlos Santana, Mick Jagger, James “Blood” Ulmer and many more) to choreographers (Bill T. Jones and others) and filmmakers (Charles Stone III and others). Reid founded Living Colour in New York City around 1985 and piloted the band through a remarkable career. Among the highlights: a double platinum-selling debut album Vivid; its gold-certified successor, Time's Up; two consecutive Grammy Awards in the category “Best Hard Rock Performance”; opening for the Rolling Stones’ 1989 Steel Wheels tour; and appearing on the first Lollapalooza tour in the summer of 1991. Living Colour continues to tour around the world.
John Medeski may be best known as one-third of Medeski Martin & Wood, but his full body of work goes far beyond that ground-breaking trio. A familiar face in New York's 'downtown' scene, John has performed alongside New York-based musicians such as saxophonist/composer John Zorn, guitarist Marc Ribot, Lounge Lizard John Lurie, and slide trombonist Steve Bernstein. In addition, a diverse array of artists have sought out John to join them in the recording studio, amongst them songwriters T-Bone Burnett, Rufus Wainwright, Ray Lamontagne, and kd lang, guitarist John Scofield, punk godfather Iggy Pop, R&B innovator Chocolate Genius, D.J./producer Dan the Automator, jazz pianist Matthew Shipp, legendary funk/jazz saxophonist Maceo Parker, Peruvian singer Susanna Baca, gospel singers The Blind Boys of Alabama, and gospel/R&B vocalist Mavis Staples. As of late, John can be found performing solo piano recitals, where he explores classical music, lounge songs, and jazz standards in intimate concert venues such as the Chicago Symphony Center and New York City's Merkin Hall, in addition to select dates in Mexico City and Guadalajara.
Cindy Blackman is best-known for recording and touring with Lenny Kravitz. Blackman has recorded several straight-ahead jazz albums under her own name, and has performed with acclaimed jazz and rock artists, including Pharoah Sanders, Ron Carter, Sam Rivers, Cassandra Wilson, Angela Bofill, Buckethead, Bill Laswell, Joe Henderson and her husband, Carlos Santana. Cindy studied with Tony Williams and cites him as her primary influence. "To me, jazz is the highest form of music that you can play because of the creative requirements," says Blackman.