U.K.

"Released in 1978 (at the tail end of the golden years of progressive rock) the sleek, self-titled debut album from the super-group U.K. is a brilliant recording from an impressive pedigree of players. The initial - albeit brief - lineup consisted of Bill Bruford (ex-Yes, Genesis, King Crimson), Allan Holdsworth (ex-Soft Machine, Gong), Eddie Jobson (ex-Zappa Band, Roxy Music) and John Wetton (ex-King Crimson, Roxy Music).

Featuring a wash of synthesizers, jazz-influenced guitar playing, heavy bass work, and magnificently precise drumming, 'U.K.' is an album of exceptionally high quality musicianship. Echoes of King Crimson's 'Red' (on which both Bruford & Wetton played) are very prominent, with comparable complex arrangements and dynamic performances, delivered with technical finesse. Guitarist, Allan Holdsworth has featured on a number of less accessible recordings over the years (including several as a solo artist and with Bruford), but his playing here is exemplary. Check out the sublime lead break in the amazing opening cut, "In the Dead of Night" - it has clearly had an impact on Eddie Van Halen, Joe Satriani, and many other guitarists since.

It is a shame that UK didn't last longer - the directions they could have taken are quite mind-boggling. As it turned out, Jobson and Wetton wanted to take the band on a more commercial path (prompted by record company pressure), so Bruford and Holdsworth left them to it. The group released one more studio LP (the very worthy 'Danger Money'), before disbanding in late 1979. John Wetton followed his dream and went on to form the hugely successful Asia super-group with Steve Howe, Geoff Downes & Carl Palmer.

If musicianship is your thing, do yourself a favour and get this CD. 'U.K.' was one of the last great albums of the '70s and is truly a classic of its genre.
- GEOFF (12th August, 2009)

Bill Bruford: Kit Drums and Percussion
Allan Holdsworth: Guitars
John Wetton: Bass and vocals
Eddie Jobson: Keyboards, electric violin and electronics