Home » Jazz Articles » Album Review » The Lonely Bears: The Bears Are Running

139

The Lonely Bears: The Bears Are Running

By

Sign in to view read count
The Lonely Bears: The Bears Are Running
“The Lonely Bears” were an early 90’s rock/fusion super-group consisting of all world drummer Terry Bozzio, legendary reedman Tony Coe, noteworthy session guitarist Hugh Burns and the multi-talented keyboardist Tony Hymas. Previously available as imports on “Pelican Sound Recordings”, America based progressive rock label “Magna Carta” has recently reissued the three studio recordings, plus a “Best Of” compilation. And while The Bears Are Running may not be quite as prolific as their first and second efforts, the music and often vivacious interplay is perhaps miles ahead of what many of their contemporaries were producing during that specific time frame.

The musicians meld British folk with cyclic themes on the compositions titled, “From The Nacfa Mountains” and “Hopping Down In Kent” led by saxophonist Tony Coe’s pronounced and at times majestic lyricism whereas, drummer Terry Bozzio enhances the already expansive demeanor with his impossibly complex - polyrhythmic style of attack! While the piece dubbed “No Picnic” features Tony Hymas’ abstract synth lines, upbeat themes and crushing impact.

Highlights on the seventeen-minute, “Looking For Maquah” include Coe’s ferocious sax work, Bozzio’s quadruple time pulse, Hymas’ tantalizing yet simply stated motifs and Burn’s slashing licks. The piece titled “Running Bears” is fairly indistinguishable despite the climactic evolvement and bouncy motifs as some of these compositions signify little more than extended workouts. However, “The Lonely Bears” prevailed as an exciting and altogether invigorating outfit while “Magna Carta” has performed a good deed by re-releasing their recordings. - Without a doubt, this band resides within the upper echelon of the prog-fusion scheme of things.

* * * ½ (out of * * * * *)

Personnel

Tony Hymas; Keyboards: Terry Bozzio; Drums: Tony Coe; Saxophones: Hugh Burns; Guitar.

Track listing: 1) Ma Grande Ourse 2) From The Nacfa Mountains 3) Eastbourne 1907 4) Happy Go Lucky Loco 5) No Picnic 6) I Listen To You Dreaming 7) More Than A Thousand Hours 8) Looking For Maquah 9) Joik 10) Spiderwoman 11) Running Bears 12) Hopping Down In Kent 13) Los Ultimos Dias

(Magna Carta/Pelican)

Album information

Title: The Bears Are Running | Year Released: 2000 | Record Label: Magna Carta Records

Comments

Tags


For the Love of Jazz
Get the Jazz Near You newsletter All About Jazz has been a pillar of jazz since 1995, championing it as an art form and, more importantly, supporting the musicians who create it. Our enduring commitment has made "AAJ" one of the most culturally important websites of its kind, read by hundreds of thousands of fans, musicians and industry figures every month.

You Can Help
To expand our coverage even further and develop new means to foster jazz discovery and connectivity we need your help. You can become a sustaining member for a modest $20 and in return, we'll immediately hide those pesky ads plus provide access to future articles for a full year. This winning combination will vastly improve your AAJ experience and allow us to vigorously build on the pioneering work we first started in 1995. So enjoy an ad-free AAJ experience and help us remain a positive beacon for jazz by making a donation today.

More

Sensual
Rachel Z
Over and Over
Tony Monaco Trio
Love Is Passing Thru
Roberto Magris

Popular

Get more of a good thing!

Our weekly newsletter highlights our top stories, our special offers, and upcoming jazz events near you.