Mad Bunny Proudly Announces "A Dream Set Free" by Bruce Bishop, Produced By Ben Harper
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Today, Ben Harper’s label Mad Bunny Records, proudly announces A Dream Set Free, the new record by Bruce Bishop. Produced by Harper, the album is jazz guitar trios featuring Stanley Clarke, Stewart Copeland, Jesse Ingalls and Jimmy Paxson. Presenting nine stellar, original tracks, the music was recorded at the Carriage House in Silverlake, California, engineered by Sheldon Gomberg and mastered by Gavin Lurssen.
This masterful guitarist has strived to stay under the radar, as his last album attests, “The Invisible Guitarist,” but the California native always loomed large in certain music circles, especially those in Harper’s world. Ben first met Bruce at The Folk Music Center, which Ben’s grandparents founded. He was a regular there and a family friend. The two have worked together before on Ben’s music, and Bruce played on Ben’s song “Suzie Blue” from his album “Burn to Shine,” but this is the first time Ben got to produce Bruce’s music.
“This is a particularly special release for me because Bruce has been a childhood hero of mine and I’ve always wanted to work in the studio with him on his music,” said label founder and producer Ben Harper. "I wanted to surround him with musicians of equally high caliber so I called on my friends Stewart and Stanley, and then Jimmy and Jesse. We did these in two sessions and I think this record captured the magic that happened in the studio. For me, it was a dream come true.”
This album is a perfect showcase of Bishop’s unparalleled playing. Bishop used a full toned vintage jazz guitar, which enhanced what he describes as “simple heartfelt melodies designed to leave wide open spaces for an amazing rhythm section.” And what stellar rhythm sections they are! Stewart and Stanley, and Jimmy and Jesse – elevate these ten remarkable tracks which are a true blend of these musical geniuses at work.
A Dream Set Free immediately grabs you in with the upbeat “Out is In,” Bishop’s unmistakable voicings on the guitar; followed by “Maybe Then” a sublime jazz ballad with crisp and intense splashes of colourful melodic lines, and a deep and expressive harmony; then the delightful and boisterous “Just Like That.” Next is the lead single, “Smokey’s Song” which is like swimming through honey, silky, resonant and rich texture. “Keep Running” is bright and brisk, dynamically intricate with brilliantly fused instrumental lines complimenting Bishop’s singular playing. Then comes the awe-inspiring “Second Man” featuring a captivating bass solo. “Didn’t Wake Up” is jubilant and buoyant and its elaborate lines feel free and improvised, woven together perfectly by the lithe texture and timbre of Bishop’s guitar. “A Fool’s Lament” exudes melancholy and last but not least “Sampled Illusions” is a seamless mélange of ebullient rhythms and suspenseful, yet immaculate melodies.
This record finds Bishop set free – displaying his ingenuity, command over his instrument, as well as his exquisite fusion of guitar and voice. The virtuoso chordal phrases are enthralling and contemporary. Even the meticulous design and packaging reflects the artistry within and features a poem by Michael Goldman.
About Bruce Bishop:
Guitarist Bruce Bishop has taught multiple styles of guitar and music theory at Pitzer College and private schools for over two decades. He was a Los Angeles studio musician and performance artist, as well as an audio technician. Currently he lives and works in his music laboratory and recording studio in Northern Idaho, where he still performs professionally, both fingerstyle solo and as a duo with Beth Pederson.