Bill Bruford was born in
Kent, England, on May 17, 1949. Like many great drummers, Bill took drum lessons, and was most influenced by
Jazz, especially the work of
Elvin Jones. By 1968, Bill had already began his
professional career in
music, and toured internationally with
Yes (starting at age nineteen) and
King Crimson. He also toured with other British "
Art Rock" bands of the time, such as
U.K., and
Genesis.
By 1980, Bill had recorded four
solo albums, but then re-joined King Crimson, this time for only two years. In 1986, Bill had formed a new band,
Earthworks with
Django Bates and Iain Ballamy, releasing 4 albums between 1987-1994. Finally, King Crimson reunited one last time in 1995. They
toured the world, giving 120 concerts, and produced the album
THRAK and several live albums, featuring its use of two drummers (Bill Bruford and
Pat Mastelotto), and KC's unique "
double-trio" style.
Bruford also managed to rack up a serious reputation as a studio drummer, playing with with
Kazumi Watanabe,
David Torn,
The New Percussion Group of Amsterdam,
Jamaaladeen Tacuma,
Akira Inoue,
Al Di Meola,
Anderson Bruford Wakeman and Howe,
the Buddy Rich Orchestra,
Tony Levin, and
Pete Lockett, among others.
Bill Bruford now lives in the
Surrey Hills with his wife Carolyn and their three children.
For complete
discography (which is
lengthy), go to:
http://www.billbruford.com/index.htm