Meaning: The quote provided is by Bill Bruford, a renowned musician and former drummer for progressive rock bands Yes and King Crimson. In this quote, Bruford reflects on several albums, including "Close to the Edge," "Red," "One of a Kind," "Discipline," "Earthworks," and "The Sound of Surprise." He suggests that these albums successfully captured the essence of their intended musical vision. Let's delve into each of these albums and explore their significance in the context of Bill Bruford's career and musical contributions.

"Close to the Edge" is a progressive rock album by the band Yes, released in 1972. The album is widely regarded as one of the band's masterpieces, featuring intricate compositions and virtuosic performances. With tracks like the epic title track "Close to the Edge," the album showcased Yes' ability to blend complex musical structures with lyrical and melodic themes. The album's fusion of rock, classical, and symphonic elements solidified its place in the progressive rock canon.

"Red" is an album by King Crimson, released in 1974. As King Crimson's seventh studio album, "Red" marked a departure from the band's earlier sound, incorporating elements of heavy rock and experimental music. The album's title track, "Red," is often lauded for its intensity and technical prowess, featuring complex rhythmic patterns and innovative guitar work. "Red" is considered a pivotal album in the progressive rock genre and has left a lasting impact on subsequent generations of musicians.

"One of a Kind" is an album by Bill Bruford's own band, Bruford, released in 1979. As a solo project following his departure from King Crimson, "One of a Kind" showcased Bruford's distinctive drumming style and his innovative approach to rhythm and percussion. The album's fusion of jazz, rock, and electronic elements highlighted Bruford's versatility as a musician, earning critical acclaim and cementing his reputation as a pioneering percussionist.

"Discipline" is another significant album by King Crimson, released in 1981. This album marked a new era for the band, incorporating elements of new wave and avant-garde music while maintaining their progressive rock roots. Tracks like "Elephant Talk" and "Indiscipline" showcased the band's renewed energy and experimentation, earning "Discipline" a place as a groundbreaking and influential album in the progressive rock genre.

"Earthworks" represents a different phase of Bill Bruford's career, as he transitioned from rock and progressive music to jazz fusion. "Earthworks" is the eponymous debut album of Bruford's jazz fusion band, released in 1987. The album featured intricate compositions and improvisational interplay, highlighting Bruford's commitment to exploring new musical territories and pushing the boundaries of his artistic expression.

"The Sound of Surprise" is an album by Bill Bruford's Earthworks, released in 2001. As the band's sixth studio album, "The Sound of Surprise" continued to showcase Bruford's dedication to innovative jazz fusion and progressive improvisation. The album's title encapsulates the ethos of Earthworks, emphasizing the element of surprise and exploration in their musical approach.

In conclusion, Bill Bruford's quote reflects his perspective on several seminal albums that have shaped his musical journey. From his early days with Yes and King Crimson to his pioneering work in jazz fusion with Earthworks, Bruford's career has been marked by a relentless pursuit of artistic intention and musical innovation. These albums have not only captured the essence of their intended visions but have also left an indelible mark on the landscape of progressive rock and jazz fusion. Bill Bruford's enduring legacy as a musician and visionary continues to resonate through the timeless music encapsulated in these albums.