How to bring Yes and King Crimson giant Bill Bruford out of retirement, by the guy who did it

Guitarist Pete Roth says informal jazz sessions with former Yes and King Crimson drummer Bill Bruford led to Bruford’s return to headline performance after 13 years away. The collaboration became the Pete Roth Trio, whose album *Group Chat* pairs composed passages with improvisation.

Roth, who had previously worked as Bruford’s drum technician, began playing with him in 2022 for enjoyment, alongside bassist Mike Pratt. Bruford’s appearance on the album was his first recording of new material in 19 years; the trio began taking the project more seriously in 2024 while keeping fun as its main aim.