Tim Garland is generally a much more subtle and varied sax player than Patrick Clahar, who was with Earthworks from 1999 until 2002. Garland also tends to employ a wider range of colours than his predecessor, using both tenor and soprano saxes, bass clarinet and even flute. Moreover, he is known as a highly original and adventurous composer. For all these reasons, I had high hopes when RANDOM ACTS OF HAPPINESS was released (the remaining members of Bruford's band had stayed the same) - but to my disappointment all my hopes were dashed!

If you like Bruford's way of drumming (and, perhaps, his early solo albums) but have never listened to Earthworks, RANDOM ACTS might actually be an excellent introduction to this band, since it is joyful and fiesta-like, and it even includes performances of Bruford 'oldies' such as 'Seems like a lifetime ago' (without vocals, this time) and 'One of a Kind'.
My gripe with this album is that none of the NEW compositions cut any wood. Their melodies are undistinguished, and Garland's solos (for all his pedigree) don't really catch fire. Steve Hamilton's piano is lovely as always, but his style hasn't developed in any way (it doesn't surprise me that he left Earthworks after the recording of this album), and Bill is his trusty old self, but even he doesn't do anything you've never heard before. Only towards the end of the album, on 'Speaking with Wooden Tongues' (where Garland's soprano sax has a delightful northern African flavour) did I get carried away by the music - and by then it was rather late!
Of all 1970s prog musicians I can think of, Bill Bruford has had the solo career I admire and respect the most. To my regret, I must admit RANDOM ACTS was the first BB album that disappointed me. If you want to hear Earthworks at their best, go for the double live FOOTLOOSE AND FANCY FREE instead: it's one of the most exciting projects Bill has ever been involved with.