17-23 is a time capsule of Bruce’s earliest compositions and recordings made between 1971 and 1977. Five of the eight tracks were recorded entirely by Bruce on a consumer reel to reel tape deck running at 7 1⁄2 i.p.s. The balance of the songs represent Bruce’s earliest studio recordings, including “Everyday” which was released as a single and enjoyed radio play in Ontario. Bruce considered the songs working tracks or demo’s and so the majority were only shared on audio cassette with high school friends at the time. The cover art for the album is a self-portrait sketch that Bruce painted in 1975 at 21 years of age. Fresh and energizing, the songs capture a fascinating period of the artist and his budding gifts as a composer and producer.