This is so epic that it's actually difficult to digest in one take!
Amazing new concert document from the King Crimson a'ka "8-headed
beast"... During one show they tear through most significant creations
of their turbulent career, spanning 48 years of band's history, supervised by the master craftsman Robert Fripp. The man who used to be mercurial and rather dictateurish about his approach to both music and his bandmates in the early or middle stages of Crimson's history - now seems to be as wise and wistful about the band's formula and abilities - as he's happy to reimagine and represent the full cross-section of the bands varied musical catalogue.
Had the set contained
"Red", "Lament" and "Sleepless" alongside what is already a mammoth setlist - this also could
be the ultimate greatest hits set for the band, perfect to get one's teeth into the real thing for anyone who even scarcely knows the band. Playing is fiery, wistful and imaginative,
with band members taking a lot of chances in many places. Hard to pick
up the stand out highlights, maybe beside one imminent ace - that is Mel Collins'
playing the armoury of wind instruments. At the age of 71 this man must possibly have the lungs of steel, to play
such an intense solo parts and improvisations as he does. Still, you can't throw anything
at other members of the band. Even Jakkszyk's vocals - though strainy at
moments - are stellar. I mean - not many people can sing John Wetton's
parts actually not being Wetton himself. This is an absolute joy and a
must for a music lovers of any taste. I'll have a lot of joy and pleasure in
discovering all the intricacies and tiny sweet little musical raisins
hidden in this epic musical spectacle. This simply CANNOT be not
recommended!
Post "many-spins-after" notes...
Brilliant document, KCrimson-wise - it's an immense classic. The old stuff from the era between Greg Lake's departure and John Wetton's arrival is given a completely new, shining schnitt, a true lease of better second life. Being gone, dead and burried, almost crossed out from the public memory for mere four decades - "Cirkus", "The Lizard Suite" and "Islands" are now bristling the light of re-discovered exciting musical gems - intricative, full of nuances, changes and hunting with the power of imagination.
The way to rework "Neurotica" and "Indiscipline" has also proved immensely fruitful. I mean, how can one outtdo Adrian Belew style and swagger in both singing and playing in those tunes? Most of the artists given this kind of mission would gracefully skip and withdraw from even trying. The 8-headed beast didn't. I really treasure the way Jakko sings in "Indiscipline" - it's indeed totally different, but has an undeniably genuine idea and charm and... it just works! Both cuts are thrilling in the emperor's new clothes.
The rest of the set (or at leasr a fair most of it) is by now honed by the super-oiled playing orchestra for years, so there can be no less but an utter enjoyment to lernd your ears, senses and imagination to hear it. Special mention goes to the, also freshly added, off-Red favourite - "Fallen Angel", played fiercely and proudly, which stands tall among the other 20+ choices of tunes filling this set of wonders that actually were 3 hours of magic in one place at one time.
This is something to be behold and cherished for decades to come. Robert, Mel, Pat, Tony, Bill, Jakko, Jeremy and Gavin: THANK YOU VERY MUCH for doing this. I hope we can see you in Europe next year, just to get a chance to be a part of this wonderful musical spectacle again!
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