This D.V.D. released by
the omnipresent Robert Fripp, leader of
those pioneers of Progressive Rock (in
this case perhaps a more apt title would
be Adventurous Rock), King Crimson have
at last brought out a recording that does
justice to the band’s musical ability
and visual presence.
From a musical point of view you get over
two and a half hours of Crimson music
from the amazing Double Trio King Crimson,
a title made up as ever by Fripp, where,
although all six members were on stage
at the same time, they were able to break
off in mid-song to play as two separate
units, and then all come crashing back
together with the power of Thor’s double
sided hammer.
This is used to dramatic effect on old
Crimson standards such as “Lark’s Tongue
In Aspic Part II” from 1973 (come on,
if you haven’t heard it, aren’t you just
a little bit curious to find out what
a song sounds like with a title like that?),
originally recorded when only Robert Fripp
and Bill Bruford were in the band. From
this lineup the others in that period
being Jamie Muir on percussion, David
Cross on violin, flute and keyboards,
plus the mega-talented John Wetton on
bass and vocals, but when this 1998 version
of the band come in altogether on that
most famous of Crimson riffs, the wallpaper
shreds from its glue. Most of the well-known
songs in the life and times of King Crimson
from 1973 onwards are here, with a definitive
version of most songs laid down.
Visually the band line up as a back row
and a front row. In the back row the two
drummers sit on either side of the stage
as if castles on a chess board; Bill Bruford
in a dapper yellow double breasted suit,
whilst Pat Mastelotto effects traditional
Rock ‘n’ Roll garb in jeans and T-Shirt.
Sitting on his stool in the middle, dressed
in Black is Mr. Robert Fripp, no emotion
showing but firmly in command of his guitar
and those all around him. The front line
consists of the mercurial Trey Gunn on
stick guitar on your left; to the right
is without doubt the best bass guitarist
in the world of rock, Mr. Tony Levin;
and slap bang in the middle is Adrian
Belew, the band’s lyricist for more than
twenty years, lead guitarist, and focal
point of the live show, with his pleasant
bouncy personality. The fact that he resembles
Rick Bryant more and more as time passes
is neither here nor there.
This version of King Crimson is a joy
to behold. These days Bill Bruford and
Trey Gunn have gone on to pastures new,
but the nucleus of the band are still
going and are in fine form as last year’s
offering “The ConstrucKtion Of Light”
showed (Robert Fripp always chucks on
extra capital ‘K’ into the title if he
can).
But the joy of this D.V.D does not stop
with the concert alone.
There are so many extras with this set,
it is hard to know where to start. Firstly
there are seven different camera angles
on which you can view this concert, zooming
in on just one player, or taking an overall
view. After watching the concert you can
switch over and watch Tony Levin’s road
movies from this tour including clips
of travel, hassles, rehearsals, and even
some very honest ‘warts ‘n’ all’ arguments
between band members. A section on the
history of King Crimson called “In The
Court Of The Crimson Kings” which chronicles
the life and times of King Crimson and
all its different line-ups with plenty
of photographs to match. Great fun is
the 21st Century Schizoid band, where,
with an interactive menu, you can select
a choice of singers, soloists, and rhythm
sections from 1969, 1971, 1974 or 1996
to perform one of King Crimson’s most
famous songs.
There are also some surprise items slipped
into the proceedings, but then if I told
you about them, they wouldn’t be a surprise,
would they. Also included are many extra
D.V.D Rom features if you want to slip
the discs into your computer and become
a complete King Crimson Anorak.
So, whether you’re a fan of King Crimson
or not, but you own a D.V.D player and
want to use it to its maximum effect,
then this is the disc for you.
Well done Mr. Fripp and cohorts, leading
the field in innovation as always.
If you prefer to just get yourself an
audio document of this fantastic King
Crimson lineup, they also released a double
C.D version of a concert from this tour
with a near identical set list called
“B’Boom The Official Bootleg”. It is well
worth seeking out.
Pawed by Mott The Dog
Remastered by Ella Crew
E-mail: review@mott-the-dog.com
