By Ewan George Kenneth Brocklehurst
I have been a fan of King Crimson since day one. I have observed the different incarnations of the band from the beginning with Peter Sinfield writing lyrics and Greg Lake performing the vocals, to the most recent lineup that includes the master of guitar, Adrian Belew, Tony Levin and Pat Mastelotto. The only constant in the band is and has been Robert Fripp.
The two DVD set, "Eyes Wide Open" provides a vivid insight into the heart and soul of King Crimson. From admiring Robert Fripp's intense guitar sounds that he runs through a very sophisticated sound amplifier, to watching Trey Gunn on his Warr guitar. Pat Mastelotto, who must have the most difficult drum assignment in rock, provides the back beat inspiration that makes the music soar to new heights. And I have not yet mentioned Adrian Belew, who I have always admired for his solo work, but his vocals and guitar work as part of King Crimson have sent this band into a dimension that was not accessible with the line-up from the 70′s.
In 1995, I had the fortune of seeing Fripp and company perform in Vancouver and to say that I was astounded would have sold them short. Robert Fripp likes to take himself out of the spotlight and sits on a stool in the shadows at the back of the stage. He is like a band leader who does not want to steal from the performers at the front of the stage. But his masterful control of the guitar sounds that he produces, provides the impetus for the musical success of the band. I was fortunate to see both Bill Bruford and Pat Mastelotto on drums and watching this dual drumming drove the music to rhythmic peaks and valleys not normally associated with rock music. But, I was a long way back from the stage and did not experience the intimacy among the band members. So I bought the DVD where you get the opportunity to observe Fripp closeup at work. His fingers can move up and down the frets with exacting ease, and the sounds are hard to believe. He does more work for more sound than any guitarist I have ever watched live. He also has a wonderful non-verbal communication with the other members of the band, especially Adrian Belew. They work together for the different guitar sounds and when they are on, Fripp will give Adrian a little smile and gentle nod of his head in appreciation for his performance. Fripp is a perfectionist and the music of Crimson caters to perfection. These are just some of the wonderful intricacies that you can watch as the band performs.
Now, this two disc DVD set is a real must have. Disc one is the entire concert from Tokyo in April 2003. "The Power to Believe" CD had just been released and although this set concentrates on the material from this album, it makes forays into the "ConstruKtion of Light" CD and a little bit of "Thrak". The second disc, recorded in London in July 2000 sticks very closely to the "Thrak" and "ConstruKtion of Light" CD's. However, there is a brief foray into the earlier music of this incarnation of King Crimson. However, there is also an improv element to this show where the whole band showcases their abilities. Again, you can watch Fripp in complete harmony with the talented musicians in the band. One of the wonderful aspects of the second disc, is the ability for your DVD player to play the disc a little differently each time, adding improvisations in different spots of the show each time it is played. This provides the feel of being at a different King Crimson concert each time you watch the DVD.
If you are a fan of non-linear music, with many time changes, guitars, bass, drums and synthesizers, then this is a band you should hook up with. If you are a Rush fan, then King Crimson is a band for you. There is much that sets itself apart from all other progressive rock bands, but it is also a band that can provide you an insight into the deep technical requirements into making a brilliant composition and being able to perform it live. If you are looking for a single King Crimson studio recording to set you on your way, I suggest that you pick up "In the Court of the Crimson King", "Starless and Bible Black", "Discipline" or "The Power to Believe". Any of these will demonstrate the power of King Crimson and all four together will give a musical history of the various stages of the band. Start now, do not wait!
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