Sept. 2, 2021

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Robert Fripp and the rest of King Crimson made an appearance at Jacob's Pavilion on Wednesday for an evening of classic progressive-rock. 

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King Crimson has had a plethora of members throughout its fifty-three year career with Fripp being the sole original member.  This time around, the touring band consists of long time bassist Tony Levin, vocalist/multi-instrumentalist Jakko Jakszyk, multi-instrumentalist Mel Collins, and drummers Pat Mastelotto, Gavin Harrison, and Jeremy Stacey. 

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Three complete drum sets took to the front of the stage, while the other four musicians performed on risers behind them.  It was an interesting set up that sometimes had the drums overpower the other other instruments. 

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It was a night of technical prowess and extended solo's.   It seemed like everyone took a solo except for Fripp, as he often stood back and watched the other musicians show their mastery of their instrument.  This was kind of strange since Fripp made Rolling Stone's Top 100 Guitarists Of All Time list landing at number 62.

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Prog fans were happy to hear a couple favorites like "The Court of the Crimson King" and "Starless."  Even a few deep cuts like "Pictures of a City" and "Islands" were included in the twelve song, ninety minute set.

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The band encored with their most popular song, "21st Century Schizoid Man" which also included a drum solo by Gavin Harrison.

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I can appreciate the technical aspects and all of the difficulties that different time signatures require.  However, it seemed that last nights performance, besides the three drummers, was a little uninspired.  

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Review by Greg Drugan

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