King Crimson is truly a seven-headed monster. This band took many surprising turns throughout their career. Never compromising just moving forward. Just when you thought there was no place for King Crimson to go, the three-drummer solution was the total ace under the sleeve of Robert Fripp.
Let’s just say the latest King Crimson concert was probably the most ambitious show ever put together by any rock band. It’s a case where the band completely relied on the music, and the music spoke volumes. It was a spectacle projected by the most complicated simplicity imaginable.
The three drummers took the center stage, and everyone else was elevated in the second row. From the get go, it was understood, the drummer were the common denominator here. It was an absolute perfection how they exchange a simple roll with each player adding a twist, and the ability to stop at a moment’s notice. It was as if the drummers developed their own language, and they were just sending out coded messages to each other, and the rest of the band. This review could’ve easily been about the drummers alone. Pat Mastelotto, Jeremy Stacey, and Gavin Harrison are something to see.
King Crimson played a combination of songs from many of their phases. They presented their songs with some interesting arrangements. You could feel the music evolve right in front of your eyes, and there wasn’t a moment to be missed. Going to the bathroom or getting a drink was simply not n option. Guitarist/vocalist, Jakko Jakszyk, did an amazing job delivering the vocals, and finding a way of connecting with the great singers of the King’s past. Not only was he a great singer, but played his guitar parts beautifully and with complete conviction. Robert Fripp definitely found a musician with an extensive instrumental vocabulary he can play with.
Tony Levin provided a very solid bottom end, and with three drummers at his disposal he really had his hands full. It wasn’t anything a bass player of this caliber couldn’t handle. Levin moved swiftly between bass, standing bass, and the mesmerizer (which is what this writer to call the Chapman Stick prior to learning its proper name.) Mel Collins was constantly present adding variety of saxophone sounds, and flute. His gentle approach to the music was absolutely perfect, and elevated each song to new heights. Drummer, Jeremy Spencer, often switched between drums and piano, the man was certainly busy and very effective.
Robert Fripp was the captain of this ship, and his easy-going navigation took King Crimson from heights to heights. I don’t think I saw a band climax so many times within one evening. Fripp’s playing as always interesting, but very much to the point. He does not overplay nor is he trying to be a guitar hero, but what he does is incredibly effective. Sometimes down to very few notes, but it’s those notes that channel the energy of the whole band. Robert Fripp clearly understands his purpose. No need to to explain that any further.
There songs King Crimson selected to play this night brought in many highlights and memories. “Epitaph” comes to mind right away. It’s perhaps one of the finest songs ever crafted, and it dates back to 1969. Some things just don’t get old. “Red” took the band in yet another motion. “Islands” provided incredible balance, and kudos to Jakszyk for a beautiful rendition of this classic track. “Level Five” came across incredibly powerful. It was a track to wrestle with, but what a delivery from every member. “Starless” always sounds so deep. The song was electrifying with its flowing energy, yet there was something incredibly relaxing about it. King Crimson came back for an encore with “21st Century Schizoid Man,” a classic track with an incredible drum solo from Gavin Harrison.
King Crimson managed to take its audience into another dimension. Away from pandemic, daily stress, and anything else that sends negative vibes. It was a musical performance for a very certain audience. Many young kids in the audience alongside the old guard, which only underlines how powerful the music is. King Crimson felt like a ship from another dimension that landed in Ravinia, delivered magic, and took off into infinity. It was powerful with touch of sensibility, and three drummers up front.
Mark Kadzielawa
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