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cstack3 View Drop Down
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Points: 7264 		Direct Link To This Post Topic: King Crimson's Mellotrons (2014)
    Posted: September 16 2015 at 02:33
I'm a huge fan of the Mellotron, and was delighted to see King Crimson deploy these sounds at the Chicago concert (Vic Theater, 26 September 2014).  

One aspect that struck me was the way that various band members, particularly drummers, evoked Mellotron sounds from some hand-held digital device.  It was stunning!  However, at that time I wasn't sure what trickery they were using.  

I've found out that they used an i-Pad app, please see:  

https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/50th-anniversary-edition-mellotronics/id375100093?mt=8

Bob Fripp is quoted as saying "We no longer take Mellotrons on the road.  Instead we take this iPad app."

I just downloaded the app tonight on my wife's i-Pad and am blowing my brains out at 2 am, playing the introduction chords to "Watcher of the Skies" etc.!!  

Easy to use, highly recommended, and pretty cheap to boot!!  Enjoy, Charles
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Points: 20029 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: September 16 2015 at 03:54
Well, iPads are easier to carry around. Is there an Android version?
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Points: 1281 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: September 16 2015 at 11:05
Sweet. I think I know what I want for Christmas.
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Points: 10232 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: September 16 2015 at 11:10
They take three drum sets on the road, there's no space for a Mellotron Tongue
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Points: 7264 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: September 16 2015 at 11:18
Originally posted by Meltdowner Meltdowner wrote:

They take three drum sets on the road, there's no space for a Mellotron Tongue

LOL

That is why they are packing iPads!!  RF also had a full electronic keyboard (I presume a work station) at his little corner of the stage, in the back (you can see the monitor).  Perhaps the best concert I've ever seen, and I've seen hundreds. 
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Points: 20623 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: September 16 2015 at 11:45
And who doesn't like the sound of the mellotron.....but for those who have seen the new KC tour; why 3 drum kits...? I can see two though even that seems a bit much ...but 3 actual drum kits..?
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Points: 20604 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: September 16 2015 at 16:09
Doc, when Fripp eventually brings a couch on stage and lays down to play his parts, you will need something exciting to look at.
Three drummers should do the trick, I should think. Tongue

Edited by SteveG - September 16 2015 at 16:10
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Points: 20623 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: September 16 2015 at 16:17
Originally posted by SteveG SteveG wrote:

Doc, when Fripp eventually brings a couch on stage and lays down to play his parts, you will need something exciting to look at.
Three drummers should do the trick, I should think. Tongue
Ok then...that explains it.
LOL
 
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Points: 91 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: September 16 2015 at 18:20
They may use I-pads, but they also have Memotrons. I'll be seeing them on Thursday night (Usher Hall, Edinburgh), so I'll see how they do it.
I am one of only about 1,800 people in the world with an original M400 Mellotron!
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Points: 239 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: September 16 2015 at 20:54
Being a lifelong Los Angeles guitarist,I learned and experienced a long time ago how heavy and the work involved touring with two Mellowtrons with a busy legendary hard-working Swiss progressive rock band called Flame Dream signed to Vertigo Records.
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Points: 7264 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: September 16 2015 at 23:04
Originally posted by dr wu23 dr wu23 wrote:

And who doesn't like the sound of the mellotron.....but for those who have seen the new KC tour; why 3 drum kits...? I can see two though even that seems a bit much ...but 3 actual drum kits..?
Confused

I know, it sounds excessive, but it has to be experienced live!  The drummers all have a great deal of finesse, and each acts almost like a percussionist in an orchestra rather than a conventional "kit drummer" in a rock band.  The richness of the percussion is remarkable, and it reminds me of the importance of percussion throughout Fripp's catalog.  

The way that they are able to replicate the Bruford/Muir sounds of LTIA era KC was the most impressive!  The audience was hushed, and even subtle chimes and *tock* sounds of wooden instruments could be heard through a rather large venue. 

I'm a fan!  I don't think any other band could work with three drummers, Fripp knows how to keep them under control.  
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Points: 2619 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: September 17 2015 at 08:26
I have a question. I guess he used Guitar for remake Mellotrone sound and playing  (in Tokyo I guess). Is it correct?
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Points: 20623 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: September 17 2015 at 09:13
Originally posted by cstack3 cstack3 wrote:

Originally posted by dr wu23 dr wu23 wrote:

And who doesn't like the sound of the mellotron.....but for those who have seen the new KC tour; why 3 drum kits...? I can see two though even that seems a bit much ...but 3 actual drum kits..?
Confused

I know, it sounds excessive, but it has to be experienced live!  The drummers all have a great deal of finesse, and each acts almost like a percussionist in an orchestra rather than a conventional "kit drummer" in a rock band.  The richness of the percussion is remarkable, and it reminds me of the importance of percussion throughout Fripp's catalog.  

The way that they are able to replicate the Bruford/Muir sounds of LTIA era KC was the most impressive!  The audience was hushed, and even subtle chimes and *tock* sounds of wooden instruments could be heard through a rather large venue. 

I'm a fan!  I don't think any other band could work with three drummers, Fripp knows how to keep them under control.  
 
Ok.....I suspect you saw them in Chicago.,,,,,,what was the venue?
And do you know if they are coming back around anytime soon?
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Points: 20604 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: September 17 2015 at 09:16
Originally posted by O666 O666 wrote:

I have a question. I guess he used Guitar for remake Mellotrone sound and playing  (in Tokyo I guess). Is it correct?
Fripp uses his "Frippertronics" which triggers MIDI samples when he's playing.
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Points: 2619 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: September 17 2015 at 10:00
Originally posted by SteveG SteveG wrote:

Originally posted by O666 O666 wrote:

I have a question. I guess he used Guitar for remake Mellotrone sound and playing  (in Tokyo I guess). Is it correct?
Fripp uses his "Frippertronics" which triggers MIDI samples when he's playing.
Thanks Steve. I think Fripp's "Finger Position" is unique and he is a great "Instrument's Sound Specialist" IMO. 
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Points: 20604 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: September 17 2015 at 10:04
^Yes, he's certainly a unique and talented guitarist and composer and deserves his accolades.
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Points: 2619 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: September 17 2015 at 10:41

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Points: 7264 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: September 17 2015 at 16:08
Originally posted by dr wu23 dr wu23 wrote:

Originally posted by cstack3 cstack3 wrote:

Originally posted by dr wu23 dr wu23 wrote:

And who doesn't like the sound of the mellotron.....but for those who have seen the new KC tour; why 3 drum kits...? I can see two though even that seems a bit much ...but 3 actual drum kits..?
Confused

I know, it sounds excessive, but it has to be experienced live!  The drummers all have a great deal of finesse, and each acts almost like a percussionist in an orchestra rather than a conventional "kit drummer" in a rock band.  The richness of the percussion is remarkable, and it reminds me of the importance of percussion throughout Fripp's catalog.  

The way that they are able to replicate the Bruford/Muir sounds of LTIA era KC was the most impressive!  The audience was hushed, and even subtle chimes and *tock* sounds of wooden instruments could be heard through a rather large venue. 

I'm a fan!  I don't think any other band could work with three drummers, Fripp knows how to keep them under control.  
 
Ok.....I suspect you saw them in Chicago.,,,,,,what was the venue?
And do you know if they are coming back around anytime soon?

It was the Vic Theater, a very old, somewhat run-down movie house that often hosts progressive acts such as Dream Theater, Musical Box etc.  The acoustics are surprisingly good! 

Bob used to always play at the Park West venue, which is much more intimate but has less seat capacity.  I'd see him at a bus station if I had to!

And no, I haven't heard of a return engagement, although I keep my eyes open.



Edited by cstack3 - September 17 2015 at 16:08
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Points: 20623 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: September 17 2015 at 16:54
Originally posted by cstack3 cstack3 wrote:

Originally posted by dr wu23 dr wu23 wrote:

Originally posted by cstack3 cstack3 wrote:

Originally posted by dr wu23 dr wu23 wrote:

And who doesn't like the sound of the mellotron.....but for those who have seen the new KC tour; why 3 drum kits...? I can see two though even that seems a bit much ...but 3 actual drum kits..?
Confused

I know, it sounds excessive, but it has to be experienced live!  The drummers all have a great deal of finesse, and each acts almost like a percussionist in an orchestra rather than a conventional "kit drummer" in a rock band.  The richness of the percussion is remarkable, and it reminds me of the importance of percussion throughout Fripp's catalog.  

The way that they are able to replicate the Bruford/Muir sounds of LTIA era KC was the most impressive!  The audience was hushed, and even subtle chimes and *tock* sounds of wooden instruments could be heard through a rather large venue. 

I'm a fan!  I don't think any other band could work with three drummers, Fripp knows how to keep them under control.  
 
Ok.....I suspect you saw them in Chicago.,,,,,,what was the venue?
And do you know if they are coming back around anytime soon?

It was the Vic Theater, a very old, somewhat run-down movie house that often hosts progressive acts such as Dream Theater, Musical Box etc.  The acoustics are surprisingly good! 

Bob used to always play at the Park West venue, which is much more intimate but has less seat capacity.  I'd see him at a bus station if I had to!

And no, I haven't heard of a return engagement, although I keep my eyes open.


Been to the Vic a number of times over the years...saw Dead Can Dance there as well as Ray Davies . Nice place.....I saw Crimson in the old days at Bismarck Theater and a newer venue in a suburb of Chicago some years ago.
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Points: 4807 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: September 18 2015 at 12:05
The now-and-unveiling future is at hand! I missed the L.A. show last spring, but it's interesting to know how Bob and crew pulled portions of it off. Thanks for the info.
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