HYDE PARK, LONDON, 1969

On this disc we can hear the famous Hyde Park concert, where King Crimson played in front of some 500,000 people as opening act for the Rolling Stones. It all happened on July 5, 1969. They played very well. The concert opens with two tracks from their debut album, which at the time of this concert had yet to be released. First "21st Century Schizoid man" and then the mellotron drenched "In the Court of the Crimson King". The next track, "Get thy bearings" was written by Donovan. It's a jazzy track with great soloing by McDonald and a bluesy, guitar led ending. Next is a short and beautiful version of "Epitaph". This is followed by "Mantra", also a short tune. It sounds spooky and has a beautiful flute sound. Without noticing this track turns into the next track, "Travel Weary Capricorn". This is also a very jazzy tune. The concert ends with "Mars" (written by Holst). This music would be used for the track "The Devils Triangle" on the album "In the Wake of Poseidon".

As bonus tracks there is an interview with the members of the first King Crimson incarnation at the time Epitaph was released (March 15, 1997). But more interesting there is an instrumental version of "21st Century Schizoid Man", recorded at Morgan Studio on June 12, 1969.

This is an interesting release. It is one of the first concerts by the band that helped to define progressive rock. We all know King Crimson had several incarnations, but the first is clearly one of the best. The sonic quality of this release is acceptable and comparable to the Epithaph releases. The performance is great and the instrumental Schizoid bonus track is a real treat.