THE NIGHT WATCH

"We shall now tune our mellotrons and attack Culture once again": Robert Fripp addressing the audience during this magnificent Amsterdam concert. All 'Crimso' aficionados ought to get a copy of THE NIGHT WATCH, and if you're new to the band, but curious what this incarnation sounded like in a live context, I can think of no better place to start.

Some of the same classic Crimso tunes are present as on the 'USA' album (which was originally released more than two decades before THE NIGHT WATCH) but they're performed more poetically, less grimly, and presented in a somewhat more palatable sequence.

Where USA included (in 'Asbury Park') one of the two most beautiful KC improvisations ever, THE NIGHT WATCH features the other, simply entitled 'Trio' because Bill Bruford took no part in it. Superbly accompanied by Fripp on mellotron, David Cross gets to shine on violin, in what must be his best King Crimson moment.

'Starless and Bible Black' (no relation to the 'Starless' ballad) is another superb improvisation, far darker in tone than 'Trio'. Just put these four guys on a stage and tell them to start inventing - I could listen to them for hours!