JAKSZYK, FRIPP AND COLLINS: A SCARCITY OF MIRACLES

Is this a new incarnation of King Crimson? I suppose not, as the covernotes this is "a King Crimson ProjeKct". If it becomes the new King Crimson I would be neither surprised nor upset.

The band certainly has King Crimson creds. Robert Fripp and Tony Levin we all know. Mel Collins, who seemed to be almost everywhere in British prog in the seventies finally resurfaces. Collins had appeared on King Crimson albums from "In The Wake Of Poseidon" through "Earthbound" plus a guest spot on "Red". Jakko Jakszyk was in the 21st Century Schizoid Band (along with Collins). And drummer Gavin Harrison has a long list of prog appearances going back to the mid-eighties, most notably with Porcupine Tree.

The music on this album is consistently mellow, sophisticated prog, similar, but smoother than the soft tunes from the Belew era, perhaps closer in tone to the Sylvian/Fripp albums. Jakko's voice is similar in range and tone to Sylvian's, with a coolness that comes through even when filtered through complex harmonizers. While his guitaring works well here, it's to shine when you are playing along side Fripp. Tony Levin's sparse but growling bass lines add the power behind the music. Levin is such a master that he understands when not to play, as well as when to come forward.

The real reason to get this album is to hear the interplay between Fripp and Collins. Despite not playing together for about a quarter century (unless there are some albums I've missed), they seem to mesh as though they have been together for decades, Fripp playing his usual swirling complex rhythms, and Collins soloing on top.

The songs are all similar in tone, with only The Other Man, with an occasional heavier, more experimental sounding rhythm, breaking from the tone.

This album drew me in from the beginning, and continues to sound better and better after repeated listenings.