LIVE AT THE ZOOM CLUB 1972

In the summer of 1972 King Crimson was reborn (again) and started rehearsing new songs in a new line-up. New members were Wetton, Bruford, Muir and Cross. Through the King Crimson Collectors Club (KCCC) there are 3 cd's available from this incarnation (apart from this release they are The Beat Club and Live in Guildford). This cd is of special interest, since it is the first official public appearance of this line up. It was recorded October 13, 1972 at the Zoom club in Frankfurt, Germany.

The performance consists for the biggest part of improvs but there are also some composed songs. It starts with Larks' Tongues in Aspic part 1. This version doesn't differ much from the one that was finally recorded in the studio. It is followed by Daily Games, which was the title of the track that would become Book of Saturday. On the final version the lyrics were altered a bit. The vocals of this track are buried in the mix, but are still audible. After these composed tracks the band plays two improvs, combined they last for over one hour. The first one is the closest thing Crimson comes to a hardrock band. In the beginning of the improv I hear something that sounds a lot like Lament (from SaBB). After about six minutes it becomes a riffing jam. It is probably not totally improvised since Wetton sings in this part. At first proper lyrics but later on 'wordless' vocals. In the end there is also a very long and heavy guitar solo from Fripp. This is a great improv. Considering the 'jammy' nature of it, it is an improv that would more be associated with the previous KC incarnation than with this one. The next improv, on the other hand, is an improv that is more expected from this line up. There a the more avant-garde bits (compared to Matching Mole for instance) and the heavy, jazzy bits (which sounds more like Mahavishnu Orchestra, especially with the violin parts). At the end the bass plays a tune that was later used in Easy Money. Again a great track. The second disc contains more familiar tracks. It opens with an early, basic version of Easy Money. The first improv is also familiar since it is the track Fallen Angel, which was recorded for Red in 1974. This piece was only played live a few times. Z'zoom is mainly noodling but then comes a nice Exiles with another intro than they usually play. The performances ends with The Talking Drum and LtiA part 2. Both tracks had already taken the shape as they were recorded later in the studio.

The sound of this release is not great, but also not that bad. The source of the material is an audience bootleg. If you are a fan of King Crimson I can really recommend this double cd. The performance is great and from a historic perspective, it is the first public appearance of this incarnation, it is also of importance. I also think this is the best live offering of KC with Muir. If you are not such a big fan and want to hear KC live, I recommend The Night Watch.