King Crimson and John Paul Jones (ex bassist for Led Zeppelin) provided a most stimulating night of entertainment last night. Having Place Des Arts as the host venue for this evening was icing on the cake. We were treated to some absolutely superb jams. It's hard to believe but Ex Zeppelin star John Paul Jones is 55 years old. Nick Beggs put on a remarkable demonstration of playing the "stick" with some dazzling array of movements from both hands. Now in its fourth decade of existence the current line-up of King Crimson is Robert Fripp (guitar), Adrian Belew (guitar, lead vocals), Trey Gunn (touch guitar) and Pat Mastelotto (acoustic & electronic percussion). Mastelotto convincingly played some incredible sounding electronic percussion and samples. This was especially evident on "Construction Of Light" which in my opinion was the best song of the night. Fripp showed us his mastery of the guitar. on a sole sour note the sound was unsettlingly loud when compared to previous Crimson concerts. The crowd itself was quite low key and respectful as they gave both bands several standing ovations at the end of some absolutely super musical forays. Through November and December, 2001, the band will be touring North America in support of their latest "Level 5" CD release. The good news is that King Crimson plan to return to the studio early next year to record their next full-length album, tentatively entitled Nuovo Metal.
The John Paul Jones Orchestra
John Paul Jones: 8 & 10 string basses, lap steel guitar, electric mandolin, acoustic and electric ukelele, vocals
Nick Beggs : Chapman stick, Ovation acoustic 12-string guitar, backing vocals
Terl Bryant : drums & percussion, backing vocals
Set list:
"Zooma, " "Thunderthief,"
"That's The Way" – (accoustic mandolin & vocals), "Steel Away," "When The Levee Breaks, " "Freedom Song," "Hoe Diddle,"
"Tidal"
Encore: Black Dog
King Crimson
Adrian Belew : guitars, vocals, effects
Robert Fripp : guitar
Trey Gunn : Warr guitar
Pat Mastelotto : acoustic & electronic percussion
Set List
Dangerous Curves***,Frying Pan, Electric, Level 5*** ,
Vector, Dinosaur, Virtuous Circle***, Konstruktion of Light***, Larks,
Encores:
Deception of the Thrush***, Thela, Red
*** from their latest CD Level 5