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  Excellent performance... shame about the audience! May 3, 2006
Written by derrenleepoole
I was lucky enough to attend this concert. It’s so good to hear it properly, away from the din and general crowd ignorance that accompanied the performance.
Annoyingly, this was the first time I’d seen the Frippster live, and I really wish that this soundscape had been performed in a more intimate setting. Oh well!
I did feel at the time that this venue really didn’t suit what Robert Fripp was trying to do live... but through listening back to the concert again in a more controlled environment, there is a very real sense of drama and emotional eloquence in what is being played. This was so hard to pickup on during the concert, what with all the natter boxes in the crowd. The concert to me is very moving, very emotionally intense and very focused and driven.
The sound quality is superb, crystal clear and very loud too.
Great Music & without distractions January 21, 2006
Written by AndyFox
As an attendee of the Manchester gig, it was great to be able to download & listen to the Soundscape again. But this time, without some kids, to my left, talking & laughing, mixed in with two Scousers with verbal dioreaha, who stood directly behind me. It wouldn’t be so bad but I was stood 2nd row directly in front of Robert!!! The power of Roberts ability to concentrate on his playing was fantastic, because I’m sure he could hear all the talking, but he didn’t appear destracted at all, what a hero. After 20 or so minutes, I couldn’t help but ask said individuals to be quiet, only then could I finally get into the groove of the music.
Now if we could have the Soundscape from the G3 Manchester gig from 2004 as a download, I could listen to that, but without someone behind me, repeating at 3 minute intervals, "What is this Arty-farty Crap?"
Do that and you’ll make me a very, very happy man. Sorry if this sounds like a review of my gig experience, rather than the music.
Alone and yet not January 5, 2006
Written by AndrewJohn
Unable to arrive together with my brother I had to make a considerable personal effort to arrive I hoped in time to enjoy RF’s performance. This of course just emulates, since 1973’s THMC, the same commitment to follow the progress of this particular Wimbourne sound. Soundscapes are now much more acceptable to ’uninitiated’ than in emerging times. However, a kindly lift from my beloved from ’The West Pennines’ into Bury, the tram into Piccadilly Gardens and then a considerable walk down to the Students Union on a cold evening proved interesting, uneventful, enjoyable and most importantly timely. I was able to find a clear spot to stand and wait with the assembled people. Taking in the ambience, trying to spot ’Quarter Maintainers’, looking out for my brother and wondering what reception would await the enfolding Soundscape was enough to keep me busy until our chosen Musical Conduit quietly took the stage. Often the best moments of Fripp&Eno/Frippertronics/Soundscapes over the years have been enjoyed by many, I imagine, listening alone. I have found this, but this evening many likeminded people quietly encouraged and hoped for a feeling which after reflection and consideration availed itself to us. I enjoyed the moods, frustrations and beauty of the evolving music and sounds. Time was held without counting and I was surprised after downloading this event that it was as brief. I was tempted to intervene 4 or 5 times with nearby people who held little respect for the event. Others close by did and I believe most people who stayed in the hall paid attention also in respect to a large proportion of the audience who had come to see RF regardless of PC. My one and only intervention was when a giddy group of well groomed PC fans and their girls chatted beyond a 3 minute limit (arbitrarily set) during the Soundscape immediately in front of me. My own assertiveness and well chosen words quieted them so perfectly I surprised myself! Furthermore, Porcupine Tree were outstanding and the drummer was fantastic tonight. I found my brother in the bar later, who missed only 5 mins of RF - ’shucks I could have missed it all’ was his sarcastic opener. Thank you for gracing Manchester Mr Robert Fripp and continuing your true course in the musical muse that finds itself through you.
Grief than Hope December 29, 2005
Written by spider13
I definitely love this show and recommend it to all admirers of Mr Fripp’s soundscapes. Although at first glance, the overall mood of this music would suggest “grief”, after careful listening there would be a new feeling on your horizon – “hope”. I cannot imagine more profound and explicit way of transmitting feelings via music than Mr Fripp’s sounscaping. It seems there is more beauty in this man’s head and fingers than you would ever imagine while reading his diaries or rare interviews he gives... ;) This show’s “Time Stands Still” is probably the best soundscape piece I have ever listened to (it could only be compared to Love Cannot Bear’s Requiem – Affirming or Junction Cambridge’s “At The End of Time”). This little track offers everything what I love the most about soundscapes: a slow built-up mood of sadness/hope interrupted by repeating low sounds that give it even more profoundness and when you think the mood has reached its peak, there is a beautiful solo played over it. It reminds me of “The Power To Believe II’s” final notes (from King Crimson’s Elektrik live album), which I consider the most beautiful KC moment since “Walking On Air”). During “Queer Jazz Symmetrical” Mr Fripp seems to be “wandering off” a little bit and it seems “Quuer Jazz Minor” from Cambridge is a more careful version of the same theme. Although it always hits me how skilfully Mr Fripp comes back from what might seemingly be a dead-end, which still makes “Queer...” very intriguing. “At The End of Time” is also a unique piece of music with a rather unusual layout of spiralled sounds for soundscapes. What strikes me here is the depth of low sounds that repeat every twenty seconds or so. Together with a high-peaked solo over soundscapes, it makes a perfect harmony. I believe a 30-minute show is perfect for soundscapes. It seems it is perfect timing for my mind not to be tired. Moreover, after the show ends I have a strange yearning for more... Beautiful! Please continue your journey Mr Fripp!
Moving December 23, 2005
Written by mflaherty
Of the two December 2005 releases (at the time of this writing) this is my favoite. In particular, the final track, "At the End of Time", is very moving, capturing all the beauty of the best moments of a Soundscape live performance. The sound quality is excellent (these recent performances sound much better than the 2000 show--although that’s still the best performance for me).
Shimmers December 22, 2005
Written by ScottM
First off, the sound quality is very strong (on the FLAC download at least). Fripp’s music has never been heard with more clarity. As to the content, I quite like it. It reminds me of his early records with Eno, but more focused and apparently with some internal narrative. Still, the soothing modes that came through on "No Pussyfooting" are what’s being played and sold here. And quite nicely. I think a product is reviewed according to its price - value for money. This is a 4-star product at the current rate of exchange. For a few dolars less it would become a 5-star product. At any rate I do quite love it and would buy it again.
Solemnity, intelligence and most of all beauty December 21, 2005
Written by junklight
I only spotted this download because RF mentioned 3 soundscape downloads in his diary.
The shear breath taking beauty drew me away from my own thoughts a number of times. There are one or two places where the synth patch jars but mostly this music has a weighty beauty that brought tears to my eyes on one or two occasions. This is not music that could be made by a young or frivolous person.
It might just be me but I am sure I can detect a conncetion with the music on equitorial stars here as well.
December 8, 2005
Written by Robert Fripp
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