There’s an extraordinary passion in evidence in this set of scorching hot Frippertronic reels. Despite missing the solos which were played over the top of these loops, this is nevertheless an enthralling collection of moods and dynamics that stand up on their own. Loop I and III are the most dramatic of the four here, which were used when Fripp made an appearance at WMCF radio studios in Rochester, New York.
The music is full of surprises and unplanned events such as when the table supporting his two trusty Revox tape recorders is inadvertently knocked. The associated rumble becomes immediately incorporated into the music, a rhythmic thud that dances off into a slowly circulating oblivion.
It’s also brimming with a more intentional drama and there are times when the notes seem to be etched deep into the magnetic tape. Low notes howl like some demented beast from hell, whilst jagged slashing figures on Loop III are consumed in a fireball of white noise. Listen out for the deep terminal descending notes of the kind that feature on The Heavenly Music Corporation and the sizzling furnace created on An Index of Metals. It’s hair-raising stuff! Loop IV is arguably amongst Fripp’s most pastoral and lyrical of moods. A beautiful melody is allowed to slowly unfold and gradually fade into nothingness. This is blissful music from start to finish.
In making these loops available for download, DGM engineer, Alex “Stormy” Mundy, was faced with a dilemma as the tape box indicated that reels belonged to both the 5th and 6th July, 1979. Employing a bit of the “best guess” theory he’s opted for the 6th - the date at WMCF studios but it could equally be Robert’s appearance at Just A Song in Albany, New York the previous day. If anyone is able to clarify this please get in touch.
