09.55
Bredonborough.
The Minx and I / we/ us viewed Prog Britannia yesterday evening. The Minx’s view was favourable. Peter Sinfield was the only member of KC 1969 on the programme, and Bartley Britvic the only playing member from the 1969-74 period interviewed. Bill’s comments were lotsa fun. KC’s influence at the time was greater than a history can easily reflect, perhaps because there is less video / documentary material easily available than for other primo bands; and perhaps because some useful characters weren’t interviewed. Among these potentially useful contributors, is myself; and I declined to be interviewed for the series. Regarding the view, of Crimson’s particular influence at the time & of ITCOTCK as definitive, I might be biased; but I don’t believe so.
There is a dark side to the period, as most likely to every period. Dark & Light meet, and the point of meeting is where the action takes place; and that action is mostly invisible. Agents of the Dark from the music scene of the time have names, and might be named; their actions can also mostly be described. The names belong to different areas of functionality: musicians, audients, industrials & commentators. The Light is mostly in the music, and speaks for itself. Describing the Dark is, conventionally, too negative & nasty to present in detail to decent people; in this case, those decent people turning on their television to learn about the history of prog (a retro-fit appellation) initially termed underground rock, then art rock & eventually progressive rock. Presumably, the majority of viewers are primarily interested in the music & its players, not a global overview of how to bend a joy, with corresponding effects on the winged life. Which leaves a lot of commentary, necessary to an understanding of what actually went on in the whole act of prog-musicking, to remain unspoken. So, how could I have been interviewed without describing in detail an education in the frailties of human nature?
Popular culture devolved into mass culture.
Higher nature capitulated to lower nature.
Aspiration bowed to commerce.
It is not possible to record the history of the period without an account of its business practices; and therefore its business practitioners. It is not possible to convey the decisions & actions of the time without referring to extensive drug use by musicians, audients, industrials & commentators.
The key to the musical movement, and its impact at the time, probably cannot be experientially conveyed; only described: the immense power that was at the heart of the music; the inexpressible benevolence that was made available & transmitted via popular culture.
12.10 The Weekend FT in Blower’s Wine Bar & Bistro I…
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Some of the mainly post-mature clientele even bid me good morning; an indication perhaps that I am myself now post-mature, alternatively that I am now considered a regular by the regulars.
A freezing & fer-wosty morning, but with blue sky in the centre of town I…
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The Minx’s new Tasty Soup of Wonderment & Health-Bestowingment has frozen while standing on the garden-table outside in the Olive Grove.
17.23 An afternoon of continuing organizing at World HQ. This massive & overwhelming challenge will succumb to gradual & ongoing application.
E-frenzying on all manner of subjects: building, maintenance, music industry opacity, professional advice to a younger player; and more.
Reflecting on the coming year.
Early evening views I…
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"The performer can hide nothing, even the attempt to hide."
