Mojo's John Bungey gives the new album, Live In Coventry Cathedral by Travis & Fripp a four star review.
Guitarist and saxman soundscape a sonic universe
The King Crimson guitarist seems to prefer a sacred space to a sweaty club in which to operate these days. Joining a select band (among them Tangerine Dream and Beaver & Krause) caught loud and proud in a cathedral.
Fripp uses the luminous acoustics to enhance the orchestral textures conjured by his guitar synths. But it's the presence of Travis, on alto flute, soprano sax and loops, that makes this album special. Using his jazz man's instincts, his lines cut through or enhance Fripp's gently undulating ocean of sound - a happy mix of digital and traditional music-making. Done badly, the brooding tempos could curdle into new age blancmange, but there is melody and drama here. Wary of ambient avant-garde improv? This might be the album to convert you.
Guitarist and saxman soundscape a sonic universe
The King Crimson guitarist seems to prefer a sacred space to a sweaty club in which to operate these days. Joining a select band (among them Tangerine Dream and Beaver & Krause) caught loud and proud in a cathedral.
Fripp uses the luminous acoustics to enhance the orchestral textures conjured by his guitar synths. But it's the presence of Travis, on alto flute, soprano sax and loops, that makes this album special. Using his jazz man's instincts, his lines cut through or enhance Fripp's gently undulating ocean of sound - a happy mix of digital and traditional music-making. Done badly, the brooding tempos could curdle into new age blancmange, but there is melody and drama here. Wary of ambient avant-garde improv? This might be the album to convert you.
