Though this is probably not the kind of thing that Chuck Berry had in mind when he sang “but he could play the guitar just like ringing a bell”,[endtease] it’s an apt enough description of Glass And Breath.
There’s none of Fripp’s trademark soloing or those orchestral manoeuvres in the dark night of the soul that characterises much of his Soundscapes work. Rather, this is minimalist mood music revolving around a repetitive chiming motif, reminiscent sometimes of Brian Eno’s Neroli, particularly in terms of its careful use of space and atmosphere.
Those who prefer Fripp’s more full-blooded forays in guitar-land will be disappointed at the lack of thrills or spills on display here. Making his other solo works sounds as cluttered as a Scott Bradley score in full-flight, this is in essence an ambient piece: complimentary music to leaven the day and refresh the musical palate.
