Tonight, any flash of inspiration which may be present has to take its chance alongside an accompanying burst of flash photography[endtease] on the opening notes of this gig in Carrboro. It’s possible that this may account for the way in which this show cautiously unfurls. “Overall, a very supportive, generous audience…”writes Fripp in his diary “…But even a supportive & generous audience has difficulties listening to unfamiliar music that isn’t readily accessible. And so the coughing began after 15-20 minutes. For the performer, this is a reliable sign that it’s time to move on. However, the performer also accepts the responsibility to hold the space while music unfolds in its own time, regardless of its reception. So, some 15 minutes into the developing coughing, it was time for the Q&A.” Here, coming after At The End Of Time without the break, Queer Space Whole Tone materialises ambiguous, pensive and unsettled. And then another shift as Time Hovers provides a vivid finale the concert. Anyone condemning Fripp’s playing as lacking emotion should certainly check out what’s going on here – a truly poignant resolution, a sense of victory having been snatched from the jaws of defeat.
