THE NIGHT WATCH

"We shall now tune our mellotrons and attack Culture once again." Thus Robert Fripp, when addressing the audience during this magnificent Amsterdam concert. All 'Crimso' aficionados ought to get a copy of this album, and if you're relatively new to the band, and curious what this incarnation sounded like in a live context, I can think of no better place to start.

The same classic Crimso tunes are present as on the 'USA' album (originally released more than two decades before THE NIGHT WATCH), but they're performed more poetically, less grimly, and presented in a somewhat more palatable sequence.

Where USA included (in 'Asbury Park') one of the two most beautiful KC improvisations ever, THE NIGHT WATCH has the other one, simply entitled 'Trio' because Bill Bruford took no part in it at all. Superbly accompanied by Fripp on mellotron, David Cross gets to shine on violin, in what must be his best King Crimson moment.

'Starless and Bible Black' (no relation to the 'Starless' ballad) is another superb improvisation, far darker in tone. Just put these four guys on a stage and tell them to start inventing - I could listen to them for hours!