UK

There are many ways to grow interest in a band. Like describing it as a branch of King Crimson (but describing it as a spin off sounded bad?). But when I read who this band was formed by... Other than a spin off of King Crimson... These were King Crimson without Robert Fripp, as I saw it. John Wetton and Bill Bruford plus Allan Holdworth and Eddie Jobson (as a replacement for Rick Wakeman !!!)... What more could you want? But, I wondered, what could they possibly play? Don't think you will find anything new in "U.K.". Especially on this first album. Because it is an excellent mix between King Crimson and Yes but in a symphonic Jazz version. Well... Here I would say that Bill Brufrd was tired of the absurd complexity of King Crimson and wanted to go back to the origins but following the latest innovations, in terms of musical genre to propose (at the time if you wanted to be credible by playing complicated the Jazz Rock and Fusion, obviously, was the only way to go). Easy to be able to create a masterpiece with John Wetton, a brilliant musician, able to go from the Progressive of the Family to the Proto Prog metal of Uriah Heep to the absurd / brilliant music of King Crimson to the AOR of Asia (after the UK). And always proving perfect. Allan Holdsworth is a guitar genius who does an extraordinary job here even if it seems too much to take the role of Robert Fripp (as I judge it) But he still manages to remain himself. Eddie Jobson, as mentioned, came to replace Rick Wakeman (blocked by A&M after a few sessions in the rehearsal room) but manages not to be just a last-minute graft. In fact, his contribution in sound and writing is fundamental.

"U.K." is an excellent Fusion masterpiece and a great fusion of Canterbury Scene, King Crimson and Yes. What more could you ask for? Just put the CD (or vinyl) in the player, turn the volume up to maximum and enjoy the absolute pleasure of perfection.

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