KONNEKTED

With good reason you may number the STICK MEN project among the acclaimed King Crimson offshoot family. There are definitely diverse transitions to notice, and this not exclusively concerning the line up. Luckily their output is also evidently differing. This compilation offers more straightforward compositions. That means not that overly 'intellectual', like it is with Robert Fripp having a horse in the race. An album which is designed for digital download solely, for what I know. Obviously compiled as an appetizer for the (prog) masses. Hence on the one hand we have some live recordings, such as deriving from the Midori and Roppongi shows taking place in Tokio. This is mixed up with some excerpts deriving from their studio albums, and two previously unreleased song versions.

The album is going to start with the encouraging centerpiece Prog Noir from their current eponymous studio effort, on this occasion though in a live outfit. Musically rather differing, while provided with more ambient flavour, the wonderful Shades Of Starless features David Cross on violin and sees Markus Reuter using his touch guitar like a synthesizer. While listening to Time's Insane Ashes I'm always excited about Tony Levin's stick playing. Solid drumming by allrounder Pat Mastelotto is guaranteed too, let's take the exemplary jam Annapolis here for example. Sailor's Tale then excellently features Mel Collins on saxophone. Recommended! Overall 'Konnekted' is a highly entertaining song collection offered by those three exceptional prog musicans.