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King Crimson - Jakszyk, Fripp and Collins: A Scarcity of Miracles CD (album) cover

JAKSZYK, FRIPP AND COLLINS: A SCARCITY OF MIRACLES

King Crimson

 

Eclectic Prog

3.54 | 625 ratings

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Epignosis
Special Collaborator
Honorary Collaborator
4 stars This sedated music is perfect for a somber, gray morning such as this. Despite the sleepy overall atmosphere, morphing from one hypnotic state to another, this is an incredibly engaging album. Mel Collins is indispensable, and the vocals of Jakko M Jakszyk fit beautifully. In a word, for those who like the King Crimson song "Eyes Wide Open," they too shall like this.

"A Scarcity of Miracles" Airy, gloomy textures mist through and around until at last they take shape, donning the apparel of foggy, calm jazz rock. The final two minutes, from which the title of the album is drawn, is brilliantly crafted. I daresay that this is one of the greatest pieces of music in which Robert Fripp has ever been involved.

"The Price We Pay" Opening with the Gu Zheng, this begins peacefully, but takes on the style of 1990s Adrian Belew-fronted King Crimson. That punctuated refrain is a perfect hook. The piece also offers plenty of easygoing guitar solos and various brass instruments woven together.

"Secrets" Over soft, dusky layers of sound come stunning vocal harmonies, saxophone interruptions, and tranquil guitar. The drums do not enter until halfway in, allowing the music a more definite shape that features an excellent riff speckled among the singing.

"This House" The most anaesthetized moment on the album, "This House" opens with layers of sound and vocalizations. While I appreciate the piece, it is less memorable than the first three songs. Collins erupts in a whirlwind of saxophone during the final moments, eventually fizzling out.

"The Other Man" The most dissonant and darkest of the six pieces, this takes the listener back to The Power to Believe. Tony Levin's bass is dominant in the middle verses, while the guitar lines occasionally hearken back to Discipline. Meanwhile, Gavin Harrison's drumming is erratically good, supporting the other musicians but shining all the while.

"The Light of Day" The final piece takes us all the way back to "Moonchild" from the debut King Crimson album, featuring whimsical, jazzy noodling initially before the dark vocals emerge from the haze. While arguably the most experimental, it is the least enjoyable for me, and a rather unfortunate way to end an otherwise remarkable album from a talented and experienced company.

Epignosis | 4/5 |

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