ROBERT FRIPP & THEO TRAVIS: FOLLOW

To set it clear, from the start, Robert Fripp's music is closer in this stage, to "contemporary classical music" than to the average prog language (the Symphonic -Prog tagging, goes some other way, ironically) . So if you have the knack for this kind of "classical" language , BUT also, for the "King's" early days with the Crimson court, you will surely appreciate this effort.

Of course, Mr, Fripp hasn't turned into some "pompous, modern classic snot" who pretends to be what he is not. In fact he has grown the opposite way, where "payola", and unruly deals and their according poses are seen as a matter of discomfort and even as a compromise to ones own dignity.

Therefore, Robert Fripp, still is the musical "iconclast" , he was since the "Crimson" was born alongside schoolyard partner Greg Lake. His language has self-evolved, as his goals, but for good, into sophistication. From his "normal" guitar playing, to "Frippertronics", to "Soundscapes" all are played here in this project.

For those familiar with "The Tangent", Theo Travis (thank the Gods!) is now better known. All those mysterious wind passages that happen there, here they become compositions.

This collaboration in turn is closer at times,(in return or as a paradox), to KC's early acoustic/electric experiments , with the experience and elegance time has brought, by relentesly pursuing, his own self and natural musical language.

"FOLLOW" in specific, shows a better balanced "clash" of opposites, both in composition, as in performance. Which of course is part of the pre-planned meeting of so diametricallly opposed instruments.

Some earlier Travis & Fripp collaborations had less balance, so they sounded like fighting along more than playing between. Here the expressions of each musician's tools, are as rich as their own talents, AND never abusing each others space, which makes it, for us listeners, quiet an overwhelming catalog of sounds and virtuosity brought up in a single stage.

And those last touches of early "Crimson" like-musical frenzy, makes this record quiet collectible.

****4 PA Stars .