At the completion of a take on the new instrumental track, Robert Fripp, Bill Bruford and John Wetton down tools and file out of the heavily padded door in Olympic's Studio Two and into the adjacent control room, where engineer George Chkiantz sits at the 16-track desk. The trio are keen to listen back to their work. George asks his assistant to cue the tape and press play. The chainmounted Tannoy speakers dangling from the ceiling deliver the music in the confines of the relatively small space with such a punch it feels like being hit by a 10-ton truck. As the two-inch tape spools through the machine, each player's attention zeroes in on the tiniest inflection within their respective performances, quality checking at a micro-level for any faults that might have gone unnoticed in the heat of the take.
At the same time, they are also considering the macro level, pulling their respective viewpoints to also be able to take in the totality of the bigger picture, assessing the feel and weight of this new composition. After the final note has died away Fripp asks, "Well, what do you think?" "I'm not sure. The tune reminds me of Tea For Two, you know? I don't really get it," replies Bruford.
"Well, we don't have to use it," offers Fripp. "No," says Wetton. "We use it!" It's interesting to think that had the conversation back in early July 1974 gone in a different direction, the track Red might not have made it to the record, instead consigned to the vaults or perhaps appearing on a future Robert Fripp solo record. Speaking to Prog from his home via Zoom just ahead of a speaking tour in North America with his business partner and producer, David Singleton, Fripp recalls the day in question.
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Bu hikaye Prog dergisinin Issue 150 sayısından alınmıştır.
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Already a subscriber? Giriş Yap
Apollo Has Fallen
In the aftermath of Sons Of Apollo, band alumni Derek Sherinian and Ron 'Bumblefoot' Thal have regrouped for new sonic adventures in Whom Gods Destroy. Now the ice has finally melted, the new line-up are ready to take over the world with the ambitious Insanium. Prog caught up with Sherinian to find out more.
S*A*S*
In 2022, 3's Robert Berry, Saga's Ian Crichton and Saxon drummer Nigel Glockler released their debut as Six By Six. But have the prog supergroup been able to recapture that magic on the highly anticipated follow-up, Beyond Shadowland? Prog caught up with Berry to discuss the challenges, inspirational artwork and orchestral arrangements that lie behind their \"difficult\" second album.
Far From Normal
Is Nick Beggs an alien? Is he even a prog musician? And can you train a dog with a didgeridoo? All these questions and more will be answered as Prog peeks under the hood of Trifecta's The New Normal, an album that reunites Beggs with fellow virtuosos Adam Holzman and Craig Blundell. Just don't ask what his wife thinks of it.
Shifting Gear
In the two years since Resident Human, Wheel have undergone internal changes that very nearly destroyed them. But fortunately the Finnish-Anglo band have bounced back with the more experimental Charismatic Leaders. Singer and guitarist James Lascelles reveals the challenges behind creating their third studio album, how Meshuggah's \"best amp\" helped them, and why they just can't shake off those Tool comparisons.
Lone Star
On The Tangent’s 14th album, To Follow Polaris, Andy Tillison has embarked on a “one-off” solo adventure that tackles self-doubt and finds him going on a quest for The Truth. Prog catches up with the multi-instrumentalist as he ponders whether we’re better off without the internet and finds out why he still remains optimistic in a world full of turmoil.
Where Words Are Not (Always) Needed
[Mostly] without lyrics to underscore their song's meanings, post-rock trio Sleepmakeswaves have learnt to find the beauty in the \"translational chasm\" that exists between artist and listener. They've poured themselves into their fifth album, It's Here, But I Have No Names For It, and now they're excited for their fans to find themselves, and not its creators, reflected in its music. Prog caught up with the band to find out more.
A Traveller Of Time And Space
The good rocketship Hawkwind have launched their 36th studio album into the progosphere! On Stories From Time And Space, the group have lost none of their sense of injustice about the world. Bandleader Dave Brock reveals the drive behind their new music, why he's continuing to fight for an alternative society and responds to recent concerns about his health.
Soul Trader
It's been a long time coming, but Oliver Wakeman is back with a new solo album. With contributions from Nightwish's Troy Donockley, vocalist Hayley Griffiths, and Pendragon drummer Scott Higham, Anam Cara is a celtic-flavoured melting pot of delight. The keyboardist discusses the good stories and wonderful musicians that make up a record he hopes will capture the listener's imagination.
"Like having a brick wall coming at you!"
In 1974, King Crimson released one of their most underrated, at the time, albums. Red, created by the powerhouse trio Robert Fripp, John Wetton and Bill Bruford, didn't even reach the UK Top 40 and yet it's now regarded by many as a key work - not only in Crimson's back catalogue but also as a foundation stone in what would later become known as progressive metal. On its 50th anniversary, Crimson's alumni discuss the allure of an album that's reduced some adults to tears.
The Beat Goes On
There's a new King Crimson side-project in town, and this one focuses solely on the 80s incarnation of the group. BEAT finds Adrian Belew and Tony Levin reconnecting for a very special North American tour this autumn with guitar god Steve Vai and Tool drummer Danny Carey. Prog catches up with Levin and Belew to find out more.
