King Crimson has been taking part in another week of rehearsals at Elstree Studios, a space near London that allows the reformed group to set up in its intriguing new concert configuration — with drummers Gavin Harrison, Pat Mastelotto and Bill Rieflin working across the front of the stage. The back line consists of Mel Collins, Tony Levin, Jakko Jakszyk and Robert Fripp, in that order.
Levin, via a photo-filled website update, says the group has had a productive stint together working “to re-familiarize ourselves with the material we’ll be playing in the fall, and try out some different pieces too.” Mastelotto has also posted photos showcasing the new set up.
King Crimson begins its first tour since 2008 on September 9, 2014, with 17 U.S. shows. The tour begins in Albany, N.Y., and hits Philadelphia, Boston, New York, Chicago, Los Angeles and San Francisco before concluding in Seattle on October 6. Elstree, by the way, has its own illustrious history — having earlier played host to film productions like Indiana Jones, Toy Story 3, Harry Potter, Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy and Star Wars, among many others.
Meanwhile, Fripp was recently featured as part of BBC4’s The Joy Of The Riff, where he talked about his guitar craft: “The riff was only one part of what King Crimson did. There was a lot more going on. … I don’t think in terms of a riff; I might think in terms of a phrase or a motif.”
Levin and Mastelotto have been appearing with the Crimson ProjeKCT, and are going right back to the road after these King Crimson sessions. “Pat and I have flown in from Dusseldorf, where we were touring,” Levon writes. “We’ll head to Bratislava, for a Stick Men show, next week.” New video of Crimson ProjeKCt, which also features former Crimso Adrian Belew, can be found right here.
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