Look What Robert Fripp Hath Wrought

June 16th, 2007

I read this morning that Pole, the new album by Tuner was now available. The band consists of ex-King Crimson drummer Pat Mastelotto and Markus Reuter (of centrozoon) on guitars, basses, and keys. You can check out some of their music at their MySpace page.

Poking around YouTube for some video of them in action, it became apparent that Mastelotto and other former Padawan learners of Robert Fripp were involved in countless projects. And so I’ve decided to take a look at what Fripp hath wrought.

Our trip starts in 1991 with a clip from Sunday All Over the World, a project featuring Fripp, his wife Toyah Wilcox, and a young Trey Gunn.

Moving ahead a couple years, Fripp has joined forces with David Sylvian, formerly in the band Japan (along with Richard Barbieri, now in Porcupine Tree). For the project, Trey Gunn was brought in from Sunday All Over the World and Pat Mastelotto was recruited for the drum seat. From 1993, here’s “God’s Monkey”.

Shortly after this, King Crimson reformed in its double-trio incarnation featuring 2 guitars (Fripp & Adrian Belew), 2 basses (Trey Gunn & Tony Levin), and 2 percussion players (Mastelotto & Bill Bruford). This is “Dinosaur”.

Tuner in action. Unfortunately, it’s not a whole song but rather a bunch of short clips all strung together.

Quodia features Trey Gunn and Joe Mendelson. It is a bit of multimedia storytelling: “The basic elements of the performance are spoken word, projected text, moving imagery, sound design, and music. Using video projection and live instruments, Quodia creates an experience that is part movie, part theatre, and part concert.” There’s no concert footage to be had here, but you do get the music.

I saw KTU earlier this spring in Chicago so check out that post for more about the band after you watch & listen to “Absinthe” from the summer of 2005.

Lastly, we have the California Guitar Trio. Pat Mastelotto and Tony Levin guest here with the guys who are all graduates of Fripp’s Guitar Craft. The song is “Train to Lamy Suite” which was my introduction to CGT. I’ve seen the band at Shank Hall a couple times and this song was always a highlight.

As a bonus, of sorts, witness a youthful Pat Mastelotto back when he was a member of Mr. Mister.

Related posts:

1. Quodia
2. KTU Coming to Chicago Area
3. Sometimes Warrior, Sometimes Mystical
4. KTU @ Durty Nellie's
5. Lucky Germans