In an effort to reach out to all those who suffered loss on September 11 this year, Robert Fripp has released his stunning Soundscapes performance, which was recorded at New Yorks World Financial Center on November 30, 2000. StarPolish, with Robert Fripps permission, is pleased to be able to offer this music to its audience.
The recording reflects the essence of the Soundscape itself, which Fripp describes as of being true to the moment in which it is performed, to act in accordance with time, place and person. It was Fripps wish that the poignancy of these recordings be shared, free of commerce, with those who want to listen and reflect.
Fripps Soundscapes are a self-described continuation and development of Frippertronics, the music of his solo guitar work based on delay, repetition and hazard, according to Fripp. Frippertronics are derived from a tape-delay-based approach introduced to Fripp in 1972 by guitarist Brian Eno, who employed it on songs such as No Pussyfooting. The system, which originally employed two analog Revox recorders, now uses digital delays.
Fripp acknowledges that listening to the work requires an active interest. This approach assumes an informed, alert and inquiring audience, that is, an audience a musician would wish to have, Fripp says. This is an unfamiliar music, improvised, presented without guarantees, sometimes unpleasant and often very hard to listen at, to and through. It is not music which of itself would claim to be entertaining. Rather it presents challenges to both performer and audience.
The on-going series of Soundscapes performances is aimed toward finding ways in which intelligence and music, definition and discovery, courtesy and reciprocity may enter into the act of music for both musicians and audience, Fripp says.
Fripp, perhaps best known as a founder and continuing member of King Crimson, is also the founder of the Guitar Craft seminar program and founder of DGM (Discipline Global Mobile), an independent music company. Fripp is currently touring with King Crimson, which has recently released a live album, Vrooom Vrooom. For more information about Soundscapes recordings, King Crimson and other Fripp endeavors, visit DGMs website at http://www.disciplineglobalmobile.com.
Download: World Financial Center Recording "Refractions"
