C. J. Walsh
King Crimson
Westville Music Bowl, New Haven, Connecticut
September 5, 2021
View: 5th Row Upper level
Prog veterans kicked off their Music Is Our Friend Tour with not one, not two, but three drummers attacking recent track, Devil Dogs Of Tessallation Row. The seven-piece band seemed indifferent to the lingering showers. Must’ve reminded them of England. They revisited KC’s first album for In The Court Of The Crimson King. Jakko Jakszyk had that LP’s artwork on his guitar and sounded much like the late Greg Lake.
Red came off as the soundtrack to a cinematic thriller yet to be made. It concluded with the drummers engaged in percussive mayhem. Robert Fripp’s guitar playing throughout achieved brilliance while looking effortless. After Indiscipline, saxophonist Mel Collins was wished a Happy Birthday. Many more.
Main set ended with an impeccable take on Starless. They returned to the first album for the encore, 21st Century Schizoid Man. At which time Fripp finally rose to take a well-deserved bow.