Robert Fripp Soundscape: Refraction

In order to reach across to all those who suffered loss on September 11, 2001, Robert Fripp has released his stunning Soundscapes performance at the World Financial Center on December 1 2000, on this free MP3. The recording resounds with the essence of the Soundscape itself: 'of being true to the moment in which they are performed, to act in accordance with time, place and person.' (RF). Now the poignancy of these moving moments echoes further, and it is the artist's wish for them to be shared, free of commerce, with those who want to listen and reflect.

Comments from Robert Fripp

"Not all conversations are best carried out by shouting. Musicians will find support in the community if they provide music which is either needed or wanted. The music then reaches its audience gently over whatever period of time it had value or significance. This approach assumes an informed, alert and inquiring audience, that is, an audience a musician would wish to have. Simply, the music protects itself, its performer and its audience.

This series of performances is itself part of an ongoing exploration of how one might be a musician, professional musician and human being simultaneously, and how music might enter our sorry world, despite all our efforts to keep it out.

They are part of an on-going series which has the aim of 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."

More on Soundscapes

"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. Soundscapes are a continuation and development of Frippertronics, the music of my solo guitar work based on delay, repetition and hazard. The original technology for this approach to making music incorporated two Revox A77s in a system of analogue recording and playback. This approach was introduced to me by Brian Eno in 1972 (and became No Pussyfooting). Today four TC2290s have replaced the Revoxes. This profusion and development of effect units, and the advent of MIDI control, during the past decade have made possible a proliferation of choice and opportunities in the moment for shaping sound."

Quotes of the day - from Robert Fripp's Diary 29/11/2000

To John Sinks, at lunchtime, from a toothless old man: "Has he finished tuning? Does he think this is music? Is this entertainment?"

To RF, soundscaping a pastorale at soundcheck c. 17.15, from passing gentleman in suit looking up at guitarist on stage:

PGIS: "What's the music they're playing?" (ie the house "muzak").
RF: (Head knodding towards monitors) "What I'm playing".

PGIS: "No, what's the music they're playing?" - gesturing at house sound system & Atrium space.
RF: "It's the music I'm playing".

PGIS: "It's very beautiful".
RF: "Thank you".

PGIS: "Do you have some CDs?"
RF: "That's a longer answer".

Robert Fripp is also currently a guitarist with King Crimson. The band, now in its sixth line-up, released a live album Vrooom Vrooom this month. Recordings of past, and future, Soundscapes performances are available from www.disciplineglobalmobile.com.


	Refraction

In order to reach across to all those who suffered loss on September 11, 2001, Robert Fripp has released his stunning Soundscapes performance at the World Financial Center on December 1 2000, on this free MP3. The recording resounds with the essence of the Soundscape itself: 'of being true to the moment in which they are performed, to act in accordance with time, place and person.' (RF). Now the poignancy of these moving moments echoes further, and it is the artist's wish for them to be shared, free of commerce, with those who want to listen and reflect. Comments from Robert Fripp "Not all conversations are best carried out by shouting. Musicians will find support in the community if they provide music which is either needed or wanted. The music then reaches its audience gently over whatever period of time it had value or significance. This approach assumes an informed, alert and inquiring audience, that is, an audience a musician would wish to have. Simply, the music protects itself, its performer and its audience. This series of performances is itself part of an ongoing exploration of how one might be a musician, professional musician and human being simultaneously, and how music might enter our sorry world, despite all our efforts to keep it out. They are part of an on-going series which has the aim of 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." More on Soundscapes "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. Soundscapes are a continuation and development of Frippertronics, the music of my solo guitar work based on delay, repetition and hazard. The original technology for this approach to making music incorporated two Revox A77s in a system of analogue recording and playback. This approach was introduced to me by Brian Eno in 1972 (and became No Pussyfooting). Today four TC2290s have replaced the Revoxes. This profusion and development of effect units, and the advent of MIDI control, during the past decade have made possible a proliferation of choice and opportunities in the moment for shaping sound." Quotes of the day - from Robert Fripp's Diary 29/11/2000 To John Sinks, at lunchtime, from a toothless old man: "Has he finished tuning? Does he think this is music? Is this entertainment?" To RF, soundscaping a pastorale at soundcheck c. 17.15, from passing gentleman in suit looking up at guitarist on stage: PGIS: "What's the music they're playing?" (ie the house "muzak"). RF: (Head knodding towards monitors) "What I'm playing". PGIS: "No, what's the music they're playing?" - gesturing at house sound system & Atrium space. RF: "It's the music I'm playing". PGIS: "It's very beautiful". RF: "Thank you". PGIS: "Do you have some CDs?" RF: "That's a longer answer". Robert Fripp is also currently a guitarist with King Crimson. The band, now in its sixth line-up, released a live album Vrooom Vrooom this month. Recordings of past, and future, Soundscapes performances are available from www.disciplineglobalmobile.com.


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