16 December 1977

If you’ve ever wondered what it would be like to be a fly on the wall at a rehearsal of some of your favourite musicians then wonder no more. The discovery of a set of cassette recordings in the DGM vaults dating from December 1977 provide us with the very best aural snapshot yet of how Robert Fripp started mapping out his Exposure album.

Heard in the excellent company of drummer Michael Walden (Mahavishnu Orchestra) and ex-Crimson bandmate, John Wetton, Fripp rummages through ideas for introductions, bridges, choruses, and attitude that would make for some of the most memorable points of his debut solo record.

In addition to providing several passes of the same tracks with the players responding and shaping their approaches in mid-flight, we get to hear the trio rocking out on more than one lengthy improvisation.

Taken together they represent a tour de force that takes the listener on a riotous journey into some turbulent areas that include flat-out rock, explosive jazz and funk-orientated blows, and of course, some of that high-speed chordal soloing that Fripp first served up on The Sailor’s Tale.

There are so many miraculous moments tucked away in these tracks including a run or two that would find a home in pieces by League of Gentlemen, as well as the crackling energy the trio generates as they shift gears or lock into a productive groove.

Above all, you’ll hear three musicians enjoying the moment, following an idea and seeing what might happen with ferocious contributions that’ll drop your jaw and put your bonce hairs on Red alert.

Although the audio comes from a cassette running mix, it’s certainly good enough for the attentive listener to be treated to a spectacular display of musical fireworks that will both surprise and delight.