A Blessing of Tears

Over the years since its release in 1995, A Blessing Of Tears has gained a reputation as one of Robert Fripp’s most personal and affecting soundscape albums.

Compared to the harsher sonics of its predecessor, Radiophonics - Live In Argentina, these solo improvisations offer a less bracing listening environment, one that’s more accessible in nature, creating a contemplative suite whose themes and moods glow with an impassioned concentration and unerring focus.

Pieces such as The Cathedral of Tears, Midnight Blue, and the title track are deeply moving and poignant and stand out as some of Fripp’s most heartfelt playing.

Dedicated to his mother, Edie Fripp, who passed away in 1993 the intimate nature of the music was made even more explicit with the inclusion in the sleeve notes accompanying the original release of the eulogy Fripp gave at the service to celebrate his mother’s life and commemorate her death.

Described in The Wire as “beautiful", the review concludes “Though structurally nebulous, the hovering fragments of melody evoke the ecstatic devotionals of John Tavener or Arvo Part. Fripp’s guitar playing, though peerless, rigorous and perpetually challenging, has never been so overtly emotional. This is guitar improvisation of rare, searing passion.”

Recorded over six dates with eight shows in California between 21st January and 1st February, Fripp notes that “These performances are themselves part of an ongoing exploration of how music might enter our sorry world, despite all our efforts to keep it out.”