Wimborne Minster

Just yards from the watering holes and haunts of his youth, Wimborne Minster still holds a special place in Fripp’s affections and it's somehow fitting that the debut live performance by Travis & Fripp should take place not far from where the guitarist played his first live gigs as a teenager.  The concert was part of a memorial service to Tony Jones, a supporter of Wimborne Minster Preservation Trust and someone who used to work with Robert's father. Beginning with low, slow-moving loops from the flute the music tentatively evolves, taking several moments to unfurl and fill the building whose stones have stood for over 1300 years. Travis & Fripp’s more usual exploratory and lengthier pieces feel slightly truncated perhaps in a nod to the nature of the evening’s service and the general audience attending.

In the interval speech not presented here, looking and sounding like a member of the clergy Robert talked about his memories of Tony Jones. "There is no loss in a life well lived" he said, his voice choked with emotion, "But there is loss."

On Moonchild Fripp plays a solo of haunting high notes that sway and bend as though moved by the gentlest of breezes. For several in attendance it was incredibly moving. Throughout the evening Travis' soprano sax and alto flute, weaving between the rich layers emanating from Fripp's guitar, create a series of evocative images and resonances. Soundscapes have a habit of creating a sense of grace no matter where they are played but when performed in a sacred space like this, then regardless of one’s personal beliefs the music is elevated into something extra special. While a few punters clearly knew what to expect, the vast majority didn't. Trevor Lever, a long-term KC fan who was there that night said that as the concert-goers filed out, one disgruntled retired Major-type was heard to harrumph sotto voce, "These chaps only seem to know one number!"