And yesterday ProjeKct Three debued at the Electric Lounge, Austin. Soundscapes began, and as Trey & Pat walked on to join in (with Pat's "Hindu Fizz" pocket) I looked up to see - Adrian Belew! When the ProjeKcts were first mooted as a radical approach to re-Crimsonising our collective psyche, & P3 suggested as a Pat-Trey-Robert configuration which might tour Austin, Adrian promised to be in the first row of our first show. And shout out "Schizoid Man!" plus titles of other Crim classics, as would any helpful enthusiast.
So, a secret well kept, Ade flew in from Nashville yesterday afternoon. He checked into the Marriot, so we wouldn't bump into him in the lobby of the Doubletree. But the Electric Lounge doesn't have any seats or tables in front of the stage, so Ade hovered by Chris Murphy at the monitor desk and lurked as near the front as possible, to keep his promise. What a fabbo surprise.
How did it go? I don't know. As anticipated, the "titles" of the various areas for consideration meant nothing at all to Pat. Hearing what the other guys play is an increasing problem at contemporary volume levels, but it's easier with two other guys than three, four or five. Pat & Trey continue to develop, although it's almost insulting for me to state the obvious. Adrian said he found himself wondering what he'd do on guitar, there was so much going on with the three of us. But no chance of escape, pal - Crimson is underway and you're in for sure.
The opportunity to listen to other players live is a treat for me. Yesterday at the Electric Lounge it was a privilege to hear Kimmo Pohjonen of Finland (accordion) and Teye & Viva Flamenco. What a pity, then, to have my listening constantly, being disturbed by being poked - "Hi! I'm a friend of Pat!" - or pestering for autographs, or to hear unrequested life stories, or warding off an ongoing, incessant demand for attention while I'm attempting to listen to outstanding players. This is one way life as a working gigster, as a human being, as an enthusiast for music, is spoilt, compromised & undermined.
If anyone reading this has any doubt whatsoever as to whether I wish to engage in conversation with them, or to entertain their concerns, while I am also listening to a performance - I do not. Please have the courtesy to allow me my space, particularly when I am clearly engaged in listening. And have the courtesy to the musicians playing not to distract one of their audients. I resent having to live so much of my professional life hiding from soul-suckers.
"Local events have global repercussions."
