Fripp’s usual practice of filling the space with soundscapes before the doors open, of which about 12 minutes are available on this recording, means that when around 200 people entered, they became part of something that was already in process. Listening to this music which is sometimes stately, sombre, serene and many other words beginning with an S at this time, at a distance of 26 years it’s easy to forget it originally appeared in a working rock venue wherein, at Fripp’s urging, the audience are encouraged to ‘do as you please’ as the music unfurls. The quiet intensity permeating the entire performance and Milwaukee III, in particular, makes this one of the most exceptional Soundscapes concerts.
17 Oct 2024