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Post by RepairmanJack on Oct 10, 2005 22:40:53 GMT -5
Last night SG and I saw Porcupine Tree at the House of Blues. This was the third time we have seem them and the second at the HOB. Before the show we hooked up with some friends at Flannery's Irish Pub located around the corner from the venue. The highlight here was while eating SG noticed out the window that Steven Wilson walked by. Sure enough he came in the restaurant with a woman. The place was really crowded so one of our friends called out to Steven and said we had some seats for him. Steven walked over and took one look at all of us and said no thanks and left. We were a motley looking crew.
The last time at HOB there was no opening act. This time Robert Fripp of King Crimson fame opened up. This was my first time hearing Mr. Fripp. He played soundscape type music that was good, but I am still not sure if it was the best choice to see in concert. Then PT came on. What a show!!! I will let SG give her review which I am sure will be much better than I can write. I will say each time I have seen them they have been more impressive. I really liked this time the fact that they acknowledged they had played here recently so they purposely changed the set list. Maybe other bands should take heed ( Tull...)? Fantastic show. The band was tight and just rocked from the beginning to the end. Anyone who has never seen them really needs to make the effort. A must see to be sure ;D
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Post by Shutter Girl on Oct 11, 2005 18:39:14 GMT -5
Right on, RJ! This year we've seen every member of the current King Crimson lineup without actually seeing them all together! Who knew that big daddy would be saved for last? The incomparable Mr. Robert Fripp took the stage shortly after 8 p.m., quietly sitting down next to his mixer, guitar in hand. This unassuming master treated us to wonderful soundscapes, accompanied by a nostalgic and artistic slide presentation which was shown on a large screen behind him. The photographs enhanced his awesome performance and, despite the advice of my dear friend and KC expert to close my eyes, I couldn't look away and miss a single slide. Shown were visions of King Crimson past and present along with photos of Fripp throughout the years, those he's played with including Brian Eno and David Sylvian (seeing the elusive Sylvian on the big screen struck a heart chord in me), incidental snapshots and scenic renderings. The combination of gentle and intriguing musical contributions and the slides made for a cohesive and entertaining package. I can't tell you what Fripp played but I can tell you it was stunning! And yes, I did close my eyes for a moment or two and the effect of the music washing over me like an ethereal bath was almost like an out of body experience --- gorgeous. The audience was fairly attentive (I was afraid they wouldn't get what they were seeing/hearing) and at one point, when Robert was playing a particularly gorgeous piece, you could hear a pin drop. Shortly thereafter, however, I guess the audience had enough and they started with the chatter and moving about one might do whilst waiting for your favorite band and suffering through an open act. Overall, I don't think the Cleveland audience embarrassed themselves, at least I hope they didn't. When he was finished he got up off of his chair, smiled and bowed and turned around and walked off the stage. I'm sorry we didn't get to experience any of his particular wit but I'm thankful to have had the experience of enjoying the music of the man who put Frippertronics in our language and our hearts. As RJ has said, Porcupine Tree were fantastic! They switched up the set from their last Cleveland show in May and that in and of itself is amazing. We heard classics like Blackest Eyes and Trains (a fan favorite)from In Absentia as well as long and gorgeous Don't Hate Me from Stupid Dream. The slide presentation was different as well and they even had all new tshirts and merchandise. Amazing!! Steven Wilson was cooking, he seems to be more comfortable with the audience everytime we see him. All and all, a great show. Another note about Steven: At least when he turned around and walked out of Flannery's he was smiling! During the show he made a funny comment about Jon Wesley's 'fan club' --- almost all the gents in our group were wearing Jon Wesley shirts!
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