Frippology

Introduction

My first encounter with the music of Bob Fripp was on the song "21st Century Schizoid Man" by King Crimson on the sampler album "Nice Enough To Eat", but it was from their album "In The Court Of The Crimson King", a blueprint and initiation of Progressive Rock.

Bob is responsible for the simple guitar riff signature sound of David Bowie's "Heroes", possibly Bowie's most memorable song then lifted even further by Bob's contribution.

I am unsure how to approach this, because as well as being technically briliant and inventive, with Toyah his wife he can be very silly (with their rabbits Fripp and Eno) and during COVID they started their Sunday Lunch sessions, so this "playlist" will be illustrations of his guitar prowess intespresed with silliness and charm.

I did a couple of reviews of albums where he collaborated with Brian Eno, so a meeting of the godfathers or progressive and ambient music, what could possibly go wrong?

The Video Playlist

"Heroes"

Bob Fripp played the wonderful guitar on the original recording and is also the leader of King Crimson, so it is no surprise that this song found its way into this list when the band played in Berlin in 2016.

"Fade Away And Radiate"

One of Bob's collaborations with Blondie, and the sounds he coaxes from guitars and electronics are amazing.

This is a sweet version of "Heroes" for VE Day 2020.

The two VE Day Heroes being celebrated within the Fripp and Willcox families:

Uncle Bill, aka RAF Flight Sergeant Alfie Fripp, who helped in planning The Great Escape.

Beric Willcox of the Royal Navy, based in Alexandria, who guarded convoys in the Mediterranean

Toyah Willcox & Robert Fripp present a weekly video every Sunday at lunchtime, 12 noon BST. That is the playlist above and it is great fun. Only a guitar genius could take part is these videos.

Exposure

This is a haunting, dark piece from Peter Gabriel's "Scratch" album, full of Frippertronickery over an insistent bassline. Fripp's guitar work makes this happen.

The Night Watch

I loved this song as soon as I heard it, describing Rembrandt's "The Night Watch" and some gorgeous sounding guitar lines courtesy of Bob. The album title "Starless and Bible Black" is taken for Dylan Thomas's tone poem "Under Milk Wood".

"Epitaph (Including "March For No Reason" and "Tomorrow And Tomorrow")"

I haven't a clue what people thought when they first heard this. I think I was twelve at the time, in I was vaguely aware of the album because of the cover and "21st Century Schizoid Man". This is still a favourite of mine, and this is where "progressive rock" started. The use of the Mellotron for orchestration (Fripp is not just a guitarist) and the fact that the song includes a number of movements makes this a particularly impressive piece of music, though with not too much electric guitar.

"Sweet Child Of Mine" Guitar Solo

I hope you can see and hear this; it is only 35 seconds long, but it is stunning.

Conclusion

I know this is a bit of a mishmash, but it should give you a little insight into what a wonderful guitarist Bob is. I have only touched on his collaborative work but as well as Eno, Blondie and Peter Gabriel, he has worked with Andy Summers, David Sylvian and many more.

I almost forgot to include the rabbits:

Thank you for reading, I really hope you have found something to enjoy here. Not a normal guitar-hero story, so hopefully that is a good thing.

Now I think I will find a King Crimson album to listen to, I wonder what it will be.