King Crimson | Artist
King Crimson is an English progressive rock band formed 1968 in London. Led by guitar virtuoso Robert Fripp and a retinue of master musicians, King Crimson has been at the forefront of progressive rock since the release of their brilliant first album In The Court of The Crimson King in 1969. They exerted a strong influence on the early 1970s progressive rock movement and continue to inspire subsequent generations of artists from multiple music genres as well. Guitarist and primary composer Robert Fripp, the band’s only remaining founding member, has acted as the driving creative force throughout its history. Fripp has also had a creative partnership with Brian Eno which has resulted in several groundbreaking ambient electronic albums. The initial King Crimson lineup of Fripp (guitar, electronics), Greg Lake (bass, vocals), Ian McDonald (keyboards, mellotron, reeds), Mike Giles (drums) and Peter Sinfield (lyrics), came together after the breakup of proto-Crimson group Giles, Giles & Fripp. The band initially focused on a dramatic, doom-laden sound rich with layers of Mellotron strings, flute, Lake’s distinctively powerful vocals, and Fripp's signature treated guitar artistry. Their 1969 debut album, In the Court of the Crimson King, remains their most commercially successful and influential release, with a potent mixture of jazz, rock, classical and experimental music. Their visibility increased tenfold following an opening act slot for the Rolling Stones at London's Hyde Park in July of 1969. Between 1969-1981 King Crimson released nine masterpiece albums of progressive rock: In The Court of the Crimson King (1969), In the Wake of Poseidon (1970), Lizard (1970), Islands (1971), Larks' Tongues in Aspic (1973), Starless and Bible Black (1974), Red (1974), USA (1975) and Discipline (1981). Late period outstanding albums include Thrak (1995) and The Power to Believe (2003), plus they have released a wealth of excellent live and archival material. Over the years the band's lineup has constantly changed, with Fripp taking on new players as the music evolves. In addition to the founding members, other names who have passed through the ranks include Mel Collins, Boz Burrell, Jamie Muir, John Wetton, David Cross, Bill Bruford and Adrian Belew. Various ex-members participate in covers bands 21st Century Schizoid Band and The Crimson ProjeKCt. Robert Fripp has released many fine solo and collaborative albums. He is married to former art-pop singer Toyah Wilcox, and founder of Disciple Global Mobile music label. Fripp is ranked 62nd on Rolling Stone magazine's 2011 list of the 100 Greatest Guitarists of All Time. An interesting footnote to the formation of King Crimson involves the very early participation of original Fairport Convention singer Judy Dyble. When Giles, Giles & Fripp were looking to expand their sound, before becoming King Crimson, keyboardist Ian McDonald was brought on board and he brought with him his then girlfrien Judy Dyble, who had just left Fairport, being replaced by Sandy Denny. Dyble, spent a brief tenure with the proto-Crimson collective before leaving when she and McDonald split.
Artist Website: dgmlive.com
Featured Albums: King Crimson
Related Artists: Robert Fripp, Giles, Giles & Fripp, McDonald & Giles, ELP
