King Crimson Edition

Went to see the Beast last week. This time it was five-headed.

How odd to walk to the doors of the Park West and see what can only be described as my brethren. They look like me and talk like me. Standing in line, waiting for the doors to open, we were next to Robert and Annie. Robert had flown in from Arizona for the concert (later inside, we sat next to a guy who came from Denver). Robert and I soon got into a conversation about the band, each knowing tidbits of history that the other one didn’t. I’m sure this same conversation was happening all around us. I must say, I’ve never been to a concert where there was so much anticipation.

The venue and band did not disappoint. No question, the second set was their finest performance to these ears. How wonderful to hear this level of playing happening in the moment. Finding the expected and unexpected: Searching, looking, making.

It’s a supergroup. But it is Adrian Belew who stands tallest. What gifts, talents, and skills. No one can watch and not be humbled.

It is also possible that these two drummers are the correct pairing in the modern version of this band. God bless Michael Giles and Bill Bruford.

I’m still vibrating from it all and this was only the warm-up for the true fortieth anniversary tour.

Another performance at our favorite Lansing coffee and sandwich/soup/desert provider:

And I mean good coffee:

Last night I missed Arlene:

Providing:

Keith wasn't able to play with us but came later. It was appreciated since it was a thin night due to the spectacular weather. We look forward to our next gig here.

My short performance last night was hot if intimate at the Gimme Shelter concert in Jackson. In a refuge for those who have lost a home, I was treated with grace and kindness by people whose situation I could never comprehend. I played with as much dignity as I could find. Honor.

Because I had to leave, I was not able to enjoy much of Cindy McElroy, who followed me. She has a very pretty voice.

What was lost is now found (the camera that is):

Festival of the Sun in Old Town on June 21, 2008. Our entrance:

Abigail guards against intruders:

Like this guy:

No festival would be complete without these:

Stage set. X marks the anti-feedback covers often requred on these types of gigs. We really don't get a sound check so who knows if they would in fact feed back:

Mr. Wood's rig (note handmade Stick Stand):

Set list:

A crowd gathers:

Afterwards, they seemed to have fun:

Our gig at the Red Cedar Grill on Friday night was a reunion of sorts with the return of our lost son Keith back either from the desert or Ethical Hacking.

The reintegration went smoothly for the most part - a few crashes and few burns but no crashing and burning (unless you count when my guitar cord decided that it had had enough of my playing and quit working). Much of the night was intentional and of high quality; fruitful.

I'm starting to think that I should change our name to Edward Groves and the Pedalboard Band (and in fact I will if Abigail ever brings one).

Here's mine:

It has a new addition, an Eventide Modulator. So far only the Tremolo has been used live (with great excitement by me).

Mr. Wood's is much more compact but capable of oh so much more:

As seen through his eyes:

Keith's hardly fits in my little camera's viewfinder:

The new T.C. Electronics reverby thing on the top right is awesome:

All this to play songs that are made up at the kitchen table most of the time.

Perhaps these are the pots and pans
The cupboard doors opening and closing
The hum of the refrigerator full of food

More likely
It is the swishing and swashing of the dishwasher
And the clanking of the dishes inside
A cat eating from a bowl