Customer Reviews

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"The League of Crafty Guitarists Live" is the culmination of Robert Fripp's Guitar Craft program. In these unorthodox classes, guitar experience wasn't even a prerequisite and some of the techniques pertained to housework and relaxation. After working with his students, Fripp took the group out on tour. While performed by a large group, the League of Crafty Guitarists enjoys that signature Robert Fripp sound. Most of the compositions are classically inspired guitar pieces. The challenging arrangements are mostly acoustic. Some of the songs feature blinding speed and six stringed accuracy. Others pieces create a dark and relaxed avant-garde soundscape. This group is significant in that it spawned a Guitar Craft movement. After the League had taken its course, Paul Richards, Bert Lams and Hideyo Moriya took this project to the next level and formed the California Guitar Trio. Newbies should check out "An Opening Act: On Tour With King Crimson." All in all, "The League of Crafty Guitarists Live" delivers a listen that is equally intelligent and enjoyable.

I bought this CD when it came out and still listen to it 3-4 times a year. The large guitar ensamble sounds great. The arrangements are simple, and that's appropriate for the unique recording situation -- not only was the recording a surprise but the concert itself. As a result, there's an urgency to the recording that keeps it fresh. Using a guitar class to render a cycle of songs was a risky move that allowed Fripp to also demonstrate the technique and tuning he developed and was advocating.

Brilliant stuff. Take ~20 people, teach them guitar, and cut a record (live, without overdubs) in 2 weeks. RF is very brave (or a fool). A friend of mine is on this cd. Good stuff, if difficult to play. Very easy difficult listening. Happy 20th everyone.