Here's a review of Thursday's Keeling Cross concert by John Kimber.

Being a big fan of the King Crimson 1972 -1974 line up and having enjoyed Andrew Keeling’s Quickening the Dead CD, I was intrigued to see Keeling and David Cross were scheduled to play a show together in London. On a warm Thursday night, I went along to see what they were up to.

Due to the vagaries of British Rail, I missed the first number and eventually took my seat as they set the scene for their second with a Pete Sinfield Haiku. The Sinfield Haiku led to a light and airy duet which was as delicate as the words of the poem.

The next piece used the ambient sound within the room to let the music emerge and build slowly. An ominous violin riff (a distant cousin to the Jaws theme) developed with the flute intertwining and dipping about it. Cross used a looper to keep this riff going whilst he added lines over the top. This third piece had a compelling combination of movement coupled with menace, which left the audience on the edge of their seats when it came to a sudden and controlled stop.

To begin the second half, the audience was used to provide aural texture via muttering, whispers and talking quietly while Keeling played percussion and Cross built up subtle layers of violin. The music built using the audience interjections as leverage points to sustained climbing lines from the violin and some dynamic flute playing. This is the only time I have found somebody next to me talking during a concert actually adding to the music! This was a very effective combination of music and audience participation.

The final piece had a Keeling piano loop as a starting point. I was reminded of some Satie’s piano music as the flute joined in and Cross’s muted violin gave a mournful air. This developed a serene mood in the room and provided a very peaceful end to the evening.

I really enjoyed this concert. The dynamic duo conjured a surprising range of sounds and moods considering the limited palette at their disposal (flute and electric violin). The use of different stimuli for the starting points kept the music fresh and interesting and none of the pieces over stayed their welcome. If you get a chance to see them, take it! I know I’ll be back……and I’ll be picking up their CD too when it becomes available.

John Kimber