Here’s what it said on the website: “Former King Crimson Members Adrian Belew and Tony Levin join with guitar virtuoso Steve Vai and Tool drummer Danny Carey for the first time to create BEAT, a creative reinterpretation of the three 80s King Crimson albums – Discipline, Beat, and Three Of A Perfect Pair.”
I only saw Adrian Belew’s name and was game with no idea what to expect. I loved Adrian’s work with local group The Bears and all his solo albums. All of that leaned on the pop side of the spectrum.
I was not at all prepared for the complex muscianship on display this evening with BEAT — but it was easy to get sucked in — these guys were having a blast. Every song guided attention from the collective, to solos, and back.
Adrian was filled with joy. Steve Vai had a cool nonchalance that belied his guitar work. Tony Levin was doing things with a bass I’d not seen before, along with an instrument called the Chapman Stick. And Danny Carey kept it all in check.
I can get overwhelmed when introduced to complex music, but this evening kept me rapt.
Bonus? Sharing the evening with friends, enjoying pre-show hangs and post-concert recaps.
Extra bonus? Photos from the stage thanks to Tony Levin.
