Robert Fripp guested on David Sylvian’s 1986 album “Gone to Earth”. Sylvian/Fripp evolved as an extension of that collaboration, initially with gigs as a trio with future King Crimson member Trey Gunn on stick, followed by a full length studio album with the addition of Jerry Marotta on Drums, Marc Anderson on percussion & vocalist Ingrid Chavez. The album was recorded by David Bottrill in Woodstock NY and New Orleans.
The album entered the UK Top 30 on release in summer 1993, its eclectic mix featuring short songs, extended, looped funk and rock hybrids surprised and pleased fans of both artists with, perhaps, only the beautiful closing track ‘Bringing Down The Light’ with its Soundscapes over ambient backdrop washes coming close to that which might have been expected prior to release. A single, “Jean the Birdman”, was issued shortly after the album and the releases were supported by a full band tour.
Experimental yet accessible, song driven yet leaving ample room for instrumental exploration, “The First Day” is a great advert for such occasional meetings insofar as it manages to showcase the individual strengths of both artists while drawing something new and unexpected from their joint work.
As such it is one of the best remembered of the many collaborative recordings by both artists.
- CD reissue of the only Studio album by Sylvian/Fripp
- Features the single Jean the Birdman