j o e

This is one of two collaborative albums between guitarists Andy Summers and Robert Fripp. It was recorded during a hiatus between albums for their respective mother bands, The Police and King Crimson. On some tracks, it is fairly obvious telling who is playing what parts, with Summers' ringing, rhythmic style as displayed in The Police running a sharp contrast to Fripp's nimble, angular fingerwork. However, on other tracks it is harder to tell who is who. The overall effect of many tracks is a Frippian dominance (which most consider a good thing), but remember that Summers has proven quite adept at emulating Fripp stylings (e.g. "Mother" on The Police's Synchronicity). "China-Yellow Leader" and "Girl on a Swing" feature the same erratic soloing more widely recognized on King Crimson tracks like "Sheltering Sky" and "Sartori in Tangier." Similarly, both the title track and "Hardy Country" present music that would later show up on Beat's "Neurotica" and "Neil and Jack and Me," respectively. Though it probably won't blow anyone away, I Advanced Masked still makes a very interesting historical supplement for fans of 80s King Crimson. review by Joe McGlinchey — undated —

e r i c

An effective match of two guitarists who may not be as opposite as you might think. Summers' heavily chorused guitars were a sound familiar to radio listeners around the time of this release, as he chimed through the Police's hit records. The sounds of King Crimson, though, are what ring out on I Advance Masked. Imagine 80's Crimson without Levin and Bruford. This all-instrumental release has Summers taking Belew's role, while Fripp's backdrops and sustained leads swarm about. Most of the songs are short concise musical statements that have Fripp's stamp all over them. Though Summers does not come across as very distinctive here, the two really work well together. If you enjoy 80's era Crimson and some of Fripp's ambient soundscapes, this should slide nicely into your collection. Also, the two did release a second recording. review by Eric Porter — undated —