Andy Summers & Robert Fripp Announce 'The Complete Recordings 1981-1984' Release on March 28, 2025
After more than four decades, Andy Summers and Robert Fripp are bringing together their collaborative works from the early '80s in a comprehensive collection titled The Complete Recordings 1981-1984. This set, slated for release on March 28, 2025, combines their two seminal albums—I Advance Masked (1982) and Bewitched (1984)—with a third disc of previously unreleased material named Mother Hold The Candle Steady.
Both original albums are presented on CD and feature new mixes in 5.1 surround sound and high-resolution 24-bit/96kHz stereo on the Blu-ray. The inclusion of surround mixes is a treat for audiophiles, offering an immersive listening experience that wasn't available with the original releases.
The third CD, Mother Hold The Candle Steady, is assembled from recently discovered recordings. It unveils eleven unreleased tracks, early versions, and alternate takes that shed new light on the duo's creative process. Additionally, the audio documentary Can We Record Tony? explores more treasures from Fripp’s sessions and tapes. An edited version is included at the end of the third CD, while the complete documentary is available on the Blu-ray.
Packaged in a 10-panel, book-sized digisleeve, the set includes a 16-page booklet with new sleeve notes by Sid Smith and insights from King Crimson producer David Singleton. The attention to detail in the presentation complements the meticulously remastered audio content.
For vinyl enthusiasts, a new 2024 David Singleton mix of I Advance Masked will be released on 200-gram vinyl. This edition also features two previously unreleased tracks, "Skyline" and "Entropy Pulse," discovered during the archival search.
Tracklisting:
CD 1 – I Advance Masked
- I Advance Masked
- Under Bridges Of Silence
- China – Yellow Leader
- In The Cloud Forest
- New Marimba
- Girl On A Swing
- Hardy Country
- The Truth Of Skies
- Painting And Dance
- Still Point
- Lakeland / Aquarelle
- Seven On Seven
- Stultified
Additional Material:
- Brainstorm
- New Marimba (Early Mix)
- Balinese
- Seven On Seven (Reprise)
CD 2 – Bewitched
- Parade
- What Kind Of Man Reads
- Playboy
- Begin The Day
- Train
- Bewitched
- Tribe
- Maquillage
- Guide
- Forgotten Steps
- Image And Likeness
Additional Material:
- Tribe (Original Version)
- Maquillage (Alt Original Mix)
CD 3 – Mother Hold The Candle Steady (Previously Unreleased)
- Impudent Prelude
- Brainstorm
- Tremors
- Turkish Kitchen
- Skyline
- Foi Um Óptimo Dia
- San Antonio Blues
- Mother Hold The Candle Steady
- Entropy Pulse
- Ninja Acid Dance
- Step N’ Fetchit
- Maquillage II
- Parade II
- Can We Record Tony? (Edit)
Blu-ray
All content in 24/96 Hi-Res:
- I Advance Masked: New stereo mixes, 5.1 surround mixes (DTS-HD MA 5.1), and original mixes
- Bewitched: New stereo mixes, 5.1 surround mixes (DTS-HD MA 5.1), and original mixes
- Mother Hold The Candle Steady: Stereo and 5.1 surround (DTS-HD MA 5.1)
- Can We Record Tony? – Audio Documentary (Complete)
This release not only revisits the groundbreaking collaboration between Summers and Fripp but also unveils a treasure trove of material that adds depth to their legacy. The high-resolution formats and surround sound mixes are a significant draw for those who value audio fidelity.
The history behind these recordings is fascinating. Summers and Fripp first connected in the '60s but only began working together in 1981. Their debut album, I Advance Masked, showcased their innovative guitar techniques and multilayered rhythms. Bewitched, their second album, leaned into more melodic territories with contributions from additional musicians like bassists Chris Childs and Sara Lee.
The discovery of unreleased tapes in a Los Angeles vault has been pivotal. Not only were the original materials found, but previously unheard tracks and alternate versions surfaced, allowing for the creation of Mother Hold The Candle Steady. David Singleton's role in mixing and curating these tracks ensures they remain authentic to the original sessions while benefiting from modern production.
Release Details:
- Release Date: March 28, 2025
- Format: 3CD/1 Blu-ray set and 200-gram vinyl edition
- Label: DGMLive
This collection is a significant addition to the discographies of Andy Summers and Robert Fripp. It's more than just a reissue; it's a deep dive into a unique collaboration, now presented in the highest audio quality available. For fans and audiophiles alike, this is an opportunity to experience these works anew.
