Robert Fripp & The League of Crafty Guitarists

The Profile

An acoustic guitar ensemble led by English guitarist Robert Fripp, born from his Guitar Craft courses. Known for disciplined ensemble work with Ovation guitars in New Standard Tuning, they released influential live albums and performed internationally, often weaving Frippertronics/Soundscapes and reimagined King Crimson material.

Guitar Craft followed King Crimson’s 1984 hiatus; ensemble players used Ovation Shallowbody Cutaway 1867 guitars in New Standard Tuning (C–G–D–A–E–G). Performances feature ‘circulation’ pieces, choreography-like cueing, and Frippertronics/Soundscapes interludes developed with Brian Eno using Revox tape loops. Noted live moments include acoustic takes on King Crimson pieces (e.g., VROOOM; ‘Red’; ‘21st Century Schizoid Man’). Intergalactic Boogie Express was recorded in March 1991 in Düsseldorf, Hannover, and Bonn. ‘Show of Hands’ includes Patricia Leavitt’s vocal inserts. DGM and GC logos were designed by Steve Ball. Discipline Global Mobile was founded by Fripp following disputes with EG.

The reviews praise Fripp’s Guitar Craft offshoot for immersive, disciplined ensemble performances with Ovation acoustics in New Standard Tuning. Live sets blend circulation pieces, Bach, folk, and reimagined King Crimson material. Frippertronics/Soundscapes interludes deepen the atmosphere. Highlights include Live! and Intergalactic Boogie Express. Overall tone: awed, grateful, and inspired.