The Mellotron Group

I just received a copy of Spirit's self-titled first album, the first time I've heard it?since the '70's.? I couldn't help but draw a comparison between their jazz-style improvisations (e.g., at the end of Straight Arrow) and the guitar style of Randy California to that of KC and Robert Fripp, particularly on?21st Century Schizoid Man.? Additionally, I hear a lot of things in the instrumental, Elijah, that bring to mind post-Lizard KC.? Could this American band have served as an "inspiration" to Fripp?? I have never heard Giles, Giles, & Fripp, so I don't know if the similarity is 'coincidental' or if Fripp had heard the Spirit album and perhaps been influenced by it.

Comments?

Frank Samagaio
San Diego CA