ELP Digest 18 November 2003 Volume 13 : Issue 13 The "To Help the Helpless and the Refugee" Edition Today's Topics: Breaking News, Rumors, Etc. - Cleveland /Akron/Barberton Ohio based ELP Tribute band "Trilogy" (November 14, 2003) - Greg Lake (November 15, 2003) - 30th Anniversary of Brain Salad Surgery (November 17, 2003) Reader Commentary - Looking at the past through rose coloured headphones... (November 10, 2003) - The Slagging of Greg (November 10, 2003) - Questionable sound (November 10, 2003) - Please be Nice (November 11, 2003) - Re: Greg Lake Birthday Edition (November 11, 2003) - lift up our spirits. (November 13, 2003) - Greg Lake with Pete Townshend and Roger Daltrey... (November 14, 2003) - www.elpvideos.fr.st - Update ! (November 16, 2003) Questions (and Answers!) - Memoirs Question (November 12, 2003) - In search of Curfew (November 13, 2003) ELP-related products, tribute bands, promoters (The ELP Digest does not endorse, etc.) - Great reading: Hang On To A Dream (November 17, 2003) =========================== Prelude =========================== Hi. In an unusual turn, this is the 3rd Digest this month. It's been years since we've turned them out this quickly. Don't worry. It's not going to be a habit. It's just that we've got some more time-sensitive news to get out. We'll return to our approximately monthly format in December. The first big piece of news is the tomorrow (Nov. 19) marks the 30th anniversary of the US release of Brain Salad Surgery. You'll see a note below where I'd like to collect fan memories or thoughts on this influential album. Even if you've never contributed to the Digest before, please consider sending along your thoughts so I can include them in the December issue of the Digest. And, please set aside some time to re-visit the album on its birthday to bring back some memories! Second, an ELP Digest reader is going to be on a Court TV special about the JFK assassination. He's also searching for an ELP tribute band in his area to form or join. He's a drummer. I'll be watching and hope some others do, too! And Tony sends along a note from Greg thanking people for remembering him on his birthday. Speaking of Greg... a few readers sent along notes to remind us all of Greg's contributions to ELP, etc. I've always kept the Digest an open forum and, in retrospect, I think a number of the comments that appeared in the last Digest were written in frustration. From reading the Digest, we know that Keith has been touring with The Nice and Carl has been touring with his band. And I think the frustration of not having similar news from Greg was starting to show. Subsequent to those original writings, we've read in th Digest that Greg appears with Roger Daltry at a charity event and, as you'll read in this Digest, Pete Townshend has written that Greg has recorded some new material with Pete and Roger. It looks like we're starting to see some action on all fronts now and that's a good thing! It's only been a week or so since the last Digest but there's lots of interesting news in here. So, please keep on reading (and contributing)! - John - ------------------------------ Latest News from the Official ELP sites .... Since this is the third Digest in two weeks, just a few updates: Bruce Pilato passes along the following news: "Look for an upcoming announcement on the lake and Elp sites regarding the release of FROM THE UNDERGROUND Vol 2 - DEEPER INTO THE MINE (previously unreleased GL rarities with solo band, Elp, Elpowell, and Crimson) and the two gems from EMERSON LAKE AND POWELL- 'Live in Concert' and 'the Sprocket Sessions'." GregLake.com also includes some updates on Greg's work with Roger Daltry and Pete Townshend. It's free to register and get full access to lots of news, discussion, etc. CarlPalmer.com has the note from Carl about the changes in his band due to the tinnitus of Shaun Baxter as reported in the previous Digest. A note from Shaun is also there. On KeithEmerson.com, Keith has added a brief note on his thoughts on the just completed UK tour and a number of photos have been added. See http://www.keithemerson.com/Gallery/Nice2003/2003Tour.html Keith also hints at a possible US tour in 2004! =========================== Breaking News, Rumors, Etc. =========================== From: Drumrolls3@wmconnect.com Sent: Friday, November 14, 2003 3:56 PM To: elp-digest@reluctant.com Subject: Cleveland /Akron/Barberton Ohio based ELP Tribute band "Trilogy" Has anyone ever seen any reference to the Cleveland/Akron/Barberton, Ohio area based ELP tribute band called "Trilogy"? I auditioned for them in 1997, was basically frowned upon because I am overweight (they wanted someone with Carl's physique) and since then I have never heard another thing about them. Does anyone know anything at all about them in here, and whether or not they got anything off the ground? I have just completed replicating (as close as I possibly can without using Stainless steel drums) Carl's stainless steel drumset, using Ludwig concert Toms-all chrome lacquered on the inside shells, and chrome drum material from Sam Bernard's on the outside. All cymbals and drums are the same dimensions as what Carl used, all Paiste 2002 cymbals, a 28" Paiste gong, 25 and 28 timpani, set of 20 Degan chimes. Everything is set up identical as to the way Carl's set up was--all angles, distances- etc. I can provide some photos. I am looking for someone -anyone- who can play ELP, i.e, Keyboardsman, bassist, vocalist. I know every single tune by heart that they have recorded, and every lick Carl does. I also have an audition tape made when I auditioned for "Trilogy" which includes Pirates and Hoedown. I will be featured on Court TV's JFK Assassination special on "Forensic Files" on November 19th, they will feature me on the drums, so you may get a first hand look at my playing, if interested. I hope that someone will write me back - either through the ELP digest, or via email. My dream is to perform Karn Evil 9 3rd impression in its entirety someday. Thanks very much in advance. Sincerely yours, An avid ELP fan, Steve Barber --------------------------------------------- From: Tony Ortiz [elptony@msn.com] Sent: Saturday, November 15, 2003 10:41 PM To: elp-digest-request@reluctant.com Subject: Greg Lake Hi John You can put this in your next letter if you like, if so, can you remind the people about the poll again, not that many people voted. [ Editor's Note: The polls are available near the middle of the Ladies of the Lake page at http://www.ladiesofthelake.net - John - ] "To all my friends who sent birthday greetings to me via the website, I would like to say how very touched I am by all the warm and supportive comments. The one really cool thing about my birthday is that it serves as a great reminder to me of all the people whose lives have become entwined with my own through our shared experience of music. On a day such as this, reading all the wonderful heartfelt letters, it is hard not to feel like a very lucky man indeed. Best, Greg." --------------------------------------------- From: John Arnold [arnold@reluctant.com] Sent: Monday, November 17, 2003 11:14 AM To: elp-digest@reluctant.com Subject: 30th Anniversary of Brain Salad Surgery This fall marks the 30th anniversary of the release of ELP's Brain Salad Surgery. 30 years later and I still don't think there's another album quite like it. To me, it's always seemed like the pinnacle of synth/rock/concept albums and it's been no surprise that the only major ELP concept pieces after Karn Evil 9 were done with orchestral feel (Pirates) and/or smaller group/jazz feel (Memoirs of an Officer and a Gentleman). I'm sure that many Digest readers have distinct memories of Brain Salad Surgery and I thought it would be appropriate to ask you to write them up and send them in. Then, we'll have a December issue of the Digest where we can share our stories and celebrate the birthday of a great album. So, please consider writing up your thoughts and memories of BSS and send them to me at elp-digest@reluctant.com so I can put them in the next Digest. Thanks! - John - =========================== Reader Commentary =========================== From: Keith Pomfret [keith@pomfret.co.uk] Sent: Monday, November 10, 2003 5:37 AM To: elp-digest@reluctant.com Subject: Looking at the past through rose coloured headphones... Haven't we become picky? I've just looked through the current Digest (GL Birthday edition) and it seems that we are getting ever so critical about live concerts. Incidentally, this is a criticism that I also level at myself - I've re-read my outbox and... ...travelled back to the late 1960s and early 1970s (in bright yellow loon pants and scalloped electric blue T Shirt and biker jacket) to see what we put up with in the olden days. When it was unusual to have a working stage monitor system When a stereo mix was only to be found on the gramophone When the sound guy tried to make everything louder than everything else When the first 100 rows smelt of wet afghan coats, patchouli oil and something else a little less legal And I've come to the conclusion that we run the risk of losing the enjoyment of the occasion in a sea of technical criticism. I revisited some of the concerts that I enjoyed from the earlier era this week - by way of bootleg tapes, the best of the bootlegs and some old videos. I have to report that, had I set out to see The Nice, ELP, (and Yes, Genesis, Floyd, Caravan, Tangerine Dream etc) with the same critical ear that 21st century pristine digital technology has bestowed upon us, I would have probably given up somewhere between the fifth bridge and the barbarian and spent my money on a slightly less decibelous hobby. I was at the Preston concert and yes, I hold my hand up, I did notice and criticise a couple of things but: It was a bloody good concert - as good as I can remember. With a two foot high stage, little or no security and an intimate atmosphere, I came away humming the tunes, have bored my frieds daft going on about it and have nearly worn out my Minimoog and Arturia trying to replicate the patches from the pictures I took of the Modular during the gig. (And it was made better by the ticket being bought for me by a friend - thanks Pippa) And it was good enough to see me logging on and ordering a copy of Vivacitas to help me relive it. There wasn't a ballet company, symphony orchestra, rotating piano, indestructable knifed-up Hammond L, or big round back projection screen. (No organs were harmed during the production of the concert.) The litmus test is: 'What would I do if The EmersoNice tour went round again next week?' I'd be first in the queue trying to get front row centre seats (again). I'd be charging up my camera and choosing a jacket with a big enough pocket to carry it. I'd be getting all excited again. Sure, criticism is positive - it helps us get things better. But, it shouldn't get in the way of our enjoyment. I'm glad I got that off my chest --------------------------------------------- From: James Potry [swampjames@yahoo.com] Sent: Monday, November 10, 2003 10:02 AM To: elp-digest@reluctant.com Subject: The Slagging of Greg Dear Fellow Fanatics, I feel I must protest the number of recent letters bashing Greg! I, as much as anyone, would like to see a full reunion, album, tour etc. Especially since they've now matured and may be playing as well as ever and with directions to pursue and new music to make. I too, am disappointed in Greg's attitude of late but we cannot just write off everything he contributed and gave to the band all the way to the last(albeit) disappointing album. It always stinks when our heroes prove to be human. We look up to them because of the thrills and excitement they bring to our lives. And we want them to be as they were always- brilliant and alive and playing for us. They fullfill needs for us and when they prove to be less than perfect it is a letdown. But, can any of you hear someone else singing "Karn Evil"? Listen to the rumbling charge of bass in "Fanfare" and not think of him? Don't buy his solo stuff, see his shows, visit his website. But at least allow him to do what he feels he needs to do-whether we agree with it or not. And then hope that he sees the light and the three of them become one again someday, somewhere. Thanks-JP --------------------------------------------- From: john cowie [cblkdog@hotmail.com] Sent: Monday, November 10, 2003 3:21 PM To: elp-digest@reluctant.com Subject: Questionable sound To all of you who are complaining about the sound of the Nice, just be happy you can see them. I haven't heard anything about them coming to the US so hearing complaints about the sound seem a little trivial. In a perfect world we would be seeing ELP and the Nice together with one of their great sounds systems of the 70's. Maybe the Grateful Dead's Wall of Sound would be appropriate. I just hope they make it to NYC one of these days. John Cowie Sea Bright, N.J. --------------------------------------------- From: Paul Vandersar [microtoneaudio@hotmail.com] Sent: Tuesday, November 11, 2003 6:18 AM To: ELP Digest Subject: Please be Nice Hi all, Some postings in Digest V13 #12 were, I felt, a little too harsh on Greg (you know the ones I mean!) and I would like to point out that Mr Lake may well have read those comments. Nice going, guys - I'm sure the implied expletive will really encourage Greg to heed your words and change his ways - NOT!!! Whatever truth may be contained in such vitriol, can surely be expressed in a less confrontational manner? After all, we subscribe to the Digest because we are fans of ELP, not enemies! Greg, as much as Keith and Carl, deserves our respect and thanks for his contribution to ELP, and if he wants to do something else (or nothing) that's his choice. I've defended Greg in this forum before, and I'll stand by my belief that as sole producer, he shaped the early ELP albums into the classics that they are. As for the personal dynamics between Keith, Greg and Carl: we only have one side of the story so far, and it would only be fair to reserve judgement until the other two autobiographies are published... Feel free to correspond with me on this subject, but please keep it clean; I'll simply delete the message at the first sign of any bad language, implied or explicit. I've had it up to here already with all the unsolicited filth that clogs my mailbox. Many thanks to John for keeping the Digest alive. Regards, Paul Vandersar microtoneaudio@hotmail.com --------------------------------------------- From: Nick Zales [zales@execpc.com] Sent: Tuesday, November 11, 2003 10:34 AM To: ELP-digest@reluctant.com Subject: Re: Greg Lake Birthday Edition How ironic that in the Greg's birthday edition of this digest that a nunber of people commented on Greg's playing ability, sanity and came to the conclusion he is toast without Keith and Carl. I said it myself. Still, even if Greg is a prima donna, ego maniac, his singing did add something unique to ELP's music and for that he deserves great credit. So while I am the first one to say frig-off to Greg's mindless posturing, I think it is clear that ELP would not be what it was without him. As great as Emerson is, he needs someone to reign in his madness and excess. In ELP Greg served that function. Now back to my "rediscovery" of the underrated "Memoirs of an Officer and a Gentleman" from Love Beach. Did ELP ever play this cool song live? Emerson's piano playing at 5:30 on is simply magnificent and so very pretty. That march at the end of Memoirs is so fitting and ultra-spacey. It's totally ELP at their best. Nick --------------------------------------------- From: Acerinox [acerinox@sweb.it] Sent: Thursday, November 13, 2003 12:59 AM To: ELP-digest@reluctant.com Subject: lift up our spirits. Dear all, It's the first time I dare to write some lines here in the digest. In the last few issues I've noticed criticism getting stronger and stronger against our Greg Lake and his present inactivities, I remember someone addressed him as simple "bass player" [...] or things in this way, perhaps as a result of our recent readings. What I really wanted to point out is, are we sure that this kind of proceeding doesn't damage the situation between the three or their environments?? Or even, criticism is to us a very simple and poor activity, writing down some lines and then going out to our daily job. But how is this accepted by Them, maybe They see this digest as a part of their job. I mean we should really weigh our words in order to create positive settings, juggling with our neighbours errors will leads us to nothing, and what we hope is seeing them all together in future. Ciao Giancarlo Associazione Culturale Area Rock Italy ps.: john (and team) thank you for your job. --------------------------------------------- From: John Arnold [arnold@reluctant.com] Sent: Friday, November 14, 2003 6:32 PM To: arnold@reluctant.com Subject: Greg Lake with Pete Townshend and Roger Daltry... Picked up this link from the Yahoo ELP-DISC group and thought it was worth sharing: http://www.petetownshend.co.uk/diary/display.cfm?id=71&zone=diary Here's a snippet from it: "[...] We also finished our recording of my song REAL GOOD LOOKING BOY. Roger has been singing it to his mates all over the USA while shooting the History Channel special this summer. We did it in a fairly raw form, but it brought together the band from last year's tour (apart from Pino who is out with Simon and Garfunkel - Greg Lake filled in beautifully. Smashing fellow). Zak, Rabbit and my brother Simon played brilliantly and Roger and I were bloody useless. But what do you expect of two such creaky old tossers? [...]" - John - --------------------------------------------- From: Tim Web [hyperglucose@hotmail.com] Sent: Sunday, November 16, 2003 7:56 AM To: elp-digest@reluctant.com Subject: www.elpvideos.fr.st - Update ! Hello everyone ! Just wanted to tell you there's a Little Update on my Site: I have put many many many images of the Manticore Special. I was worried that this wonderful Documentary wasn't on the Site, so here we go with rare images of the Group in their best shape (in my honest opinion). I would like to know if someone has other Videos in "PC" Format (Mpeg, Divx or other) to contribute to the Site, so it can be a really useful library. These times I dream of a Tarkus Video shot by a Japanese Fan in the 70s, but I can't put my hands on it. Would someone agree to share these Videos? Thanks a lot, Tim www.elpvideos.fr.st [ Editor's Note: The ELP Digest has a long-standing desire to not condone discussion of bootlegs or anything that would undermine revenue from the available commercial products (and, indirectly, give Mssrs. E, L, and P less reason to create their products). However, it appears that this site should help sell the videos since it provides a good synopsis of them. Looking over the synopsis of the Manticore Special and the Works Orchestral Tour reminded me that I really need to put the DVD of these on my Christmas list. (See www.emersonlakepalmer.com's gift shop, www.amazon.com, etc. for availability.) - John - ] =========================== Questions (and Answers!) =========================== From: Dominik Brückner [dominik.brueckner@germanistik.uni-freiburg.de] Sent: Wednesday, November 12, 2003 10:54 AM To: elp-digest-request@reluctant.com Subject: Memoirs Question Hi to all! For my website, the Progressive Rock Bibliography, I am collecting literary references in Progressive Rock. I have often thought about "Memoirs Of An Officer And A Gentleman" from ELP's Love Beach, and wondered, if there is any connection to literature. I found the following books: Thorne, Guy (pseud.): An Officer-and a Gentleman? And other stories. 1909. Broughton, J. Delves: Officer and Gentleman. 1944. Fetterless, Arthur: Gog. The story of an officer and gentleman. 1916. Does anybody know whether any of these or any other book has been the inpiration for ELP's last epic? Thank you very much in advance, Nik Brueckner www.progbibliography.de --------------------------------------------- From: Agathangelos Loukomites [agathang@law.auth.gr] Sent: Thursday, November 13, 2003 8:02 PM To: ELP-Digest@reluctant.com Subject: In search of Curfew Aaron Emerson was in a band called Curfew back in early to mid 90's. They released at least one single titled "Conclusion" back in 1993. I know this for certain, because I have the video on an old videocassette recorded off MTV Europe's now defunct PostModern program. It was aired one more time on 120Minutes and then never again. The single and the video are truly excellent. I've been looking for a recording by Curfew ever since with no luck. If any one has any information on the single, the album from which it was taken (if an album was ever released) and--most importantly--what label the single was released on (I seem to remember vaguely from somewhere that it was a Danish independent label), please let me know. If anyone has an actual copy or has downloaded it from somewhere (intellectual property aside, this would be a perfectly legitimate reason to resort to file-sharing) please let me know any further relative information. It's become kind of an obsession over the years--the only recording I 've never been able to find. The search continues... Angelos =========================== ELP-related products, tribute bands, promoters (The ELP Digest does not endorse, etc.) =========================== From: John Arnold [arnold@reluctant.com] Sent: Monday, November 17, 2003 11:10 AM To: elp-digest@reluctant.com Subject: Great reading: Hang On To A Dream Since many of you may be as impossible to buy for as I am (with Christmas and other gift opportunities on the way), I just couldn't help but put in a plug for a book I read at the end of the summer and found absolutely fascinating. Yes, on my list I still have to get "Pictures of an Exhibitionist", "Vivacitas" (the live CD from the 2002 tour by KE and the Nice), and the DVD version of the combined "Manticore Special" and "Montreal Concert (with orchestra)", I can't comment on how those are. (Though I will get them some day!) But, for those of you who want or need something E-related, you really should read Martyn Hanson's biography of The Nice. I think it's available at places like amazon.com, amazon.co.uk and other places. If you want to read a brief synopsis, you can check out those places or the publisher's web site: http://www.helterskelterbooks.com/productdetails.asp?Product_ID=606 I'm one of those people (pun intended) who became aware of The Nice just after they had disbanded and as ELP as on the rise. So I've heard all their music and even used to play the Lee Jackson bass lines in my living room while my brother did the Keith parts! But I didn't know that much about the story behind how The Nice came to be, the background of the other band members, and just how much The Nice were a critical part of the late 60s music scene that paved the way for a lot of the music that I still thrive about today. Looking back on The Nice from a historical perspective, you can see how Sergeant Pepper, Jimi Hendrix, The Nice, King Crimson, Yes, etc. were all co-existing and pushing music that was far beyond the 'pop songs' that filled most albums. Martyn's book does a great job of helping put the pieces together. In a way, it seems to me that the success of The Nice made it possible for ELP to become the mega-band that they were in the early-mid 70s. A fascinating story. Here's an 'outtake' that Martyn sent to me a while ago just to give you a sense of the kinds of anecdotes that are in the book along with the usual biographical info (and lots of great insider info from Bazz (Nice roadie and more), Lee, Brian, etc. "The Bonzo's have a Moog laugh at Keith After the gig Keith admitted that the one show went better than the other (1970 Royal Festival Hall matinee shows with Yes). But there was more than enough potential, for anybody with an imagination, to envisage what was possible. Keith was convinced the Moog was the future, he knew that people were working in the States on the next stage of development, so the instrument would get better. As a footnote to all of this, the Bonzo Dog Doo Dah Band did a skit on Keith's antics with the ribbon controller. They wrote a song called 'Sir Adrian Boult and his Electric Leg' (they only performed it live). Unfortunately, Keith was so serious about things he didn't see the funny side to it." Hope you enjoy it some day. I put off reading it for a long time and am sorry I didn't read it sooner. - John - =========================== Digest subscription, mailing address, and administrative stuff to: elp-digest-request@reluctant.com ELP-related info that you want to put in the digest to: elp-digest@reluctant.com Back issues are available from the ELP Digest web site: http://www.brain-salad.com/ Note: The opinions, information, etc. contained in this digest are those of the original message sender listed in each message. They are not necessarily those of the mailing list/digest administrator or those of any institution through whose computers/networks this mail flows. Unless otherwise noted, the individual authors of each entry in the Digest are the copyright holders of that entry. Please respect that copyright and act accordingly. I especially ask that you not redistribute the ELP Digest in whole or in part without acknowledging the original source of the digest and each author. Thanks! End of ELP Digest [Volume 13, Issue 13] ***************************************