ELP Digest 06 September 2006 Volume 16: Issue 6 The "Garland of Martian Fire Flowers" Edition Today's Topics: Breaking News, Rumors, Etc. - All Four Original Members of ASIA Reunite FOR 2006/2007 World Tour (July 6, 2006) - RE: Endless Enigma, by Edward Macan (July 10, 2006) - Keith Emerson at Wiesen 7/7/2006 (July 17, 2006) - Emo band at the Astoria London 1 (July 20, 2006) - Keith Emerson - Astoria London (July 21, 2006) - KE Concert commentary - Astoria London 20th July (July 21, 2006) - Keith Emerson Band London concert (July 24, 2006) - "Host of previously unreleased material" (August 19, 2006) - Carl in Cairo (August 20, 2006) - Keith on the Moog Memorial Foundation advisory board (August 22, 2006) - Carl interviewed on finance - and how much has ELP really sold? (August 23, 2006) - Greg lake tour cancelled (August 31, 2006) - Greg Lake Tour cancelled (September 1, 2006) Reader Commentary - Re: ELP Digest Vol. 16 #05 (July 4, 2006) - Keith Emerson on youtube.com (July 5, 2006) - More ELP-related reviews (July 5, 2006) - Miscellaneous (July 19, 2006) - new ELP book available (July 26, 2006) - Keith Emerson/Carl Palmer story (August 13, 2006) - Carl's clothes (August 29, 2006) Questions (and Answers!) - I Have a Question @ Brain Salad (August 15, 2006) - Re: I Have a Question @ Brain Salad (August 15, 2006) - RE: I Have a Question @ Brain Salad (August 15, 2006) - RE: I Have a Question @ Brain Salad (August 15, 2006) ELP-related products, tribute bands, promoters (The ELP Digest does not endorse, etc.) - Pictures at an exhibition (August 8, 2006) - New Noddy's Puncture CD out now...! (August 10, 2006) =========================== Prelude =========================== Hi. My summer 'break' took on more dimensions than expected. With a daughter off to college (Syracuse) and a son starting high school, there was a lot to squeeze in. So I didn't get as much 'real work' done as I had hoped and my 'fun work' was even further on the back burner. However, we're back and there is a lot of news to report and many opinions and observations to share. In this edition of the ELP Digest, we have reviews of Keith's shows in Europe, reports of interviews with Carl, and (alas) news from last week that Greg has cancelled his tour for now. And then there's the start of the Asia reunion tour (with Carl Palmer, Steve Howe, and the other original members) and Ed Macan's new book. Thanks for your patience and, as always, enjoy! - John - ------------------------------ Latest News from the Official ELP sites .… Keith’s site has additional pix from the NEARfest show and more at: http://www.keithemerson.com/News/whatsnew.html --------------------------------------------- Greg’s site has a personal note about the cancellation of the fall’s tour – visit this link for this and other news: http://www.greglake.com/newsite/newhotsheet.asp --------------------------------------------- If you haven’t seen Carl’s “Road Report” be sure to check it out at: http://www.carlpalmer.com/roadreport.html … and links to other news and tour updates, such as new dates for Hungary and Turkey, at: http://www.carlpalmer.com/palmer.html =========================== Breaking News, Rumors, Etc. =========================== From: originalasia2006 Sent: Thursday, July 06, 2006 11:18 PM To: ELP Digest Subject: All Four Original Members of ASIA Reunite for 2006/2007 World Tour All Four Original Members of ASIA reunite for 2006/2007 World Tour Geoff Downes, Steve Howe, Carl Palmer & John Wetton have reformed to celebrate the 25 th Anniversary of their historic multi-platinum debut album. ASIA, the first supergroup to emerge with the dawn of the MTV-age, has reunited with its original line-up intact to celebrate the band's 25th anniversary. The founding members of ASIA emerged from classic rock icons Yes, Emerson Lake & Palmer, King Crimson, and The Buggles, and released one of the most enduring and commercially successful debut albums of all time, simply entitled ASIA. The reunion of the band's original line-up marks the first time all four founding members will be playing together since 1983. In addition to ASIA hits including “Heat Of The Moment,” “Only Time Will Tell,” “Sole Survivor,” “Don't Cry” and others, the band will play selections from their individual careers. Audiences can expect to hear such rock radio staples as “Roundabout,” (from Yes); “In The Court Of The Crimson King” (from King Crimson); “Video Killed The Radio Star,” (from The Buggles); “Fanfare For The Common Man” (from Emerson Lake & Palmer) and other rock classics. VH1 Classic and Sirius Satellite Radio will present the tour, which has been viewed as one of the most anticipated reunion tours of the decade. Collectively as ASIA, and in their various other bands, the four original members have sold over 200 million records since 1970. The tour will take the supergroup to many cities and countries where it has never previously performed, starting with an intimate show at the Water Street Music Hall in Rochester, NY on August 29th, in celebration of popular drive-time DJ Dave Kane's 25th anniversary with radio station WCMF. Among the noted appearances on the tour will be:: two nights at the Nokia Theater in Times Square, Manhattan; Boston's legendary Avalon Ballroom; Trump Marina Casino in Atlantic City, NJ; and the House of Blues concert theater in Las Vegas, Nevada. The US tour will be followed by a trek through the band's native UK, ending December 3; and a nationwide tour of Japan in March next year. An extensive global tour throughout the remainder of 2007 will follow. “We've waited a long time to put the original line up back together once again,” says vocalist and bassist, John Wetton. “Although we always remained friendly, we had all moved on to other musical commitments. With the 25th Anniversary coming up, it just seemed like the right time to bring back the music we made as ASIA.” Since the demise of the original line-up in 1983, the members had worked in various combinations, including numerous versions of ASIA that performed with one or two of the original members. Only now, has the band re-emerged with all four of the founding members. “There is a certain chemistry and energy that comes out when the four of us are working together”, says drummer Carl Palmer, who returned to ELP after ASIA for several years, and continues to record and tour with his own power trio. “There is a distinct pedigree that was the foundation of the band, and that history was always apparent in the music we created during that period. It feels good to be playing those classic songs again with the guys who wrote and recorded them originally.” “This is the REAL ASIA,” says guitarist Steve Howe. “There have been other versions of the band, but this original line-up is the one that the public truly embraced. Since we only toured for a couple of years, it will be nice, finally, to play for audiences all over the world, many of whom never had a chance to see the group in concert, until now.” Adds Geoffrey Downes: “We've all remained dedicated to our craft of making compelling and powerful music. After many years apart, I think we all bring a new and very fresh attitude to the music from our initial studio recordings. I am looking forward to playing these songs on stage with these musicians, once again.” Originally released on Geffen Records in 1982, the debut ASIA album scored four Top 10 Billboard and Radio hits and stayed at the #1 spot on the Billboard Top 100 album chart for an astounding 9 weeks. Only a handful of albums such as Pink Floyd's Dark Side Of The Moon and Michael Jackson's Thriller have been #1 on the Billboard charts for a longer time. Universal records will mount a worldwide catalogue campaign in celebration of ASIA's landmark anniversary. The initial leg of the 25 th Anniversary tour will include these shows and cities: Tues August 29 - ROCHESTER, NY – Water Street Music Hall Thur August 31 - ATLANTIC CITY, NJ - Trump Marina Casino Fri September 1 - JIM THORPE, PA – Penn’s Peak Sat September 2 - NIAGARA FALLS, NY - Seneca Niagara Casino Sun September 3 - MASHATUCKET, CT - Foxwood Casino Thur September 7 - BOSTON, MA - Avalon Ballroom Fri September 8 - NEW YORK, NY - Nokia Theater Sat September 9 - NEW YORK, NY - Nokia Theater Sun September 10 - NORWALK, CT - Oyster Festival Tues September 12 - RED BANK, NJ - Count Basie Theater Wed September 13 - PHILADELPHIA, PA - Keswick Theater Fri September 15 - CLEVELAND, OH - House of Blues Sat September 16 - CHICAGO, IL - Park West Sun September 17 - MILWAUKEE, WI - Pabst Theater Wed September 20 - LONG BEACH, CA - The Vault Thur September 21 - LAS VEGAS, NV - House of Blues Fri September 22 - FOUNTAIN HILLS, AZ - Radisson Casino Sat September 23 - LOS ANGELES, CA - Canyon Club Sun September 24 - PALM DESERT, CA - McCallum Theater UK TOUR Tue November 28 - Liverpool Carling Academy Wed November 29 - Newcastle Carling Academy Thur November 30 - Glasgow Carling Academy Fri December 1 - Wolverhampton Wulfrun Halls Sun December 3 - London Shepherds Bush Empire For further information including management, agency, and links to band member websites, please visit: www.originalasia.com --------------------------------------------- From: Cindy Pineo Sent: Monday, July 10, 2006 11:31 AM To: elp-digest Subject: Endless Enigma, by Edward Macan OPEN COURT PUBLISHING COMPANY A DIVISION OF CARUS PUBLISHING COMPANY LIBRARY OF LIVING PHILOSOPHERS • CATFEET PRESS 140 South Dearborn Avenue, Suite 1450, Chicago, Illinois 60603 ENDLESS ENIGMA: The Musical Biography of Emerson, Lake and Palmer By Edward Macan Throughout the 1970s, no style of popular music was more controversial than progressive rock, and no progressive rock band was more controversial than the British group Emerson, Lake and Palmer. Initially attracting attention for their keyboard-bass-drums configuration, ELP became hugely popular on both sides of the Atlantic. Macan provides a comprehensive critical survey of the recorded output of ELP and the recordings done pre-ELP, inter-ELP, and post-ELP by band members, and imaginatively analyzes ELP’s major albums. Macan demonstrates the ELP’s most characteristic music addresses technology’s role in fostering societal alienation and totalitarianism, and that their best albums constitute an important contribution not only to progressive rock canon, but to seventies rock in general. PUBLICATION DETAILS Endless Enigma: A Musical Biography of Emerson, Lake and Palmer By Edward Macan ISBN 0-8126-9596-8 Price: $49.95 Release date: July 2006 Size: 6x9 Pages: 863 For additional information on this title contact: Carolyn M. Gray - Marketing & Publicity Phone: 312-701-1720 - Fax: 312-701-1728 Email: ocpc [at] caruspub.com Distributed by Publishers Group West [ Editor's Note: There's another Digest reader who mentions this book (in the next section of this Digest) but I did want to mention that this appears to be a very nice piece of work. I've only managed to find time to read the first section and I've learned quite a few things as well as being exposed to new points of view about how to think about ELP's recorded output. Also, I want to thank Ed Macan for his mention of the Digest and his compliments of how the Digest and the community of Digest readers helped him with the book. Thanks, Ed! - John - ] --------------------------------------------- From: Bojan Zefran Sent: Monday, July 17, 2006 9:59 AM To: elp-digest Subject: Keith Emerson at Wiesen 7/7/2006 Hello All After 30 years of waiting, I finally saw Keith Emerson with his band playing live at Wiesen (near Vienna, Austria) on the Legends of Rock festival with Uriah Heep, Nazareth, Wishbone Ash and Melanie on July 8, 2006 (from 0:30am to 1:45am) during his European tour. Emerson and his band were fantastic that night. They played the best of ELP show: 1st Impression, Living Sin, Luchy Man, America, Tarkus and encore Fanfare for the Common Man-Nutrocker. Keith's playing was enjoyable. Marc Bonilla with Greg's voice and accurate Pete Riley were also very good. Some photos from that gig are on the festival home page: http://www.wiesen.at/35538_DE.61C9144fc9726d6328b762a42bc3dfec220b5450 (or at www.wiesen.at; Fanzine; Legends of Rock 06) Regards, Bojan Zefran --------------------------------------------- From: Roger Evans Sent: Thursday, July 20, 2006 7:34 PM To: elp-digest Subject: Emo band at the Astoria London 1 Hi John, Just back from Emo's only show in the UK at the Astoria. WOW What can I say... Nigel Tufnell's Marshall goes to 11 (1 louder then 10)... the MOOG hit 12 and will to dissolve kidney stones with the Lucky Man bass notes. Oh... and by the way, all Emo's fingers were working!!! Also got a taste of what it might have been if Hendrix had joined the ELP- Bonilla was magnificent. could have ben BELP. Emo now has a great band. More to follow Rog --------------------------------------------- From: Richards, Phil Sent: Friday, July 21, 2006 4:55 AM To: elp-digest Subject: Keith Emerson - Astoria London Popped along to see Keith Emerson @ the Astoria in London last night and had a really enjoyable evening. The set comprised of (but possibly not complete, in this order, or the correct title, otherwise spot on!) 1st impression (start delayed 10 mins whilst they found another 4-gang to plug in the main keyboard; the sound check guy had only left the stage 30 secs earlier giving the thumbs up!!) Dance of Enemy Gods (I think) Living Sin Bitches Crystal Hoedown Piano concerto (interestingly performed without actually touching the piano) Country Pie Intermezzo Lucky Man (the old moog really showed its paces. Now I'm 17st+ and my seat was bouncing off the floor; I thought people on the balcony were throwing things, but it was the paint falling off the ceiling! superb!!) From the beginning Piano medley (possibly some film score piece ending with Honky Tonk train blues) America/Rondo medley (including playing the keyboard back to front for 'the fugue' bit) Tarkus (complete version including flaming ribbon, drum solo and yet another failed keyboard causing Keith to improvise on the GOFF) Fanfare/Nutrocker medley (the encore, with some idiot from the audience jumping on stage taking over the keyboards; sorry I understand it was a Mr. Adam Emerson....some relation possibly?) Well over 2 hours on stage with no breaks, a superb performance. Lots of banter with the audience, and a good atmosphere despite the outside temperatures (30c+). Even the bars trusted the aging audience (average age 55+?) with 'tins of beer'; I kid you not! The only minor negatives were the failed keyboards and delayed mixing desk effects; Oh and an absent image consultant! Will be seeing Mr. Lake in September at the Royal Albert Hall (a bold gig, given attendance during the last tour). Perhaps it will be announced that he may have a 'guest' or two on the night! Big Phil [ Editor's Note: I believe the 'keyboard helper' was Keith's son, Aaron! - John - ] --------------------------------------------- From: Bryan Roberts Sent: Friday, July 21, 2006 9:36 AM To: elp-digest Subject: KE Concert commentary - Astoria London 20th July I can’t believe it’s around six years since Keith hi-jacked Carl’s ‘Qango’ concert at this same venue in London and created a great moment in Prog-Rock history by leaping onto the stage and jamming with Carl and John Wetton on ‘Fanfare’. Last night he was back, looking a bit older but equally happy on a very hot and sultry evening in London, this time with his own fine young band. Even after all these years (I first saw it in 1973) , the ‘telephone exchange’ synth is still an evocative sight to behold and I hope that in the fullness of time that piece of musical history will be looked after and preserved for future generations. For the first time last night, I discovered during the earth-shaking, 7-on-the-Richter-scale bass-note played at the end of ‘Lucky Man’ that a useful side-effect of this awesome sounding machine is that it can grab hold of your ear drums, waffle them in slow motion as Rolf Harriss would shake his Aussie board, then eject any residual material (cobwebs, earwax) several yards beyond your personal space perimeter. This effect leaves one sensing that a wayward eddy from a tornado just passed through one ear and out of the other. Most interesting. It’s a shame that the bass-note in question didn’t make a few more appearances, although I suspect that this was on medical insurance grounds. The evening began with an impromptu anecdotal session from Keith and Marc whist Keith’s rig Tech frantically tried to breath life in to one of the keyboards after it missed its cue and descended into a coma. A £10 electric fan from Dixons and a liberal smattering of smelling salts seemed to do the job – I reckon the techies antics with plugs and wires were just for show. After about ten minutes it regained consciousness and we were whooshed off into Karn Evil 9 territory. I won’t go through the set list but will mention some of the highlights. First, and most stunning to me, was the rock-rendition of Piano Concerto No.1 third movement (I’m worried that this may soon become re-branded as Piano Concerto Only 1...) Now here was something fresh – the old master doing what he’s always done well, rocking-up a stirring classical piece only this time the stirring classical piece was his own. Very nice indeed. Second was Marc Bonilla’s arrangement of ‘Luck Man’. Took a while to recognise it but eventually it was there.. and of course there was that bass-note at the end. Third was the acoustic version of ‘From the Beginning’ with Keith playing exquisitely on the real Yamaha Piano. It got me thinking about how Keith could easily do a superb ‘Unplugged’ session for TV. Fourth was ‘Living Sin’ – first time I’ve heard that live and very good it was too with the Goff sounding fabulous. Marc’s voice was superb on this. Keith’s son hopped on stage to help his dad out with the encore – a chip off the old block there – maybe something for the future? In summary, a very enjoyable evening – congratulations to Keith and the band for putting on a tremendous, high-energy show in very hot conditions. Still awesome after all these years. I look forward to next time! Bryan Roberts, London UK --------------------------------------------- From: Bujko, Jan Sent: Monday, July 24, 2006 6:41 AM To: elp-digest Subject: Keith Emerson Band London concert Keith Emerson Band at London Astoria 20 July 2006 I’ve been a fan of Keith Emerson since he formed ELP, saw them perform four times in the 70’s and also have most of the Nice albums. I have been living in the Isle of Man for almost 9 years and missed seeing Keith when he played in Liverpool a few years ago. I was thrilled when I heard via his website that the band was doing a gig in London so travelled over to see them. As I queued with my husband, we could hear them preparing for the concert and it was so exciting hearing that organ being played again. The concert was great – we had expected a short interval but they played for 2.5 hours in heatwave conditions, which was a real achievement and much appreciated by everyone. It was fantastic to see Keith interacting with the audience, looking really relaxed and telling anecdotes. The other band members were excellent too – I especially liked Marc Bonilla’s arrangement of Lucky Man. They played a range of pieces including Tarkus, Country Pie, Karelia Suite, America, Rondo and Bitches Crystal and came back for an encore which included Fanfare for the Common Man and Nutrocker. As if that wasn’t enough, we waited after the concert and I met Keith quickly, just enough time to get my photo taken with him! I wish I could re-live the experience and here’s hoping that they play in the UK again in the near future. Jan Bujko --------------------------------------------- From: bjorn-are.davidsen Sent: Saturday, August 19, 2006 5:43 AM To: ELP Digest Subject: "Host of previously unreleased material" Hello John! This just ticked in on the telex: http://www.billboard.com/bbcom/news/article_display.jsp?vnu_content_id=1003019724 "August 18, 2006, 3:10 PM ET Shout! Factory has acquired the catalog of progressive rock supergroup Emerson Lake & Palmer, Billboard.com has learned. The label will assume North American rights to 10 albums and a host of previously unreleased material. A reissue campaign will begin in January with a two-disc retrospective, "The Essential Emerson, Lake & Palmer."" Which leaves us 6 months to wonder about the whence, what & whither of the "host of previously unreleased material"...;-) Hopefully it will mostly be live shows, and not second rate studio outtakes, even if the latter would appeal to my anorak side. Regards Bjorn Are --------------------------------------------- From: bjorn-are.davidsen Sent: Sunday, August 20, 2006 8:02 AM To: ELP Digest Subject: Carl in Cairo http://www.egypttoday.com/article.aspx?ArticleID=6673 Interesting interview in "Egypt Today" on ELP and The Carl Palmer Band, as well as the Asia reunion. Here's an excerpt: "Q: Obviously, we are in Egypt, the land that inspired the original Asia album art, so I am naturally curious about the reunion that is being planned. Is this something that you are especially looking forward to? A: I have met with all of the guys and I have made my statements about it. I am quite happy to look at the future and at doing something with the original guys in Asia, but I am not really keen on making any studio recordings. I do believe that in a live environment, if we were to play pieces from ELP, Steve played something from Yes, John Wetton did something from King Crimson and Geoff Downes did "Video Killed the Radio Star" with the first full Asia album, you would see the whole concept and the whole history of prog-rock in one show - and that has validity. But I think to ram a new album down people's throats is not really what it is all about. I think that a live DVD would certainly be in the cards if the band sounded good". Regards Bjorn Are --------------------------------------------- From: bjorn-are.davidsen Sent: Tuesday, August 22, 2006 2:50 AM To: ELP Digest Subject: Keith on the Moog Memorial Foundation advisory board From: http://www.prweb.com/releases/2006/08/prweb426974.htm "Foundation Established to Honor Electronic Music Pioneer Bob Moog Bob Moog invented the modern electronic synthesizer. He died a year ago Aug 21 -- this year, his friends & family launch a Foundation in his name. MoogFoundation.org website features photos, a Documentary Podcast, writings about Bob, and links to donate. Scholarships, youth outreach among goals of new organization. Asheville, NC (PRWEB) August 21, 2006 -- Family, friends and colleagues of the late Robert A. Moog, inventor of the modern electronic synthesizer, have created a new foundation to honor his remarkable legacy of scientific innovation and intellectual curiosity. The Bob Moog Memorial Foundation for Electronic Music -- located in Asheville, N.C., where Moog spent the last 25 years of his life -- has four goals, according to Foundation Director Michelle Moog-Koussa and a $5 million fund-raising target. "Our first step is to create opportunities for future musicians," said Moog-Koussa, one of Moog's five grown children. "Education was so important to my father." The Foundation plans to establish endowed scholarships at University of North Carolina Asheville, where Moog and his wife taught; at the Berklee College of Music, where Moog collaborated with staff and students; and at Cornell University, where he completed his doctoral degree. The foundation is also planning to create outreach programs that will bring electronic instruments and training to disadvantaged children, to sponsor international music competitions, and to create a Bob Moog Memorial Museum in Asheville. The foundation will kick off its fund-raising efforts on August 21, 2006, with a new website. Moog, pioneer of the electro-theremin in the United States, died a year ago, leaving an indelible mark on the music industry. His instruments are known world-wide, and have been included in recordings by The Beatles, The Beach Boys, Stevie Wonder, Yes and a host of others. Several musicians have agreed to serve on the foundation's advisory board, including Rick Wakeman of Yes, and Keith Emerson of Emerson, Lake & Palmer. Representatives of Moog Music will also serve on the advisory board. Executive Board members include all of Moog's children and his wife, Ileana Grams-Moog. For more information about the Bob Moog Memorial Foundation for Electronic Music, go to http://www.moogfoundation.org or call 828/545-9539. NOTE TO EDITORS: The Bob Moog Foundation is providing digital assets, including images, audio and a documentary podcast, as well as contacts for interviews at www.moogfoundation.org/pr_assets". Regards Bjorn-Are --------------------------------------------- From: bjorn-are.davidsen Sent: Wednesday, August 23, 2006 5:01 AM To: ELP Digest Subject: Carl interviewed on finance - and how much has ELP really sold? Lots of news and interviews these days! http://www.bankrate.com/brm/news/investing/20060822b1.asp Not much hope for an ELP reunion: "Bankrate: Any chance we'll see an ELP reunion again? Carl Palmer: I have no plans to play with Greg or Keith. We won't record again. But in saying that, I don't think we ever made our best album. I think that still is there. It's highly unlikely that will ever happen. If I was approached to play for a charity, like Live 8, then I would agree to do that." Perhaps also of spesial interest is the following: "Bankrate: All right -- how many records have you been paid on? Carl Palmer: To date, around 35 million. We've actually sold, I believe, somewhere in the region of about 40, 45, maybe even 50 million. To lose 10 million records sold over a 35-year period might seem an awful lot, but you have to keep in mind, I'm considering the bootlegging and copying in Asia. There was an awful lot of that going on. I would say we've actually sold more than 45 million globally." Regards Bjorn-Are --------------------------------------------- From: Simon Evans Sent: Thursday, August 31, 2006 9:41 AM To: elp-digest Subject: Greg lake tour cancelled I'm sure you have heard already but the Greg Lake tour has been cancelled due to "logistical reasons" but may be rescheduled for 2007. Not exactly clear what "logistical reasons" means - poor ticket sales? Simon Evans --------------------------------------------- From: Richards, Phil Sent: Friday, September 01, 2006 9:14 AM To: elp-digest Subject: Greg Lake Tour cancelled just came up on his web site today. I have tickets for the Albert Hall on the 13th and just wanted to check if it was still on because I thought it a little ambitious given attendance on the last tour. Sure enough it was cancelled. Went to see where else I could go only to find that event was cancelled. Hence the visit to www.greglake.com and there's the notice dated today. There's mention of a tour in the new year...... Phil http://www.greglake.com/newsite/newhotsheet.asp "Greg Lake Tour 2006 - Cancelled Sept. 1, 2006 GREG LAKE TOUR 2006 To all my friends, fans and supporters and indeed to anyone who may have a reason to be concerned or interested. It is with deep regret that I am forced to inform you about the cancellation of my forthcoming tour. I want to make clear that this cancellation is in no way due to any unwillingness or inability on the part of the band or myself to perform and has been occasioned by circumstances wholly beyond my control. I remained hopeful up until the eleventh hour that there was something I could do to ensure the tour went ahead as planned but it was not in my hands. Unfortunately we have been badly let down by those engaged in the UK to manage the tour; this has lead to the tour not going ahead. I am currently dealing with those responsible via my solicitors. I would like to pay tribute to the outstanding loyalty and professionalism of the musicians in my band who were prepared to embark on this tour and ready to perform until the very last moment. David Arch, one of the greatest musicians I have ever had the privilege of working with, Trevor Barry, a bass player of extraordinary musical ability and as solid a friend as anyone could ever wish for, Florien Opahle, a true genius who will become a huge guitar player in the years to come, and Brett Morgan who has everything one could possibly wish for from a drummer, a feel to die for and total dedication in every single beat he plays. We are all immensely disappointed by the cancellation of this tour. I would also like to pay tribute to the girls in the band who despite having just recently come on board also remained strong and loyal throughout. Catherine "Cat" Wood, Julia Hagne and Annella Kisoon. Each one enormously talented in their own right and some of the best people I have come across during my entire career. I am deeply saddened that for the moment you were unable to witness the combined energy of this fantastic band on this tour and I very much hope that once all this has been resolved we can give the show that you deserve. Plans are already underway to reschedule the tour for early in the coming year. Most gratefully and indeed regretfully yours, Greg Lake." =========================== Reader Commentary =========================== From: Eq602 Sent: Tuesday, July 04, 2006 7:27 PM To: elp-digest Subject: Re: ELP Digest Vol. 16 #05 hey - this is mike from PA -USA- CAN'T WAIT TO SEE CARL ON THE UP IN COMMING ASIA SHOW -------- any body else going ? --------------------------------------------- From: Éamonn Mac Sent: Wednesday, July 05, 2006 10:08 AM To: elp-digest Subject: Keith Emerson on youtube.com I recently discovered some very interesting video clips on a website called You tube. www.youtube.com You will probably need broadband. Go to the website and type in Keith Emerson in the search facility. This will open up a list of video clips loaded by enthusiasts. Some are of individuals playing emerson pieces on their own keyboards on home video (and not bad at all some of them). Most of the KE clips are from readily available ELP videos/dvds. But there are rare pieces also. One is a short bach improvisations from Nearfest '06 recorded in late June '06 in Bethlehem, PA. Of particular interest is The Nice playing 7.22 minutes of Hang on to a Dream in 1969, The quality is very good though in black and white. Log in and enjoy. Éamonn --------------------------------------------- From: Rodrigo Werneck Sent: Wednesday, July 05, 2006 11:11 PM To: elp-digest Subject: More ELP-related reviews Hi John, As I mentioned before, here you have a couple more reviews about ELP-related CDs released recently by Sanctuary Records, once again published on the Brazilian "Whiplash" website: Keith Emerson - Off The Shelf: http://whiplash.net/materias/cds/041347-keithemerson.html Keith Emerson - Honky: http://whiplash.net/materias/cds/041756-keithemerson.html Both in Portuguese, but a very good promotion anyway as this is the most popular rock site in Brazil. All the best, Rodrigo Werneck D'Alegria Custom Basses - www.dalegria.com Whiplash - www.whiplash.net Rock Brigade - www.rockbrigade.com.br Poeira Zine - www.poeirazine.com --------------------------------------------- From: Phil Kelly Sent: Wednesday, July 19, 2006 9:05 AM To: elp-digest John Just sitting here listening to some ELP stuff whilst at work and wanted to drop a line I was listening to Love Beach and wanted to say that whilst it gets a lot of knocks some of the stuff on there ain’t too bad I love listening to an officer and a gentleman especially the opening part. Also Lay down your arms on the ELPowell album – I could listen to that track over and over again. On another note has anyone watched the video from Classic Rock ‘’The Birth of a Band’’, is it any good as I have most other ELP video / dvd stuff and do not want to shell out for a load of the same again – it says in a review on Amazon, that Keith gives a talk and display of his moog modular system – is this true - as a mad synth fan is it worth buying it for this. Also is there a version anywhere of the proper pictures video without all the overlaid graphics etc, which block out a lot of it. Once again keep up the good work – I see KE band is playing the London Astoria on Friday 20th July which is only a short train / tube ride for me but I go away on hols early Saturday morning with my wife and kids and so I had to sacrifice this one. No doubt some fans out there will think me mad but I saw him on the last nice tour and shook his hand so I am sure there will be another time. Tarkus has just come on my stereo from the 74 WBMF etc cd so I will sign off Regards Phil --------------------------------------------- From: Thallmayer, Matthew Sent: Wednesday, July 26, 2006 8:36 PM To: elp-digest Subject: new ELP book available The other day I received my copy of Macan’s new book: “Endless Enigma: A Musical Biography of Emerson, Lake and Palmer”. I just started reading it and it’s over 800 pages so there is a lot to get through. Mathias --------------------------------------------- From: Dave Iozzia Sent: Sunday, August 13, 2006 11:23 AM To: John Arnold Subject: Keith Emerson/Carl Palmer story Hello John, and thanks for mentioning my interview. I just uploaded a story and photos at my website about the 2006 tours of Keith Emerson and Carl Palmer. Here's a link: http://www.davesontour.com/misc/e_nol_p.html I hope you'll mention it in the next Digest. Thanks for all of your efforts. This ELP fan sure appreciates it! Cheers, Dave Iozzia www.davesontour.com --------------------------------------------- From: Sue Wealands Sent: Tuesday, August 29, 2006 8:25 PM To: elp-digest Subject: Carl's clothes I'm sorry, John, but I just HAD to respond to an item in the last digest (Vol 16/5) re Carl's clothes - just who the hell does this Steve Anderson guy think he is??? Is he so shallow that he can't see through pretty wrappings? If he was any kind of music fan, he would be there to appreciate the talent & musicianship of this percussion genius, not carp about his garb -it wouldn't matter if Carl was wearing a bin-liner & a paper bag on his head!! If Mr Anderson is part of a successful ELP tribute band, he should be prostrate with gratitude before one of the original members that supplied the brilliant material that he churns out, not criticising Carl's shirt or fashion sense! HOW DARE YOU, SIR!!! I suggest that Mr Anderson addresses his priorities. Sue Wealands =========================== Questions (and Answers!) =========================== From: Shari Haber Sent: Tuesday, August 15, 2006 4:00 PM To: elp-digest Subject: I Have a Question @ Brain Salad Mr. Arnold: My name is Shari Haber, and I am a librarian in California. I have noticed that several of your Digest subscribers use an interesting phrase when reviewing ELP albums, especially "Brain Salad Surgery." The phrase is "a garland of Martian fire flowers." I get the sense of its meaning, but where does the phrase come from? Is it from one of the ELP songs or ???? I currently have a client that is dying to know the answer to this enigma. Can you help me? Thanks, in advance, for your assistance. Shari Haber --------------------------------------------- From: John Arnold Sent: Tuesday, August 15, 2006 4:27 PM To: 'Shari Haber' Subject: RE: I Have a Question @ Brain Salad Hi! Thanks for writing. I'm not exactly sure what that phrase means. However, I do know its origin and why people use it. In the liner notes of the Brain Salad Surgery album (released in 1973), the following appears in the acknowledgments: "Many thanks and a garland of Martian fire flowers to Pete Sinfield for his collaboration on the lyrics on Karn Evil 9 and Benny The Bouncer." Pete Sinfield is a lyricist who knows Greg Lake (the 'L' in ELP) from their days together working with King Crimson in the late 1960s. Brain Salad Surgery was the first Emerson, Lake & Palmer album where Pete worked with Greg on the lyrics. However, I don't think the phrase 'Martian fire flowers' appears in any song. (But I could be wrong.) A search of Pete's web site (www.songsouponsea.com) doesn't result in anything. So, it could be an 'inside joke'. So, based on this way of saying 'thanks', a number of ELP fans use it to thank other ELP fans for help, etc. I hope this helps you and your library patron. If you find out more from any other searching, please let me know. - John - --------------------------------------------- From: Shari Haber Sent: Tuesday, August 15, 2006 5:33 PM To: John Arnold Subject: Re: I Have a Question @ Brain Salad Thanks for your speedy reply! I have one related question, however. Are Greg Lake, Pete Sinfield, or the liner note writer science fiction fans? Another librarian pointed out that SF short story writer extraordinaire, Ray Bradbury, mentioned "fire flowers" in one of the stories that appeared in his 1950 collection, "Martian Chronicles." I am basically wondering how the writer came to use the phrase "Martian fire flowers." Thanks again! Shari Haber --------------------------------------------- From: John Arnold Sent: Tuesday, August 15, 2006 5:55 PM To: 'Shari Haber' Subject: RE: I Have a Question @ Brain Salad Well, I think Pete Sinfield is quite well read since he's a lyricist who uses lots of imagery, etc. (and Greg might be, too). Since 'Karn Evil 9' (the centerpiece of the 'Brain Salad Surgery' album) is sci-fi oriented. In fact the theme of the whole 'concept album' seems to be related to the relationship between man and machine so it's likely that this is probably the origin of the reference. I wouldn't be surprised if Sinfield and Lake read some sci-fi as research for the lyrics and read "Martian Chronicles". Good observation. Hope this helps. - John - =========================== ELP-related products, tribute bands, promoters (The ELP Digest does not endorse, etc.) =========================== From: Wayne Campbell Sent: Tuesday, August 08, 2006 8:25 PM To: elp-digest Subject: Pictures at an exhibition John, I found this short clip recently. Looks like the infulence of ELP continues. I have not purchased the animusic DVD yet, but will soon. http://www.animusic2.com/video/CathedralPictures.mov Enjoy! Wayne --------------------------------------------- From: noddy Sent: Thursday, August 10, 2006 6:35 PM To: John Arnold Subject: New Noddy's Puncture CD out now...! Hi again John, Our new live CD - "Thank you, Masked Man !" - (with Emo guesting) is now available. The tracks are America, Tarkus/Knife Edge, Fanfare/Pictures and Rondo. There is also a video of the frist track, America which was recorded at the Hungarian Club one week before the infamous Sussex gig. Hopefully our website will be updated soon, when I can get hold of the chap who runs it. Ordering is simple - either email me at: noddyspuncture@yahoo.co.uk or visit our website and use the email links (from the Audio page) http://www.noddyspuncture.co.uk/ Many thanks. TOM =========================== Digest subscription, mailing address, and administrative stuff to: elp-digest-request [at] reluctant.com ELP-related info that you want to put in the digest to: elp-digest [at] reluctant.com Back issues are available from the ELP Digest web site: URL: 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 16, Issue 6] **************************************