ELP Digest 21 April 2008 Volume 18: Issue 1 The "Hang On To A Dream" Edition remembering Brian Davison Today's Topics: Breaking News, Rumors, Etc. - Brian Davison (drummer for The Nice, Refugee, etc) 1942-2008 (April 20, 2008) - ELP mentioned on Paul Shaffer's 'Day in Rock': 12/30/07 (January 10, 2008) - Free ELP concert for streaming (January 16, 2008) - ASIA Original Lineup - New CD "Phoenix" (April 16, 2008) Reader Commentary - Different view of "Love Beach" (December 31, 2008) - Fanfare for the Common Man (December 31, 2008) - In Praise of Love Beach (February 3, 2008) - KE at Campalooza (February 23, 2008) - Musician Search (March 6, 2008) - Emerson interview from Ohio 2006 (March 16, 2008) - Piano Concerto (April 19, 2008) Questions (and Answers!) - Reference to "Brain Salad Surgery" (December 31, 2008) - Documentary (December 31, 2008) - Re: On eating humble pie, hearing new things in familiar songs, and is Tarkus on the way back? (January 1, 2008) - Re: Carl Palmer's Stainless Steel Drum Kit (January 1, 2008) - re name of ELP DVD from Belgium (January 2, 2008) - Playing Lachesis (January 2, 2008) - RE: Hallowed Be Thy Name (January 25, 2008) - Any updated on Live '3' (January 7, 2008) ELP-related products, tribute bands, promoters (The ELP Digest does not endorse, etc.) - Re: Elp/BSS (March 25, 2008) - New complete version of Tarkus by Jordan Rudess (February 26, 2008) =========================== Prelude =========================== Hi. I started off the new year being busy and then thought... Well, there was word at some point that Keith Emerson's new album was supposed to be done early in 2008. So, maybe I'll wait for that before doing a new Digest. Of course, that hasn't transpired yet. So, I dawdled more than I should have. Then, sadly, the news emerged last week that Brian Davison, drummer for The Nice, had died in England. I'm sure that many ELP Digest readers may not have known of The Nice before hearing their first measures of ELP. However, without The Nice, it could have been that ELP may never have happened. And, even without ELP, The Nice is a band to be reckoned with in terms of their influence on the 1960s 'music scene'. To me, The Nice and ELP don't compete for my attention. I am a fan of both bands (and many more) and am thankful that Brian Davison was able to make the music he made and that I was around to hear it. So, this edition of the ELP Digest is presented in honor and in memory of Brian Davison. We'll miss you! - John - ------------------------------ Latest News from the Official ELP sites .... There is a tribute to the passing of Nice drummer Brian "Blinky" Davison at the entry to Keith's site: http://www.keithemerson.com/ ... and links to new photos of Keith at the Ahmet Ertegun Tribute/Led Zeppelin Reuion ... and the performance of "Piano Concerto no. 1" ... at: http://www.keithemerson.com/News/whatsnew.html --------------------------------------------- Keep up with the latest from Greg's site at: http://www.greglake.com/newsite/newhotsheet.asp --------------------------------------------- There's an update on Carl's successful heart surgery at: http://www.carlpalmer.com/index01.html ... and keep up with news about the Asia "Phoenix" tour at: http://www.carlpalmer.com/roadreport.html Enjoy! =========================== Breaking News, Rumors, Etc. =========================== From: MARTYN HANSON Sent: Sunday, April 20, 2008 7:10 AM To: John Arnold Subject: brian davison I first met Brian Davison in 2001 while working on my Nice book. I stayed at his house over two weekends during that summer. My first weekend was arranged in order for me to see him play with a band he was in called Basil's Blues Band. But beforehand he spoke for many hours about his life and his time in the Nice. It wasn’t long before I realised it was going to be a ‘warts and all’ set of interviews. There was something about him that made me feel comfortable in his presence. It felt like I had known him for many years. He had a great sense of humour and as he got to the 'nitty gritty' of his time in the band, I found out he had taken all of it in his stride and was very philosophical about his life. The myth was that he was bitter, but every time I steered towards that negative, he replied with positives like “Yes, but I played with two of the great keyboard players in rock. What a lucky man I’ve been”. He had an optimism that was inspiring and with humility to boot. During the gig with Basil's Blues Band - which was held at a local pub – I witnessed a bit of what made him tick. I could see that he just loved to play, whatever the setting. In Basil's band he had plenty of musical challenges hurled at him - this was Brian in his element. I think the kind of band he liked being in was one where the unexpected happened. He was an intuitive drummer and had complete confidence in his ability. There was no doubting that Brian had hard times after the Nice split up, although there was a brief interlude of success with Refugee that, ironically, brought forth his best recorded performance (it is a performance that can be judged with any other in Prog!) But it wasn't until he met his partner, Teri West, that he got his life back on track. He finally gave up alcohol and found contentment and began enjoying life to the full. He loved his work at the musical department of North Devon College and the sea-view cottage, where he lived with Teri, provided plenty of tranquility. I was lucky to be writing the book when The Nice re-convened in 2002. It was a marvellous night at the 100 Club where they played their first official gig since 1970. After the successful mini-tour in late 2002 Brian was very keen for the Nice to make a new studio album. He felt it was important for the band to make a new musical statement to cement the re-union. It was, therefore, a disappointment for him when this didn't happen. I had heard the Nice version of 'Man In The Long Black Coat' and I knew it could have been a great album. The 2003 tour saw Brian gaining more and more converts to his playing; there really was a feeling from many ELP fans that he had been under-rated. Out of all the projects I have worked on, I connected with Brian more than any other person. He was one of the most likeable people I have ever known and I am glad I had the opportunity to have met such a man. Martyn Hanson --------------------------------------------- From: John Arnold Sent: Thursday, January 10, 2008 2:13 PM To: elp-digest Subject: ELP mentioned on Paul Shaffer's 'Day in Rock': 12/30/07 Hi. Just listening to the Paul Shaffer 'Day in Rock' podcast. On the Dec. 30, 2007 entry, he mentions that ELP called it quits (for the first time) on Dec. 30, 1978. Listen to the MP3 here: http://paulshaffersdayinrock.com/blog/?p=153 By the way, this podcast is quite fun. It's a re-purposing of the 1 minute clip Paul records for radio distribution. There have been other occasional mentions of ELP in this podcast but I haven't remembered to get the dates. Anyway, it's worth listening to (especially if you're a fan of Paul and/or the Late Show with David Letternman). You can even subscribe to the podcast from your RSS reader or iTunes or Zune software if you're so inclined. Enjoy! - John - --------------------------------------------- From: Tony Ortiz Sent: Wednesday, January 16, 2008 5:17 PM To: elp-digest Subject: Free ELP concert for streaming. Check out his site, there are two ELP concerts that you can listen to. You're going to have to register to listen, it's free and fast to do. Vote five stars for it. Best, Tony. http://concerts.wolfgangsvault.com/arr/emerson-lake-and-palmer/2174.html --------------------------------------------- From: Glenn Holmes Sent: Wednesday, April 16, 2008 5:13 PM To: elp-digest Subject: ASIA Original Lineup - New CD "Phoenix" Hello John, Glenn at On Target Media here. We're working with EMI America and I just wanted to give you a heads up about the new ASIA record ...Phoenix. It's an all new studio record with the original supergroup lineup, their first in 25 years. Here's the link to the Electronic Press Kit, feel free to post this on the site: Asia: 'Phoenix' Electronic Press Kit (QuickTime + Windows Media): http://emicat.edgeboss.net/qtime/emicat/asia/asia_epk_480x360_700.mov http://emicat.edgeboss.net/wmedia/emicat/asia/asia_epk_480x360_700.wvx Best, Glenn --------------- FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: ASIA'S ORIGINAL SUPERGROUP LINE-UP RETURNS WITH FIRST NEW STUDIO ALBUM IN 25 YEARS: 'PHOENIX' TO BE RELEASED APRIL 15 BY EMI AMERICA RECORDS Global CD & Digital Album Release Coincides with ASIA's 2008 World Tour, Including U.S. Dates in April & May Hollywood, California - The acclaimed British progressive rock group ASIA has announced the April 15 (April 14 internationally) release of Phoenix, its first studio album since 1983. Recorded by all four original members, Phoenix will be released on CD and digitally by EMI America Records in North America and by Frontiers Records in the rest of the world. Since 1982, ASIA has sold more than 15 million albums globally, and the band has announced a world tour to support the release of Phoenix, with U.S. dates confirmed for April and May. Phoenix marks a return to the classic ASIA sound, with some surprising contemporary twists. "Everything that was there 25 years ago is still there, and quite simply, if you liked it then, you'll love it now," says ASIA's singer and bassist John Wetton. Phoenix is a collection of songs that speak to the millions of core ASIA fans who, like the group, have come a long way since the dawn of the MTV age in 1982. "We're older now, and our audience has grown up with us," says drummer Carl Palmer. "I think the lyrical themes on this record are some of the best John has ever developed. One track in particular, 'Extraordinary Life,' is among the best tracks we've ever recorded, and I believe could go on to be another ASIA classic." "1982 feels like only yesterday," comments keyboardist Geoff Downes about recording ASIA's landmark debut album as compared to Phoenix. "Four guys in the studio, making music together - John, Steve, Carl and me. Fast forward to 2008. Once again, here we are: The same four guys doing the same things. Maybe we're all a bit older now, but nothing's really changed that much over the years - that's the beauty of ASIA." ASIA: "Phoenix" World Tour - Confirmed U.S. Dates: April 4 Wilkes Barre, PA - Kirby PAC April 5 Uncasville, CT - Mohegan Sun Casino, Wolf Den April 7 Harrisburg, PA - Sunoco Performance Theater April 8 Alexandria, VA - The Birchmere April 10 Collingswood, NJ - Scottish Rite Auditorium April 12 Westbury, NY - North Fork Theatre April 13 Peekskill, NY - Paramount Center for the Arts April 15 Verona, NY - Turning Stone Resort & Casino April 16 Red Bank, NJ - Count Basie Theatre April 17 Englewood, NJ - Bergen Performing Arts Center April 19 Cleveland, OH - House of Blues April 20 Chicago, IL - House of Blues April 21 Indianapolis, IN - Music Mill April 23 Milwaukee, WI - Pabst Theater April 26 Marksville, LA - Paragon Casino April 27 Dallas, TX - House of Blues April 29 Espanola NM - Big Rock Casino April 30 Phoenix, AZ - Celebrity Theatre May 2 Agoura Hills, CA - Canyon Club May 3 Las Vegas, NV - House of Blues May 4 San Juan Capistrano, CA - The Coach House May 5 San Francisco, CA - Grand Ballroom at The Regency Ctr =========================== Reader Commentary =========================== From: David Hurley Sent: Monday, December 31, 2007 9:39 AM To: elp-digest Subject: Different view of "Love Beach" http://www.stylusmagazine.com/articles/on_second_thought/emerson-lake-and-palmer-love-beach.htm This is an old article that puts a new spin on the multitude of problems with the album "Love Beach". It is particularly interesting because it mentions the role of Ahmet Ertegun in the album and problems with the breakup of EL&P. As they say, "this article does not necessarily reflect the opinions of the sender or staff of this mailing list or website". All the best, David Hurley --------------------------------------------- From: EA Sent: Monday, December 31, 2007 3:52 PM To: elp-digest Subject: re: Fanfare for the Common Man (@ Ertegun Tribute/Zep Reunion) The audience seems kind of dead when they pan to it ... Is that just me? [ Editor's Note: This has been mentioned in a few other places. As luck would have it, the sound crew wasn't as ready as they should have been (or so I hear) and, as a result, for the first part the keyboards were hardly audible. That and being one of the first of many 'intro' acts and I think you see the result: a somewhat empty hall (since it was nowhere near time for Led Zeppelin to go on), a mix that wasn't quite 'there' yet, and a number of people who were probably only interested in hearing Led Zeppelin. Oh well. From those who actually were there and paying attention, I've heard that it was quite a good rendition of 'Fanfare'. Hope this helps explain... - John - ] --------------------------------------------- From: jsmith Sent: Sunday, February 03, 2008 4:51 PM To: elp-digest Subject: In Praise of Love Beach I just wanted to recount my introduction to ELP and in particular my first taste of the band "on record". I vividly remember seeing the Old Grey Whistle Test special that featured the Works tour and the Montreal concert and in particular Greg singing Pirates with great passion and power. (I didn't know the name of the track at the time). I knew I had to connect with this music, and searched the record shops for an album that I thought might be the best match with the music that I'd heard. The image of ELP on tropical desert island (front cover of Love Beach) suggested a pirates connection (!) in my impressionable brain so I bought the album. Well, although I didn't find the track I was hoping for, I was delighted with my purchase and Greg's and Keith's unique singing, writing-style and musicianship shone through, despite (in retrospect) the album's commercial leanings. I particularly enjoyed Prologue. Little did I know what was in store for me with subsequent purchases but looking back it was clearly beneficial to have purchased Love Beach first, my judgement unprejudiced by earlier material. I still think it's a thoroughly good listen. I gather from a recent interview with Greg on an obscure local English radio station that Greg and Keith have recently dined together recently and that an announcement may be forthcoming before long -WOW. Well that IS intriguing and potentially thrilling news. Fingers crossed. Julian Smith --------------------------------------------- From: Tom Ace Sent: Saturday, February 23, 2008 5:39 PM To: elp-digest Subject: KE at Campalooza Keith Emerson joined the "celebrity all-star jam" at Campalooza at the House of Blues (Sunset Strip, Los Angeles) on February 18, 2008. (see http://rockcamp.com for info) Keith wasn't a scheduled guest; he was in the audience and was invited to play. The songs Keith joined the band for included Smoke on the Water and Voodoo Child. I never would've thought I'd see Nick Mason and Mickey Dolenz and Keith Emerson (not to mention all the others in the band) performing together, but there they were. Thanks Keith...! --------------------------------------------- From: Groucho Marx Sent: Thursday, March 06, 2008 10:28 PM To: elp-digest Subject: Musician Search ELP Tribute band forming in NYC area. I'm a keyboardist looking for musicians to fill the roles of Carl Palmer and Greg Lake. Hoping it can be a 3 piece, but will consider making the group a 4 piece I find a great bass player who can't handle the vocals. Please contact me at grouchomarx [at] gmail.com. Thanks. --------------------------------------------- From: Frank Conte Sent: Sunday, March 16, 2008 4:15 PM To: John Arnold Subject: Emerson interview from Ohio 2006 Hi John just came across this 1 1/2 interview with K. Emerson from 2 years ago. http://www.chriscomerradio.com/emerson/EmersonComplete5-30-06.mp3 I think you might be interseted. It is rather expansive. I got it from the Wiki entry on KE. fc --------------------------------------------- From: Roy Henderson Sent: Saturday, April 19, 2008 2:50 AM To: elp-digest Subject: Piano Concerto Dear all You will probably have seen that Keith Emerson's Piano Concerto has been revived by the pianist Jeffrey Biegel in the USA. I am going out tonight to hear 'The Rite of Spring'. How good it would be to hear KE's piece on a similar program? Exciting times. RH Glasgow [ Editor's Note: This is referring to a mention of Jeffrey Biegel's performance on Piano Concerto No. 1 as mentioned at: http://www.keithemerson.com/MiscPages/JeffreyBiegel.html - John - ] =========================== Questions (and Answers!) =========================== From: gonshorek Sent: Monday, December 31, 2007 11:53 AM To: elp-digest Subject: Reference to "Brain Salad Surgery" (slang) Hello John, Long time reader and fan of the Digest. Always interesting to read comments and input from other fans throughout the years. Just a quick note that caught my attention. Dr John's infamous song "Right Place, Wrong Time". In the song, Dr. John makes reference to needing a little "Brain Salad Surgery". I realize this is out there, but just wondering if it was coincidence or if he borrowed it. I know, it has nothing to do with anything. Just thought it was interesting and wanted to throw it out to the group. Wishing you and Everyone a Happy and Prosperous New Year. Steve Gonshorek McHenry Illinois [ Editor's Note: I'm sure you're not the only ELP fan who's noticed this over the years but it hasn't been mentioned recently. I know it's the only other song I've heard that uses the phrase and don't know if its use was independent of each other or if it was used in the Dr. John or ELP context in knowing reference to the other. I think it was just a slang phrase that was used independently. But I could be mistaken. - John - ] --------------------------------------------- From: Renato Filho Sent: Monday, December 31, 2007 6:03 PM To: elp-digest Subject: Documentary Hi guys, There was a documentary in the 70s, hosted by Ian Anderson, which was about Progressive Rock and ELP, obviously, was in it. Does anybody know if this documentary is available on dvd and its title ? Regards Renato from Brazil --------------------------------------------- From: family.friederich Sent: Tuesday, January 01, 2008 8:31 AM To: elp-digest Subject: On eating humble pie, hearing new things in familiar songs, and is Tarkus on the way back? Hi all and especially to Roy Henderson, in the last digest you asked about artists who did Tarkus. Paolo Rigoli made a list of artists who covered ELP songs, regarding Tarkus this list contains 23 releases. There's a button "Song Cover Information" on www.covers-at-an-exhibition.de where you can find lists for each ELP album as well as ELPowell, NICE and Keith Emerson. Hope this helps Cheers Gudrun --------------------------------------------- From: graham.allen7 Sent: Tuesday, January 01, 2008 1:14 PM To: elp-digest Subject: Carl Palmer's Stainless Steel Drum kit Re Carl Palmers Kit. I have the orginal article from Drums and Percussion Nov 1974 with detailed annotation re. Carl Palmers steel kit along with close up pictures. --------------------------------------------- From: Neil Potts Sent: Wednesday, January 02, 2008 9:50 AM To: ELP Digest Subject: re: name of ELP DVD from Belgium In reference to Robert Irvin's request I believe the DVD is called Emerson Lake and Palmer - Masters from the Vaults. I know it is available in the UK from Play.com and Amazon. I have a copy and agree it is one of the best performances from ELP's early days, but I still like the stuff from the Cal Jam. Regards Neil Potts --------------------------------------------- From: Thallmayer, Matthew Sent: Wednesday, January 02, 2008 8:03 PM To: elp-digest Subject: Playing Lachesis Rick: If I understand you properly, your concern is playing the 4 against 3 rhythm. There is a simple (but, not necessarily easy) method for dealing with these situations: the lowest common multiple. In this case, it is 12. (If you want to do the whole beat of 6 against 8 it would be 24. But, that is hard to count.) It works like this: The 32nd notes in the right hand get 3 counts, on 1, 4, 7, and 10. The left gets 4 counts on 1, 5, and 9. The following diagram probably won't look right, but try copying it into a monospaced font like Lucida Console. o o o o 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 o o o Another way to think of this is to rewrite the passage with the triplet 16ths as quarter notes and the 32nd notes as dotted eights (or, if you prefer, tied eighth-sixteenth pairs). In this case, one beat becomes a measure of 6/4. To go back to the first concept, I would recommend writing it out on manuscript with the 12 count between the staves and use just the note heads (at this point, the stems and flags are superfluous). I would also recommend transposing the right hand down an octave to minimize ledger lines. --------------------------------------------- From: Noel Pratt Sent: Friday, January 25, 2008 9:06 PM To: John Arnold Subject: RE: Hallowed Be Thy Name Hi again, John. I'm still trying to track down a definitive answer to the basic question: Who plays the piano on Greg Lake's 'Hallowed Be Thy Name' on Works, Vol. 1 - side 2? There have been some answers that Keith Emerson played it but those answers mentioned that it was mixed down very low. This would seem to be, perhaps,a reference to a different song since the piano in 'Hallowed Be Thy Name' is quite prominent. Another response (Dave Sinclair?) said he think he's seen KE's name in certain credits, but I believe whatever it was it's become discredited -- although maybe it WAS correct after all; I mean, I do hope it's revealed to be Keith's playing. None of the recent album credits say. And finally, the matter is left very uncertain by Edward Macan in his new 800+ page biography. He makes it seem like it was some other session player. Any other ideas or speculation? --Noel --------------------------------------------- From: s.baseley Sent: Monday, January 07, 2008 To: elp-digest-request Subject: Any updated on Live '3' I wanted to ask if any one knows if the release of the 3 live stuff Keith Emerson mentioned some time ago will see the light of day or not. thanking you, steve baseley =========================== ELP-related products, tribute bands, promoters (The ELP Digest does not endorse, etc.) =========================== From: Christopher L. Monahan Sent: Tuesday, February 26, 2008 12:48 PM To: elp-digest Subject: New complete version of Tarkus by Jordan Rudess I just wanted to mention to all ELP fans out there that Keyboard Wiz Jordan Rudess (Dream Theater) has recorded a complete version of Tarkus ( 22:47) on his latest solo album entitled " The Road Home". It can be bought here: http://www.jordanrudess.com/jr/ This version is absolutely amazing and features performances by Rod Morganstein (drummer Dixie Dregs) and Steve Wilson (Porcupine Tree) does vocals on "Stones of Years", and others. This is the best "cover" version I have ever heard by far. It stays true to the "Album Version" in most ways but adds new twists as well. Check it out! This album also features covers of Yes' Sound Chaser, Genesis' Dance on A Volcano and Gentle Giants' Just the same. Here is a quote from Keith Emerson regarding Jordan's version: Keith Emerson, keyboardist from ELP says: "My father, by way of encouragement, often said to me "You'll never make any money writing music other people can't sing or play." As I never wrote this conceptual piece to make money, I wish he were still around to hear Jordan Rudess and his fine musicians' version of Tarkus; taking a composition I am proud of to another level. Unlike Aki Kuroda's marvelous classical treatment of the same piece, Jordan's version spits cordite, making Tesla Coils run for cover - so you better duck listening to this one! He takes no prisoners, and handles it head on, even the solos. Rather like George Lewis's orchestration of the Miles Davis's solo on the original "So What," Jordan sometimes utilizes my improvised solos of the original recording, something I find both remarkable and disturbing at the same time. "Stones Of Years" complete with Tarkus cannon shots in the solo brought a smile to my face, while I just had to admire his piano modulations on the same piece that are absolutely beautiful. Undoubtedly, throughout, Jordan's keys shine along with his band and when he "mixes" it on Aquatarkus, it's then that he makes it his own." Christopher L. Monahan Co-Founder/Producer YourStory Productions LLC --------------------------------------------- From: Mauro Aimetti Sent: Tuesday, March 25, 2008 6:58 AM To: John Arnold Subject: Re: Elp/BSS MAURO AIMETTI PROG. PROJECT Emerson, Lake & Palmer Tribute Saturday 21st June 2008 £8.00 ADV TICKET/ £10.00 ON DOOR DOORS 7.30pm SHARP Please note: no support 2 hour Show!! THE PEEL- 160 CAMBRIDGE ROAD KINGSTON 020 8546 3516 "35th Anniversary of Brain Salad Surgery" Tickets are already on sale at he club, credit cards are welcome as well. £8 advance ticket. £10 door sales on the 21st June night gig! For more info: Official Web Site : www.mauroaimetti.com Or : www.myspace.com/mauroaimetti Take care, Mauro "Lake" =========================== 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: URL: http://www.brain-salad.com/ or http://www.elp-digest.co 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 18, Issue 1] **************************************