ELP Digest 22 August 2008 Volume 18: Issue 2 The "Art of Falling Down" Edition Today's Topics: Breaking News, Rumors, Etc. New Keith Emerson Band Album! Keith Emerson's New Album Travels with Keith, KE9 with Ringo and the latest BSS re-master New Keith Emerson Band album re: Blog pointing to KE video re: July release brian davison re: Brian Davison Brian Davison obituary in 'The Independent' and 'Times' ASIA Review, Agoura Hills CA Asia in Englewood Reader Commentary Interview with Tony Ortiz Pirates Video finally online Take a Pebble/Benny the Bouncer Moog Foundation Love Beach reconsidered Indiana Jones & ELP?? Flute version of Tarkus on You Tube ELP gone 10 years Carl Palmer interview in Modern Drummer California jam Questions (and Answers!) Carl Palmer's Stainless Steel Drum kit Re: Brain Salad Surgery ELP-related products, tribute bands, promoters (The ELP Digest does not endorse, etc.) ELP tribute/first leg of European Tour 2008! "tribute" band from argentina =========================== Prelude =========================== Hi. At first, there wasn't really much to report after the previous Digest back in April. Then, every time I'd think I should do a Digest I'd think that the new Keith Emerson Band featuring Marc Bonilla album was about to be released. And so it went... until yesterday. When I finally got official word that the new album hasd been released in Japan and was about to be released in parts of Europe. (A little more longer a wait for the rest of us.) So without further delay, here's the latest! - John - ------------------------------ Latest News from the Official ELP sites .... KeithEmerson.com: Keith's official announcement of 'Keith Emerson Band featuring Marc Bonilla' including release dates (some are 'Coming Soon') http://www.keithemerson.com/Music/Solo/KEBandFeatuingMB/KEBandFeaturingMB.html Keith's page with details of Eastern Europe/Baltic Tour (Aug-Sept) http://www.keithemerson.com/TourInfo/2008/2008EEuroBalticTour.html Keith's page with details of Japan tour (Oct) http://www.keithemerson.com/TourInfo/2008/2008JapanTourInfo.html Of additional interest is a Japan-based CD site with snippets from every track from the new album: http://www.neowing.co.jp/track_for_cdj.html?KEY=VICP-64196 (though it's in Japanese, you can click on the 'F' Flash icon to launch the audio snippets in a Flash window). =========================== Breaking News, Rumors, Etc. =========================== From: MCGLYNN777 Sent: Thursday, August 21, 2008 3:45 PM To: elp-digest Subject: New Keith Emerson Band Album! Hi, I just received my copy of "Keith Emerson Band featuring Marc Bonilla" from Japan, and I was floored - it actually exceeded my expectations, which were already high. The first 15 tracks comprise a 37 minute conceptual suite "The House of Ocean Born Mary," based on a romantic New England ghost story. Emerson is in his best form since the early 1970's, but this doesn't sound at all retro. There's plenty of Moog, hammond and pipe organs, but Marc Bonilla's incredible guitars and compositional skills perfectly complement and balance Emo's with an incredible result. Marc's vocals are in fine form, and the lyrics are well done and never trite or contrived. The remaining four pieces are a mixed bag, but again, very well done. "The Art of Falling Down" is an interesting song, and not what I expected from the title. "Malambo," from Ginastera's Estancia Suite, is more reminiscent of "Creole Dance", than "Tocatta," although there's plenty of synth - it's not another piano solo. "Gametime" is a silly tongue-in-cheek piece like "Jeremy Bender," with plenty of great instrumental work. Finally, "The Parting" is a bittersweet ballad like piece, and Marc's vocals are once again, right on. I should also like to credit the rest of the studio lineup - the incredible Gregg Bissonette on percussion and the outstanding Bob Birch - best known as Elton John's bass player. The following is a full track listing: 1. IGNITION 2. 1ST PRESENCE 3. LAST HORIZON 4. MILES AWAY, PT 1 5. MILES AWAY, PT 2 6. CRUSADERS CROSS 7. FUGUE 8. 2ND PRESENCE 9. MARCHE TRAIN 10. BLUE INFERNO 11. 3RD PRESENCE 12. PRELUDE TO A HOPE 13. A PLACE TO HIDE 14. MILES AWAY, PT 3 15. FINALE 16. THE ART OF FALLING DOWN 17. MALAMBO(FROM 'ESTANCIA SUITE') 18. GAMETIME 19. THE PARTING I'm really looking forward to seeing them when they tour the states (early 2009, maybe?). Enjoy! John McGlynn --------------------------------------------- From: MCGLYNN777 Sent: Tuesday, June 03, 2008 4:17 PM To: elp-digest Subject: Keith Emerson's New Album Hi - For what it's worth, I found the following information on a couple of Japanese websites: It appears that Keith's new album - "The Keith Emerson Band with Marc Bonilla" - is set to release (in Japan, anyway) on July 23rd. The track listing is as follows: 01. Ignition 02. 1st Presence 03. Last Horizon 04. Miles Away pt1 05. Miles Away pt2 06. Sonata 07. Fugue 08. 2nd Presence 09. Marche Train 10. Blue Inferno 11. 3rd Presence 12. Prelude To A Hop 13. A Place To Hide 14. Miles Away pt3 15. Finale 16. The Art Of Falling Down 17. gEstancia Suiteh`Malambo 18. Gametime 19. The Parting From the looks of it, the first 15 tracks are thematically related (perhaps the 20 min+ conceptual piece that Keith alluded to an interview last year?). The cover of Ginastera's Malmbo (from the Estancia Suite, Op. 8) should come as no surprise. A CD/DVD combo is also going to be available, but no DVD content was disclosed. Something great to look forward to! Cheers, J. McGlynn [ Editor's Note: As noted earlier, this release ended up being delayed until August 20. - John - ] --------------------------------------------- From: Buzz Delano Sent: Friday, August 22, 2008 2:18 AM To: elp-digest Subject: travels with Keith, KE9 with Ringo and the latest BSS re-master Hi John I have some cool news to share with Digest readers. I purposely waited until the public announcement of Keiths new album before posting this. I recently flew home from a European business trip and was booked on the same flight as Keith from London to Los Angeles. We ran into each other at the gate and, having known each other a bit over the years, we were both happy to see someone we knew, both coming home to LA. Somehow we managed to rearrange our seating and found ourselves sitting together in business class so the 11 hour flight was off to a great start! During the flight, Keith and I talked a lot of course about music, his career, various musicians, The Nice and early ELP shows in New York City and a bizarre Jimmy Smith story from the Catalina Bar & Grille in LA. We also talked about non-music things like family, pets, life in Southern California, cool hotels and much more. Keith showed me quite a few family photos from himself as an infant through present day. He shared some really touching photos of his parents as he was growing up in South England. He had also been visiting his mother during his trip to England. Eventually, the conversation turned to ELP and Keith was in good spirits about his recent conversations with the lads while he was in London. Out of respect for Keith, I shall leave it at that but will say that I was encouraged by things he told me. I think Keith got a kick out of the various pictures of himself, Greg and Carl that I had in my computer, many of which he had not previously seen. He had some funny comments that could only be made by one those three guys for it to be appropriate! His new band is now announced on his website. Former mates Pete Riley and Phil Williams could not continue as they reside in England while Keith resides primarily in LA. So, new members Tony Pia and Travis Davis, along with Marc Bonilla, round out the new KEB. They play great. As fans will learn, Pia and Davis will be part of the KE touring band but did not record the new album. Greg Bissonette played drums and Bob Birch played bass for the album. Great, proven musicians for sure. So, about the new album. I got to hear it and to view the supporting DVD on the flight. No reviews here, but what a sonic treat! Sounds great, powerful, majestic and spacious. Lots of strong piano, Hammond, Moog and Korg Oasys. Incredible left-hand playing to complement his right technique. Bonilla has brought out the power and majesty of Emerson as we have not heard for many years. Keith explained some of the development of the individual tracks which was cool to hear from the man himself but again, I will let him share that with fans as he speaks publicly on the mew material in the coming months and on tour. The DVD is great, showing an up close and personal making of the album film as well as various live concert performances by the KEB from 2005-2006. The on-location filming for some of the material was done in the Southern California desert and is quite fitting for the intensity of some of the music that is performed on the album. Everyone will get a kick out of this video. So, I just wanted to share my good fortune with Digest readers and a bit of extra detail on the new band and album. It sure was a treat to spend the time flying with Keith and to hear the new material. Ill simply say turn it up when you get to listen. The music is awesome and totally worth the wait! On another note, I finally located a quality recording of Greg and Ringo Starrs All Starr Band performing Karn Evil 9. Terrific version! It is on Extended Versions from BMG Music with catalog number COL-CD-8925. Visit www.oldies.com and search for Ringo and youll find it. I found the CD in a miscellaneous CD bin at Amoeba Music on Sunset Blvd. in LA. It was a good CD-hunting day, got some other hard to find stuff like Jordan Rudess, Live Jon Anderson acoustic and Keiths Hammer it Out Anthologyand yet another edition of BSS. This one is on the Shout! Label which now own the ELP catalog. The tracks have been re-mastered and sound great. I havent listened enough to compare to the other various re-masters but the cool thing about this CD is the alternate mix of Jerusalem and an instrumental mix of Karn Evil 9, 1st Impression Parts I and II. Its too cool, even though you do miss Gregs vocal. You will hear things you have never heard before. The CD is also a mini-version of the LP with the die-cut front art, a mini version of the original poster and a terrific new booklet that includes 8 great, color in concert pictures, most of which Ive never seen before. Regards, Buzz Delano --------------------------------------------- From: ELPBOB Sent: Sunday, August 03, 2008 8:40 PM To: elp-digest Subject: New Keith Emerson Band album This is from "Artist Shop Newsletter part 1 Aug. 3, 2008" Coming soon on our Manticore page - http://www.artist-shop.com/manticore Keith Emerson/Keith Emerson Band ....import CD $36.95 Keith Emerson/Keith Emerson Band ....import CD/DVD $53.95 Brand new studio release of all new material from Keith Emerson and his new band featuring Marc Bonilla, Greg Bissonette and Bob Birch. The new album features an original 35 minute suite co-composed by Keith and Marc. Among the other tracks Keith once again approaches the work of one of his favorite modern classical composers, Alberto Ginastera. Both of these editions are from Japan and will be the first editions released. The DVD will include footage from the recording sessions. Please note there is as yet no information on the regional coding of the DVD. --------------------------------------------- From: John Arnold Sent: Tuesday, April 22, 2008 10:11 AM To: elp-digest Subject: re: Blog pointing to KE video re: July release Hi. In the last issue of the ELP Digest, I forgot to mention one of the primary sources for the reports that the new Keith Emerson Band CD will be out in July 2008. Heres the pointer to the blog (thanks, Bjorne-Are!): http://b-a-d-blog.blogspot.com/2008/04/keith-with-new-album-in-july.html And, if you insist on going straight to the YouTube clip with Keith himself: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7UBq-KGKkcQ Enjoy! - John - --------------------------------------------- From: Robin Durie Sent: Tuesday, June 24, 2008 6:17 AM To: elp-digest Subject: brian davison John, Like many of your readers, I was greatly saddened to learn of the death of Brian Davison, & I very much appreciated reading the recollections of Martyn Hanson. Although I was fortunate enough to see Brian playing once, with Keith and the Nice, during their 2003 tour in the UK (& how well they all played that night, Brian especially - he had such a wonderful, intuitive, feel for the music, & for Keith's playing), I feel frustrated to realise that, for the last 7 years, I have been living within a few miles of Brian in Devon, UK - but never had the chance to see him playing locally with a small blues band, as he did regularly. For anyone who hasn't read them, a number of excellent obituaries were published in the London press: The Times - http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/comment/obituaries/article3817508.ece The Independent (by Chris Welch) - http://www.independent.co.uk/news/obituaries/brian-davison-drummer-with-the-nice-813354.html The Guardian - http://music.guardian.co.uk/obituaries/story/0,,2286678,00.html One thing that these articles suggest is that it was Brian who was, to a large extent, responsible for the jazz dimension of the Nice's work, and in the same way, a major influence on the jazz aspect of Keith's playing. The following tribute, which I suspect most readers will not have seen, was written by Stuart Knowlers, a colleague of Brian's at Bideford College, in North Devon, where Brian had taught for many years. I think that this article confirms what is suggested by the obituaries & by Martyn's reflections, namely that Brian was both a very special person, and a wonderful musician. We shall miss him, even while we are fortunate enough to be able to carry on treasuring his work. Keep up the good work robin "Brian Davison 1942 - 2008 It was with a considerable amount of sadness that I heard last week of the passing away of Brian Blinky Davison, friend, comrade & drummer extraordinaire. I consider myself very fortunate indeed to have known, worked & played with Brian for several years. He was a truly inspirational musician of the highest order & a real character in the very best sense of the word. He famously played with The Nice back in the 60s alongside Keith Emerson & Lee Jackson but I got to know him during the mid 90s when we both started a seven year tenure playing in a local Blues band. Around the same time he also began working at the College as a drum teacher and there are many North Devon drummers who were lucky enough to be tutored by such a wonderful & gifted man. His lessons are now the stuff of legend, always funny, informal & enthusiastic, he was a brilliant exponent of Informal learning techniques yet managed to get sometimes extraordinary performances out of people so young. A natural teacher he will be fondly remembered by all the students & staff who came into contact with him. Kit, African & Samba drummers alike. Personally it will be the numerous, wonderful & side-splittingly funny evenings that I spent playing music with Brian that will stay with me forever. To my mind he was without a doubt the single most inspirational musician I have ever played with & the embodiment of a truly natural player, totally at one with the music around him & with an almost extra sensory perception of what the players & musicians around him were about to do next. Some might think it odd that you can refer to a drummer as musical but that was the amazing thing about Brian, his playing was every bit as musical as rhythmic. I lost count of the number of times that I would play a phrase, passage or lick and instantly hear it mirrored back by Brian. He had this uncanny ability to nightly reinvent songs in ways that you never dreamt of. In all the time we played together I think we probably only ever had three rehearsals as such. The joy for us became the inventive & exploratory nature of a Lets just see what happens shall we approach. People were often amazed that this wrinkly old geezer at the back of the band was so enthralling to watch and listen to. He taught me more about playing & musicianship than any number of books or teachers ever could. I am completely & utterly indebted to him. A lovely, gentle & humorous man and someone who will be greatly missed by all that were lucky enough to know him. --------------------------------------------- From: John Tunnicliffe Sent: Tuesday, April 22, 2008 11:08 AM To: elp-digest Subject: re: Brian Davison I also had the privilege to have a long talk to Brian Davison about his career and the reunion for The Nice tour and although we only had a relatively short time to talk, I too found Brian to be one of the most generous and interesting people I have had the pleasure to meet. His passion for music was a joy to behold and he was genuinely interested in other's interests. You never felt he was just paying lip service to the fans who lined up to chat with him and have their photo taken with him. Nice man who will be sadly missed by all who knew him. John Tunnicliffe --------------------------------------------- From: John Arnold Sent: Tuesday, April 22, 2008 4:27 PM To: elp-digest Subject: Brian Davison obituary in 'The Independent' and 'Times' Heres a link to Chris Welchs obituary from The Independent: http://www.independent.co.uk/news/obituaries/brian-davison-drummer-with-the-nice-813354.html Heres the URL of Brians obituary from The Times (London): http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/comment/obituaries/article3817508.ece This includes a link to a YouTube video of The Nice performing live in 1968. - John - --------------------------------------------- From: Steven Wilcox Sent: Sunday, June 01, 2008 1:29 PM To: ELP Digest Subject: ASIA Review, Agoura Hills CA ASIA review, Canyon Club, Agoura Hills CA. May 2nd 2008 ASIA performed a great show on the 2nd. Youll be glad to know that Carl is still in good form, sharp as ever. His drum solo is not that same as the last time I heard him in 2006 with his band and then ASIA a few weeks later. What was nice was a company selling the entire show in MP3 for $30.00 on a wristband USB flash drive. 10 minutes after the show ended the USB drives were ready for pickup. Ive put Carls drum solo out on my website http://www.gtsnet.us/Music/ASIA/CanyonClub.htm . Im hoping that Carl will tour with his band later this year in the US, He has dates in Europe! Set list Daylight Only Time Will Tell Wildest Dreams Never Again Roundabout Time Again Bolero Georgias Theme-Clap Voice Of America The Smile has Left your Eyes Ride Easy Open Your Eyes Fanfare Without You An Extraordinary Life In the Court of the Crimson King Video Kill the radio Star The Heat Goes On Carl Palmer Drum Solo Heat of the Moment Dont Cry Sole Survivor. From Los Angeles Steve --------------------------------------------- From: Mark Smith Sent: Wednesday, April 23, 2008 9:26 PM To: elp-digest Subject: Asia in Englewood Just saw Asia in Englewood, took my 9 year old son, hope this is not his only taste of Carl Palmer! The concert was wonderful! It was nice to seem them in such a comfortable "suburban" setting. The accoustics of the Bergen Performing Arts Center are fantastic, Carl Palmer's drums were the best I've ever heard them. And about his playing, it was probably the best I've heard. Every fill, spot on, the solo, while a bit shorter then in the past, was excellent. John Wetton's voice was also right on key. It was a show well worth seeing. My son was riveted the whole time. The only thing I could complain about, and I shouldn't, was there was only two songs from the new album, which, in my opinion is excellent. But since the album had only been released two days before, I can't say I blame them. The future of the band is murky, since Yes are going out on the road, but if they tour again, me and my son will be there. [ Editor's Note: Since this was written, the Yes tour was cancelled due to Jon Anderson's ill health (a serious respiratory problem, as I recall). We're all wishing Jon well! - John - ] =========================== Reader Commentary =========================== From: John Arnold Sent: Wednesday, August 13, 2008 9:52 PM To: elp-digest Subject: Interview with Tony Ortiz Here's a link to an inter?view with frequent contributor and "ELP Archivist" Tony Ortiz (elptony). Nice interview, Tony! http://madaboutasia.blogspot.com/search/label/Progressive%20Rock - John - --------------------------------------------- From: Gasone Sent: Monday, August 04, 2008 7:46 PM To: elp-digest Subject: Pirates Video finally online At long last, The latest version of my Pirates video that has been described as "f----ing Brilliant " by a member of the band. The first version was hand made by 2 tape Machines. This is all done in ADOBE Premiere 1.5. Hundreds of edits and scenes. WHAT YOU HEAR (or "see") in the lyrics you actually see it on the screen. This is the real deal not the POS on youtube. We are going to get this up on youtube BUT ACCEPT NO SUBSTITUTES! If it ain't a SACRED COW VIDEO it's not the real thing. My Magnum Opus : Pirates 2007 this took several months of hard editing. ENJOY. Right now it is on vimeo at this link http://www.vimeo.com/1466041 Coming Soon: Some of my MUCH lesser efforts: PIRATES 1994 SALT CAY 1984 SALT CAY 2007 NIGHTHAWKS LIGHTSPEED : A Homage to the AUDI TT ELPOWELL : Touch and Go with cleaner Soundtrack FATHER CHRISTMAS RAI TV: THE ODEON RAG (Maple Leaf Rag) The Church Glorietta Petites Litanies De Jesus In Production: THE CHURCH 2008 INFERNO /Mater Tenebrarum Concept: IRON MAN Animated series GODZILLA: The Final Wars ONE BY ONE JERUSALEM (Chariots of Fire) --------------------------------------------- From: Roy Henderson Sent: Wednesday, July 16, 2008 5:06 AM To: ELP-digest Subject: Take a Pebble/Benny the Bouncer Dear all, Roy's obsessive ELP cover version watch continues. iTunes has one Oleg Polyanskiy, piano, playing Take a Pebble and Benny the Bouncer. He also plays Zappa's Peaches in Regalia which is not unrelated to Nice/ELP as the Nice played Lumpy Gravy. Rather oddly the photo od Mr Oleg Polyanskiy looks like an imitation of the one of KE on Changing States. Er,... what's that about? Still, the music is well worth a listen. See, sometimes the overactive-obsessive male brain has its uses! All the best from Glasgow Roy --------------------------------------------- From: David Huskins Sent: Wednesday, May 07, 2008 2:23 PM To: elp-digest Subject: Moog Foundation Hi John, I'm on the board of Bob Moog Foundation and I'd like to invite members of the site to visit www.moogfoundation.org. I've been the recipient of the ELP Digest for many years, and I (and so many others) truly appreciate your hard work. The Moog Foundation is working to preserve Bob's archives as well as providing education assistance to the development of electronic music. I hope everyone will take just a few minutes to visit the site. I think you'll enjoy reading about Bob's importabt legacy, and ways you can be part of the work of the foundation. Sincerely, David David Huskins Brevard, NC, USA --------------------------------------------- From: F L Dunkin Wedd Sent: Tuesday, April 22, 2008 6:59 AM To: elp-digest Subject: Love Beach reconsidered Love Beach reconsidered ----------------------------------- It was good to see Love Beach getting less-than-usually vitriolic mentions in the latest Digest. I liked Julian Smith's account of discovering it uncluttered by previous knowledge: perhaps he was in a better position than most to appraise it. The article at stylusmagazine.com was less enlightening; like much critical writing, it tells us more about the writer than the subject - including his ignorance. Apparently ELP were "three uneducated, working-class guys". Hmm. I think not... When Love Beach came out I bought it slavishly. And though it clearly did not match up to the best albums of ELP, I could not see where all the poisonous criticism came from: there were good - no, GREAT things on it. It seemed to me no better or worse than Works II - which had not attracted such venom. Was it perhaps the IMAGE that was getting in the way? So I thought I'd listen again. For what it is worth (possibly zero! - it's entirely personal) here is my track by track view of the _music_. 1. All I Want is You *** ---------------------------- Nice synth licks, good drumming, great singing. Starts out like it might build to something great - but goes downhill when Greg says he's on Flight 112. Generally speaking, there's not enough Emerson on the track for me. Average - but not ghastly. 2. Love Beach ** -------------------- Same problem as track one. Where is KE? Yes, there's some nice synth work, but we miss his writing skills. There is no real musical development. And the lyrics disappoint. The fade-out is positively Hollies... 3. Taste of My Love * --------------------------- Great opening: could it be building up to a new Karn Evil? Er... no. Lyrics positively embarassing. 4. The Gambler *** ---------------------- Intro sounds like it's going to be another Ready Eddie (on the record just to fill up space). Silly lyrics. But the chorus is great, with Keith laying down a fab blues synth backing (no, honest). And the KE solo is all anyone could wish for. For the love of Pete, whose idea was the girlie chorus? Otherwise very listenable. 5. For You *** --------------- Another intro that could be building to a classic ELP track, and Keith plays great piano under Greg's lead guitar line. The lyrics have a little more sophistication. The first two minutes are not at all bad - a bit Black Moon-ish. But from "Was it the words left unspoken.." it's clear that not enough work has been done to make the track cohere. The ending is silly. Still some great playing from all three here. 6. Canario *** -------------- Another promising intro. At last we have some moderately whole-hearted KE input and I like Greg's guitar work. But Carl sounds curiously uninvolved. And there's too much Rodrigo and not enough ELP. It never really takes off in the way, for instance, Fanfare for the Common Man does, despite some nice swoopy synth noises. Keith is not inspired here. 7. Memoirs ***** ---------------- An arresting opening which leads to some interesting harmonic ideas. And some truly lyrical piano work. The lyrics are interesting - perhaps as good as anything of Sinfield's. No worse than Pirates anyway. And there's an attempt at empathy - generally a successful one - with a politically incorrect group: the class that made up backbone of the British Empire. You can see why the punk generation would not want to hear it. But a story is definitely being told, with the words and music beautifully integrated. Some great lyrical ideas: "If you made the first eleven, then you'd be sure to get to heaven... I was taught how to win, and to lose with that 'get you next time' smile... When I finally marched from Sandhurst I'd learned to put my fellow man first..." Keith's extended piano introduction to the love song is as good as anything on Brain Salad Surgery (I don't recognise which piece of classical music it's pinched from; if it is original it's terrific.) Again, words and music are brilliantly combined. The piano continues and Greg's acoustic guitar solo is great, and Carl sticks in some nice glockenspiel. Then - hurray! - they take off all three together. Synergy at last. Ten minutes in, Carl and Keith set up a complex tapestry over which Greg can sing his Letters from the Front - not unlike a less bombastic version of Pirates. The lyrics switch in a moment from dodgy ("Yes it's great now you're a full-time nurse, but do be careful with the air raids getting worse") to authentically moving ("I'm writing to you from a convoy moving west. It's hell out here but we are trying to do our best"). Greg's switch of octave for "The telegram..." is brilliant. Finally, 'Honourable Company' starts up. It's going to be another Abaddon's Bolero - hooray! Sounds like an ordinary march - till you notice the interesting time signature. And this time the intro doesn't disappoint. It DOES build imaginatively - I reach to turn up the volume. And with each new layer Keith adds something special, so that the downbeat fade-out ending is completely satisfying; a bombastic triumphal ending would not have suited the content. Overall ---------- The first side should probably have been left in the vault. Oddly, for all the famous clashes between Keith and Greg, it is Carl who sounds truly uninvolved. Perhaps he'd tired of being the buffer state between them. But Memoirs seems to me to be the most under-regarded piece in the ELP cannon (spelling mistake intentional!). Lyrically it is a hugely brave attempt to empathise with a social class and generation that are quite foreign to our own; the music suits the content brilliantly, and all three contribute to the magic mix that was ELP. ELP's mastery of contrast was unmatched - and perhaps remains so: the light and shade of Memoirs is expertly handled, and generates a work that is both varied and coherent, and at its best genuinely moving. I play Memoirs again... Yes: it's worth the price of the album on its own. As for the cover, have people forgotten what the 70s were like? I've got a dreadful feeling I dressed like that occasionally... Laurie [ Editor's Note: Bravo! One of the most forthright review of the album I've ever read. Having been brought up in the frequent company of Scottish grandparents who had family not that far from the London air raids and having heard first hand accounts of the impact of WW II on Britain, I've always felt that 'Memoirs' is an excellent depiction of how WW II felt to many of those involved in England. Thanks for writing this and sharing it with us. - John - ] --------------------------------------------- From: Joe O'Connor Sent: Wednesday, May 28, 2008 9:15 PM To: elp-digest Subject: Indiana Jones & ELP?? TMZ, the Hollywood gossip website, posted a photograph of actor Shia LaBoeuf, star of the new "Indiana Jones" movie, exiting a diner sporting an Emerson Lake & Palmer tee shirt. Someone posted a comment saying they never liked him before, but considering his taste in music they were now a fan! [ Editor's Note: Heres a URL with photos: http://justjared.buzznet.com/2008/05/04/shia-labeouf-emerson-lake-and-palmer Also note that this was posted well before Shia ended up crashing his car and wrecking his hand in an auto accident. - John - ] --------------------------------------------- From: Wayne Campbell Sent: Sunday, June 15, 2008 6:35 AM To: elp-digest Subject: Flute version of Tarkus on You Tube Hi John - it's been a long time since I've posted. This may not be everyone's cup of tea, but I think it's a blast. This fellow just looks so happy playing Eruption. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=szSi_7f15NY Also if any digest readers are looking to listen to great jazz organ, please check out Tony Monaco (b3monaco.com) His playing is unbelievable and he is also one of the nicest guys you could ever meet. Cheers Wayne --------------------------------------------- From: mark bustamante Sent: Sunday, June 15, 2008 9:51 PM To: elp-digest Subject: ELP gone 10 years A few years ago I said goodbye to following all things ELP, including this website, as I decided to enjoy the music instead. However, I return with the approach of the 10 year anniversary of the last ELP show ever, and one I was fortunate to see at the club "4th & B" in San Diego. I still remember the intensity they played with that night and meeting both Greg and Carl after. If I may add what I would have wanted from the live shows was new ELP music. What the record company would not let them do could have been presented in concert. I know, "coulda, woulda, shoulda". I recall a radio interview where one of the boys said the fans just want to hear the hits. I used to chat with a lot of fans and I don't recall anyone ever saying that. By the way, has Greg retired? Haven't heard a thing from him. Mark Bustamante California --------------------------------------------- From: John Arnold Sent: Tuesday, August 19, 2008 12:06 PM To: arnold Subject: Carl Palmer interview in Modern Drummer Theres an interview with Carl in the latest issue of Modern Drummer. URL: http://www.moderndrummer.com/updatefull/200001691 Havent read the whole thing (since only a fragment is on the web site above). However, in the Yahoo ELP-DISC group, readers are reporting that the full interview claims that Carl says there are talks underway for an ELP tour in 2009! - John - [ See also the comments from 'Buzz' who met Keith on a flight to LA. ] --------------------------------------------- From: hrshkvtz Sent: Wednesday, April 23, 2008 4:54 PM To: elp-digest Subject: California jam Greetings: I'm not sure if this was mentioned before but if you google California Jam you will bump into a link for the ELP 53 minute portion. This is the ABC TV version which has essentially been released since on DVD by ELP. There's a few extra minutes not shown on the DVD and that's understandable because the tv film is crude. That said, it is what folks saw way back when. Michael =========================== Questions (and Answers!) =========================== From: Eileen Craddock Sent: Wednesday, April 23, 2008 6:17 AM To: elp-digest Subject: Carl Palmer's Stainless Steel Drum kit Dear John, Regarding this entry in the ELP-Digest: 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. We have this article in full in our "File Cabinet" at Ladies of the Lake, along with many others. It can be viewed at the following link: http://www.ladiesofthelake.net/cabinet/palmerdp.html We welcome submissions of any other articles for inclusion in the File Cabinet. The entire listing can be viewed at: http://www.ladiesofthelake.net/cabinet.html Thanks to all for digging out your old items and helping us have a great collection of original articles! Cheers, Eileen Craddock www.ladiesofthelake.com --------------------------------------------- From: Geoff Parsons Sent: Tuesday, April 22, 2008 3:57 AM To: elp-digest Subject: Re: Brain Salad Surgery RE:Brain Salad Surgery - I remember reading in a Greg Lake interview his mentioning that BSS was a reference to a concoction of drugs mixed together, not sure which ones, but I remember it seeming strange at the time since there never seemed to be any ELP drug references in their lyrics. [ Editor's Note: And, to clear this up a bit without being overly rude, crude, and socially unacceptable, I'll point readers to the Wikipedia entry for the album: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brain_Salad_Surgery which says this: "According to the 1996 re-release notes, Manticore Records president Mario Medious 'nicked the title from a slang lyric in Dr. John's 1973 hit, "Right Place, Wrong Time" (released January 26, 1973), Just need a little brain salad surgery/Got to cure this insecurity, to replace the working title Whip Some Skull on Yer (both titles are euphemisms for [follow the link above to see])." My apologies for this but I think it really is the true story/meaning. Oh well. That's what I have the domain 'brain-salad.com' without the surgery. - John - ] =========================== ELP-related products, tribute bands, promoters (The ELP Digest does not endorse, etc.) =========================== From: Mauro Aimetti Sent: Tuesday, April 29, 2008 8:05 AM To: John Arnold Subject: ELP tribute/first leg of European Tour 2008! Dear John, I'm proud to announce to you, under The Musical Box (Genesis Tribute) Management, our first leg of European Tour 2008! There are 2/3 venues where even The Musical Box e Mike Pointer (ex Marillion) are going to play as well... I'm very excited, 'cause we're playing in the same countries of ELP BSS 1973 Tour!!!! Ready for the Show That Never Ends? Tickets will be available next week on Management website www.wiventertainment.com So I'm proud also to have sorted sout the London upcoming gig on the 21st June the next by myself....kicking off from the City where The Manticore was it's a good way to start, isn't it? Spread the word around: The Manticore is Back!! Long Live ELP!!! Take care my friend....and first of all, we have to wake up all the UK ELP fans!! (Thank's so much for your latest newsletter announcement and Poster on elp-digest website too!!!) Love and joy, Mauro Lake [ Editor's Note: Though this is too late for the London show, the web site shows dates for Nov. 2008 in Germany, Belgium, the Netherlands, etc. For all the details, here's a direct URL: http://www.wiventertainment.com/elp/pages_int/content_show.html - John - ] --------------------------------------------- From: P Stringa Sent: Monday, July 28, 2008 9:26 PM To: elp-digest Subject: "tribute" band from argentina I'm from Argentina. I ve found this children tribute group from Salta, a northwest region of my country. Aren`t they cute? http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P5UU4aBxf7U&feature=related Paul =========================== 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.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 18, Issue 2] **************************************