To:  elp-digest-web@reluctant.com
      From:  Hrshkvtz@aol.com
   Subject:  Review: Aug. 22,  World Music Theater, Tinley Park, IL.
      Date:  8/25/98 1:23 AM

     Tonights performance went a long way to dispell any myths that ELP
     were a worn-out band from the 70's.

     Usually the rigors of the gruelling concert schedule takes its toll on 
     ELP by the time they hit Chicago. Not this time. Even the non-fan was
     heard to say,"Hey, he's pretty good." It becomes apparent after a few
     concerts that ELP are seriously dedicated to their work. This bodes
     well for the fans' concern for future tours or material. They didn't
     play like a group that's ready to go back to a day job after the tour 
     was over.

     At the Hampton Beach concert, Greg Lake pleasantly surprised the crowd
     (or maybe it was just me) with much stronger vocal capabilities. Despite
     the dozen or so concerts since, I'd have to say he sounded even
     better. At the rate he's going, by the time he hit's San Diego, he'll 
     have his old King Crimson voice back.

     Keith Emerson is, well, Keith Emerson, nothing new here except
     for the return of the knives. To best describe Palmer's performance, 
     take the new 1977 concert video and when you get to the drum solo,
     hit the fast forward button. Tonight's solo during the encore had
     the crowd feeling like they were watching the finale at the 4th of
     July fireworks.

     So far you got the facts, now for some opinion. ELP overweighs
     their concerts with keyboards. Or maybe it would be better to say
     underweighs in the vocal and electric guitar department. You have a
     half hour encore, with Lake only in the background on bass. I'd like
     to hear the full ELP sound to close the show. Lake plugged in the
     electric guitar for "Battlefield." That made the show for me.

     Emerson is like the best ice cream in the world, all I'm asking for
     is for them to sprinkle a few nuts and add a little syrup and turn
     the ice cream into a sundae........

     ......Michael Hershkovitz....Chicago.