Keith Emerson (with Marc Bonilla, Glenn Hughes and Dragon Choir) - 1998-05-14 - Santa Cruz, CA

Keith Emerson (with Marc Bonilla, Glenn Hughes and Dragon Choir)
May 14, 1998
Palookaville, Santa Cruz, CA USA
Audience recording, good quality
Available in both Lossless (FLAC) and mp3 (320 kbps) versions

After the disintegration of the short-lived supergroup The Best, Emerson joined back up with Lake and Palmer for another try at ELP, but although the tours were successful, after 2 disappointing new albums (Black Moon-1992,  In the Hot Seat-1994), it was clear that ELP's time as rock superstars had passed. Following the 1993 tour, Emerson was forced to take a year off from playing due to severe nerve damage and related issues in his right hand, which required surgery. Following his recovery ELP continued to tour again in 1996, but broke-up again following that tour. In 1998, Emerson teamed with Glenn Hughes (Deep Purple) and guitarist Marc Bonilla for a series of shows that were quite well-received. This is one of those shows in California in the Spring of 1998. In subsequent years, Bonilla stayed on as a member of various incarnations of the Keith Emerson Band for tours throughout the 2000's. Keith also participated in a reunion of The Nice in 2002, and toured again with Greg Lake in 2010. Most recently, Keith had recurrences of nerve damage and problems in his right hand, leading to depression that he would no longer be able to play effectively and would disappoint his fans. He eventually took his own life on March 11, 2016. He was a tremendous talent and his music will live on forever. Enjoy this unique show from the Emerson-Hughes-Bonilla version of his band in 1998.

Tracklist:
01. [04:33] Instrumental I
02. [03:10] Instrumental II
03. [04:48] Hoedown
04. [05:16] Dance of the Sugar Plum Faries > Nutrocker
05. [04:07] Close To Home
06. [06:03] Honky Tonk Train Blues
07. [04:30] Creole Dance
08. [05:38] Instrumental III > Glenn Hughes joins
09. [06:42] A Whiter Shade of Pale
10. [05:00] Cover Me
11. [06:55] Dreams
12. [18:19] Tarkus (Glenn Hughes - vocals)
13. [16:41] Fanfare for the Common Man > Rondo
Total time [1:31:42]

Line-up / Musicians
- Keith Emerson / keyboards
- Glenn Hughes / vocals
- Marc Bonilla / guitar

- Mike Wallace / guitar
- Bob Birch, Mick Manan / bass
- Ed Roth / keyboards
- Joe Travers / drums

mp3 - Emerson-Hughes-Bonilla_1998-05-14_Santa Criz_mp3.part1.rar
Emerson-Hughes-Bonilla_1998-05-14_Santa Criz_mp3.part2.rar

FLAC - Emerson-Hughes-Bonilla_1998-05-14_Santa Criz_FLAC.rar

The Best (w/Keith Emerson) - 1990-09-26 - Yokahama, Japan

The Best
(Keith Emerson, John Entwhistle, Joe Walsh, Jeff "Skunk" Baxter, and Simon Phillips)
September 26, 1990
Yokohama Arena,
Yokohama, JapanSoundboard (from TV broadcast), Very Good Quality
Now available in Lossless! (FLAC) version!

Continuing with the Keith Emerson, ELP saga: While ELP was still on tour in 1977, they released their follow-up to Works, Vol. 1, Works, Vol. 2, a single album this time, and made-up primarily of miscellaneous and leftover tracks from previous recording sessions, and all short songs. Because of this, the album was not nearly as popular as its predecessor, but nonetheless still contained some very impressive tracks. In particular, Emerson's piano work, from his version of Scott Joplin Rag-time to the wonderful Meade Lux Lewis's 'Honky-Tonk Train Whistle Blues', as well as Keith's self-penned version of a honky-tonk piano song. Anyway, the band continued on their epic Works tour, through much of 1978 as well, then back to the studio for what was their final album of their original tenure. Unfortunately, the magic was gone by this time, and Love Beach (1978) is generally considered the nadir of their career; with the album tanking and their popularity plummeting, they pulled the plug on the group, each going their own way. Keith did a couple solo albums and music for movies throughout the eighties. He re-grouped with Greg Lake in another power trio with drummer Cozy Powell, dubbed Emerson, Lake and Powell in 1986, for what was the most successful, albeit short-lived (1 album), of the ELP imitation groups. This was followed closely by 3 (Three) in 1988, which featured Emerson and Palmer with multi-instrumentalist Robert Berry, but their only album was not well-received. Then in 1990, Keith joined a new group with a supertstar lineup, for the short-lived supergoup, The Best. Featuring Joe Walsh, Jeff "Skunk" Baxter, John Entwhistle, and Simon Phillips, along with Emerson, the band was avery eclectic mix of superstars from diverse bands. Although they only played a few shows in Japan before splitting up, this band was a really intriguing oddity, a strange mix of styles and talent that produced some very memorable versions of each of their respective hit songs. As far as I know, this was the only time Keith ever played in a band where his keyboards were not the primary and dominant component, and playing here with 2 great guitarists and songs that are not really 'keyboard' songs, the results are very interesting. Now, I have already posted and featured this show from a Japanese broadcast before, but now I have upgraded the show to lossless, for all those wishing to have it in better quality. For more on the show, see the previous post here , but let me summarize with this excerpt ..."Although on some songs, like 'Life in the Fast Lane' and 'My Wife', it is a bit disconcerting to hear Emerson's constantly moving keyboards in the background, some of his additions are positively breathtaking, such as his skillful piano licks in 'Bodhisattva' and 'Reeling in the Years', or putting everything from the 'Jaws Theme' to classical pieces like 'Night on Bald Mountain' into 'Boris the Spider'. And it is very interesting and exciting to hear Skunk and Walsh combine guitar forces (and different styles) on several songs, like 'My Wife', 'Life in the Fast Lane', 'Too Late the Hero', 'Reeling in the Years', and especially 'Bodhisattva'..." , as well as their guitar additions to the Emerson 'keyboard' songs. So, if you haven't checked this out previously, be sure to do so now, as it is one of Emerson's most interesting and unique contributions, and of course, the band itself is awesome, if just a bit odd in their mixing of musical styles.

Tracklist
01. Seven Bridges Road / Life In the Fast Lane
02. My Wife
03. Bodhisattva
04. Fanfare For the Common Man
05. Rikki Don't Lose My Number
06. Simon drum solo
07. Rocky Mountain Way
08. Too Late the Hero
09. America / Look At Us Now
10. Boris the Spider
11. Reelin' In the Years
12. Takin' It To the Streets

John Entwistle - bass
Jeff "Skunk" Baxter - guitar
Joe Walsh - guitar
Keith Emerson - keyboards
Simon Phillips - drums
with:
Rick Livingstone - vocals
Hamish Richardson - backing vocals
Angus Richardson - backing vocals
Fergus Richardson - backing vocals

FLAC: The Best_1990-09-26_Japan_FLAC.rar

For mp3 version, see previous post here see previous post here 

Emerson, Lake, and Palmer - 1977-07-08 - MSG, New York, NY

Emerson, Lake, & Palmer
(with Orchestra)
July 8, 1977
Madison Square Garden, New York, NY
Audience recording, very good quality
Available in both lossless (FLAC) and Mp3 (320 kbps) versions

Continuing with ELP:  After their extensive 1973-1974 Brain Salad Surgery tour, the band took an extended break, lasting through all of 1975 and into 1976. The band re-grouped in 1976 to record Works Vol.1, another epic scale production, a double album, with one full side for each artist to feature 'solo' works, and the 4th side featuring full group compositions. Emerson's side consists of his 3 movement Piano Concerto performed with the London Philharmonic Orchestra. The group piece 'Pirates' also featured an orchestra prominently. Because of this, Keith had the idea of touring with a full 65-piece orchestra for the forthcoming Works Live tour. It was a massive undertaking, and plagued with problems associated with the orchestra (union rules, requirements, travel restrictions, and of course, immense cost) from the start. The tour started in May 1977 in the US. After just 3 weeks and 13 concert dates into the tour (and mounting debts), the Orchestra had to be dropped from the shows, and the band re-grouped and continued the tour as a trio only, although they did again play with the Orchestra for a 3-night run at Madison Square Garden in NY in July, and later at a show in Montreal in August that was recorded and released as a Live album, Emerson, Lake, and Palmer In Concert. Overall, the band lost millions on the Orchestra tour venture, but it was a grand experiment and produced some stunning shows. Here is a recording from one of the MSG shows (second night), a very good audience recording that features the full Orchestral show.  The show features an assortment of songs throughout the ELP catalog, and alternates between songs with and without Orchestra involvement. Overall a very impressive show, and a must for ELP fans.

Tracklist:
Disc 1
1. Abbadon's Bolero
2. Hoedown
3. Karn Evil 9 1st Impression Pt.2
4. The Enemy God
5. Tarkus-Eruption/Stones Of Years/Iconoclast/Mass/Aquatarkus
6. Still...You Turn Me On
7. Lucky Man
8. Pictures At An Exhibition
9. Piano concerto No.1-movements 1 & 3

Disc 2
1. Closer To Believing
2. C'est La Vie
3. Knife Edge
4. Tank (Carl solo)
5. Nutrocker
6. Pirates
7. Fanfare For The Common Man
8. Rhondo/Fanfare (reprise)

FLAC: ELP_1977-07-08_NY_FLAC.part1.rar
           ELP_1977-07-08_NY_FLAC.part2.rar
 
Mp3: ELP_1977-07-08_NY_mp3.part1.rar
         ELP_1977-07-08_NY_mp3.part2.rar

Emerson, Lake, and Palmer - 1974-02-02 - Anaheim (FM Broadcast)

Emerson, Lake & Palmer
1974-02-02
Anaheim Convention Center, Anaheim, CA
FM Broadcast Recording (combined from KBFH 1974 original and 1996 re-broadcast), very good quality
Mp3 @ 320 kbps

Continuing with ELP: Coinciding with the release of their 5th album, Brain Salad Surgery in November 1973, ELP set out on their biggest, most ambitious, and most outrageous shows and tour yet in support of the album, which included a massive stage set-up (including Keith's spinning piano and Carl's rotating drum platform, and a total of 40 tons of equipment). The album and tour were a phenomenal success, and resulted in the triple LP live album, Welcome Back My Friends to the Show That Never Ends...Ladies and Gentleman, Emerson, Lake, and Palmer, released in August 1974. And yet the tour continued on through October 1974. The shows were epic and featured songs from throughout their catalog, but the centerpiece was the full-length 'Karn Evil #9' from BSS. I saw them early on this tour (in Chicago, 12/73), and the show was truly memorable. This very good quality recording (unfortunately of just a fraction of the full show) comes from 2 separate King Biscuit Flower Hour broadcasts. The first broadcast, in 1974, edited the show down to about 50 min. for broadcast (eliminating several songs - indicated below), but included the full-length 'Karn Evil #9' (over 30 min.). In a later re-broadcast of the show in 1996, 'Karn Evil #9' was edited down to a 14 min. 'excerpt', and the 'Piano Improv' piece was removed, but, inexplicably, three songs from a much later unidentified show (probably from the 1977-78 Works Tour), were added, as well as a rather curious (butchered) edit of 'Tarkus' (excerpt) from the 1974 show was also added. Unfortunately, the entire re-broadcast show was still billed as being from Anaheim 1974, which has resulted in some setlists for the show incorrectly including the added 1977 songs as being played in 1974, which they definitely were not (No 'Tiger...', 'C'est La Vie', or 'Fanfare...' were ever played in '74, as they had not been written or recorded yet). So, anyway, I have combined the broadcasts into one show featuring the unique full-length songs from both shows. Since the 1996 re-broadcast recording was somewhat better quality, I have used this recording for the songs included in both shows, and the 1974 recording only for those that were edited or cut in the 1996 broadcast.  The result is a more complete, albeit unrepresentative, show (due to the newer 1977 songs included). But this is an ELP radio show in fine quality, so enjoy.
  
Tracklist:
1.Hoe-Down
2. Tiger in a Spotlight (Added song [unknown date]- 1996 Re-broadcast)
3. C'Est La'Vie (Added song [unknown date]- 1996 Re-broadcast)
4. Still You Turn Me On
5. Lucky Man
6. Piano Improvisations
7. Tarkus (excerpt)
8  Karn Evil #9 First Impression part 1 >
9. Karn Evil #9 First Impression part 2 >
10. Drum Solo >
11. Karn Evil # 9 First Impression part 2 (reprise) >
12. Karn Evil # 9 Second Impression part 1) >
13. Karn Evil # 9 Second Impression part 2) >
14. Karn Evil # 9 Third Impression
15.  Fanfare for the Common Man (Added song [unknown date]- 1996 Re-broadcast)

Note: Songs known to have been played at the 1974 concert, but not included in the broadcast included 'Jerusalem', 'Toccata', 'Tarkus' (full version - 27 min), and 'Take a Pebble', as well as some combination of 'Benny the Bouncer/Jeremy Bender/The Sheriff', and possibly an encore of 'Pictures at an Exhibition' (played at some but not all shows).

ELP_1974-02-02_Anaheim(FM)_mp3.rar

Emerson, Lake and Palmer - 1971-06-13 - Dusseldorf, Germany

Emerson, Lake and Palmer
1971-06-13
Philipshalle, D羹sseldorf, Germany
TV Broadcast recording ("Supergroups in Concert"), good quality
Available in both Lossless (FLAC) and Mp3 (320 kbps) versions

Wow, as I was preparing this (and a few other) ELP shows in tribute to (the recently deceased) Keith Emerson this week, got word of still more tragic and unexpected deaths of memorable rock artists and musicians. Of course, everyone is talking about the loss of Prince, but there were others this week, too, including legendary blues-rock guitarist Lonnie Mack (whose pioneering virtuoso lead guitar soloing style was a major influence on Jeff Beck, Eric Clapton, Stevie Ray Vaughn, and virtually every rock guitarist after), and multi-instrumentalist Pete Zorn (long-time member of Richard Thompson's Band, as well as stints with Gerry Rafferty and Steeleye Span). But the most shocking, unexpected, and devastating to fans was the death of Prince at 57, as he seemed to be in fine health and still very productive. Now, to be honest, I was never much of a fan of his music, overall (just not my style), but it is impossible not to recognize his vast talent, creativity, and artistry as a totally unique and dynamic artist and performer. There is no one else like him and his presence will be missed in the music world.

But today, I am still honoring the life and music of an important death from last month, keyboard virtuoso and progressive rock icon, Keith Emerson. Although today, the progressive rock movement of the (late 60's and) early 1970's often gets dismissed as trivial or some quaint musical oddity, let me tell you, it was (and is) a very big deal, and quite important in the continuing development of Rock. This time period corresponded to my high school years, and progressive rock was my favorite music, and very important in my own musical development. Progressive rock sought to move rock away from short, dance-beat singles to greater artistic and technical sophistication through use of experimental instrumentation, compositional structure, harmony and rhythms, through incorporation of instrumental virtuosity,  long-form compositions, and techniques and styles from jazz and classical music. Progressive rock is a mainstay of my musical background, but (other than Genesis), I have not featured it very much here on the blog. So, honoring Keith gives me a chance to present some more here now. At the time, progressive rock was very popular (Pink Floyd, Yes, Jethro Tull, Genesis, King Crimson, Moody Blues all at their peak), but for a time, ELP were the undisputed kings of the genre.
     Keith Emerson first earned acclaim and notoriety for his performances and antics on the Hammond organ with the group The Nice in the late 60's, where he first featured his 'symphonic rock' versions of classical pieces done as epic rock songs. By 1970, when he teamed with members of other  progressive rock groups, vocalist/bassist Greg Lake (from King Crimson) and drummer Carl Palmer (Atomic Rooster) to form Emerson, Lake and Palmer, they were already considered a 'Supergroup' (and received a record deal) before ever performing together. Their premier public performance (which coincided with the release of their self-titled 1st album) was at the Isle of Wight Festival in late 1970, where they made a big impression, and became very popular very quickly thereafter. With ELP, Emerson became one of the most prodigious and prolific users of the (relatively recently developed) Moog synthesizer, which permeated the band's sound. The band and their music continued to grow and develop through multiple hit albums throughout the 1970's, such as Tarkus (1971), Trilogy (1972), and Brain Salad Surgery (1973), with Emerson's reputation as a keyboard virtuoso and master showman growing throughout (was sometimes referred to as "the Jimi Hendrix of keyboards").
   Here is a show from very early in their career, in support of their first album. Like many other acts from this period, there are many recordings of shows from this period available, but very few of very high quality. This is one of the better quality recordings, as it comes from a TV broadcast, and features all the varied aspects of their live shows from that time, from Jazz, blues, and classical piano to folk-rock, to prog rock weirdness (and extended drum solos) to madcap classical rock ('Nutrocker'). Here's ELP in their earliest form.

Tracklist:
01. Take a Pebble
02. Knife Edge (First 2:00 are a little warbled)
03. Blues Jam
04. The Barbarian
05. Rondo (w/ drums)
06. Nutrocker
Bonus track
07. Knife Edge // fade - Beat club 1970-11

Keith Emerson - Keyboard and Synthesizer Wizardry
Greg Lake - 'The Voice', bass, guitars
Carl Palmer - Percussion Extraordinaire


mp3 - ELP_1971-06-13_Dusseldorf_TV_mp3.rar

FLAC - ELP_1971-06-13_Dusseldorf_TV_FLAC.rar

The Best (K.Emerson, J. Walsh, J. Entwhistle, J.Baxter, S.Phillips) - 1990-09-26 - Yokahama, Japan

The Best
(Keith Emerson, John Entwhistle, Joe Walsh, Jeff "Skunk" Baxter, and Simon Phillips)
September 26, 1990
Yokohama Arena,
Yokohama, Japan
Soundboard (from TV broadcast), Very Good Quality
mp3 @ 320 kbps

OK, here is a really intriguing oddity. Now, I know that most of the so-called 'supergoup' incarnations don't last very long, or don't live up to expectations, but here is one that came and went and I never even heard anything about them. This show was a shock to me when I came across it recently, as I had no idea such a union ever occurred. This was of interest because it was such an unusual mixture of talent and styles, Keith Emerson and Joe Walsh in the same band, with Skunk Baxter and John Entwhistle? A musical clash fusing early Steely Dan with ELP, The Who, and the Eagles? Wow, all bands I really like, so this looked very intriguing, but a seemingly odd combination of talent. A look at the setlist indicates that they basically played a selection of greatest hits from the bands of each of the members. I read that these were songs selected as the favorites by the rest of the band. And actually, the results are surprisingly good, and well-worth a download and listen.  Fortunately, these are not just mindless covers trying to duplicate the originals, rather the band really seems to take their roles seriously, and contribute some very different and unique versions of the songs, incorporating all the members musical expertise, and stretching out on extended jams. As far as I know, Emerson has never been in a band where his keyboards were not the primary and dominant component. Thus, it is very interesting to hear him in this band with 2 great guitarists, and his contributions on the other's songs (that aren't keyboard-oriented songs). Although on some songs, like 'Life in the Fast Lane' and 'My Wife', it is a bit disconcerting to hear Emerson's constantly moving keyboards in the background, some of his additions are positively breathtaking, such as his skillful piano licks in 'Bodhisattva' and 'Reeling in the Years', or putting everything from the 'Jaws Theme' to classical pieces like 'Night on Bald Mountain' into 'Boris the Spider'. And it is very interesting and exciting to hear Skunk and Walsh combine guitar forces (and different styles) on several songs, like 'My Wife', 'Life in the Fast Lane', 'Too Late the Hero', Reeling in the Years', and especially 'Bodhisattva' (which is probably Steely Dan's best song ever, and this version is truly unique and amazing). We also get other unique offerings throughout, such as epic versions of Emerson's 'Fanfare for the Common Man' and 'America' (complete with extended Entwhistle bass and Walsh guitar solos). It is a bit odd, though, that with all the musical talent here, they didn't bring in anyone who could sing, as they went with an unknown vocalist (Rick Livingstone), who actually does a pretty good job handling the different vocal styles of the various original songs. All in all, this is a very unique and entertaining show for anyone who is a fan of these varied musicians and bands. This was obviously a very short-lived collaboration. I don't know if there was ever any intent for them to do original songs as a band or not, but I'm sure that would have been quite unique, also. In actuality, I don't know if this band ever played anything more than these few shows in Japan. It would appear that this show, recorded for broadcast on Japanese TV is the only musical document that exists for this strange and unique 'supergroup'. But, I am so glad that I did get to hear these unique song versions by 'The Best'. And I hope you like them, too. I got this from TonyR over at the G101 forum, so thanks for making this unique show available Tony! If anyone knows anything more about this band, please let me know. Did they ever do any shows in the U.S. or Europe? or did they just implode after these Japan shows? Regardless, check 'em out, the once-and-only assemblage of monster talent, The Best. 

Tracklist
01. Seven Bridges Road / Life In the Fast Lane
02. My Wife
03. Bodhisattva
04. Fanfare For the Common Man
05. Rikki Don't Lose My Number
06. Simon drum solo
07. Rocky Mountain Way
08. Too Late the Hero
09. America / Look At Us Now
10. Boris the Spider
11. Reelin' In the Years
12. Takin' It To the Streets

John Entwistle - bass
Jeff "Skunk" Baxter - guitar
Joe Walsh - guitar
Keith Emerson - keyboardss
Simon Phillips - drums
with:
Rick Livingstone - vocals
Hamish Richardson - backing vocals
Angus Richardson - backing vocals
Fergus Richardson - backing vocals

New Link! (Updated 12/24/13)
The_Best_-_1990-09-26_-_Yokohama.rar