ELP Digest 10 November 2003 Volume 13 : Issue 12 The "Dust Of A Journey" Edition incorporating the Greg Lake Birthday Edition Today's Topics: News from the official sites - Messages from Carl Palmer and Shaun Baxter re: Palmer band - Vol. 2 of Greg Lake's 'From The Underground' coming soon, etc. Breaking News, Rumors, Etc. - Keith and the Nice (November 2, 2003) - Confession (November 2, 2003) - Re Liverpool show (November 2, 2003) - Sound Problems (November 3, 2003) - Re: ELP Digest Vol. 13 #11 (Glasgow Show) (November 3, 2003) - Re: ELP Digest Vol. 13 #11 (Watford Show) (November 3, 2003) - RE: Nice UK Tour (November 5, 2003) Reader Commentary - Keith Chimes in (November 2, 2003) - QUESTION FOR KEITH (November 2, 2003) - Re: ELP Digest Vol. 13 #11 ('92 Albert Hall) (November 2, 2003) - Re: ELP Digest Vol. 13 #11 (Kilminster) (November 3, 2003) - Re: ELP Digest Vol. 13 #11 (Keith on synth/organ) (November 3, 2003) - Inaccurate Lee Jackson Info (aka Lee Jackson RIP?) (November 4, 2003) Questions (and Answers!) - Re: ELP lyrics page (November 2, 2003) ELP-related products, tribute bands, promoters (The ELP Digest does not endorse, etc.) - Christmas Karn Evil 9? (November 3, 2003) =========================== Prelude =========================== It's Greg Lake's birthday and so, as tradition holds, another ELP Digest is issued to commemorate the day. This time, we've dug a little deeper to get some news on Greg's activities and been able to learn of a follow-on CD to his 'From The Underground' CD that should be out very soon. Also, we've got some follow-on discussion about the Nice shows in October. And news that the Carl Palmer band is having to cancel some shows due to a health problem with Shaun Baxter. We all wish Shaun well. Happy birthday, Greg! - John - ------------------------------ Latest News from the Official ELP sites .... The only news that has been posted online since the November 2 Digest is this note from Carl posted at http://www.carlpalmer.com/news.html detailing the reasons behind the cancellation of the rest of his band's fall tour: "Hello to you all I am deeply saddened at the loss of Shaun Baxter from my group. I have had a great time playing with both Dave and Shaun. And I feel for Shaun as he makes his way through life with a big problem to overcome. But if you all knew Shaun like I do, you would be aware that this set back, Tinnitus, will be something he will deal with. I would have to say at this point that he is one of the greatest musicians I have played with. And my time with him will be deeply missed. I have played all my life with great musicians and nothing was more important to me than playing with these two guys. WE will go on. Dave and I have got to hold the flag up and Shaun could still play a creative part in the Band when he is ready. I will be looking for a new Guitarist. And it will be!! Wait for it - someone that Shaun has recommended. We will have a second Live Album with Shaun on it titled CARL PALMER WORKING LIVE VOL 2. And life will go on. And so will Shaun Baxter. Regards to you all and thank you for your support. CARL xxxxxxxxxxxx" We've also received a letter from Shaun himself that explains the reason for this sudden change in plans for the Palmer band: "Date: Thu, 06 Nov 2003 Re: Shaun Baxter’s Tinnitus Problem Dear Friends and Fans... I am sad to report that I have been left with tinnitus (ringing in the ears) as a result of whiplash injuries due to a recent car accident. During the return journey from a day out at the seaside with my wife and children, a sports car smashed into the back of us while we were waiting at a set of traffic lights. There is no known cure for tinnitus. I am the refore destined to a life without silence: nagged by he constant fear that my present condition could get worse. As a musician, I have always taken the utmost care of my hearing (I even wear earplugs to the cinema, and always when performing). I have had several hearing tests since the accident (the most recent one was on my last visit to Charing Cross Hospital on the October 27, 2003) and my hearing is perfect - this is because my tinnitus is due to my car accident and not to my profession as a rock guitar player. Unfortunately, regardless of the initial cause, once you have tinnitus, it is a condition that is aggravated by things like stress, tiredness, alcohol, but most of all loud noises (like gigs). Despite taking every single precaution to ensure that I can continue to perform without further exacerbating my condition, my tinnitus has started to become more and more aggravated by live performance. After the most recent short spate of gigs, my tinnitus has presently assumed levels that are beyond intolerable and, in the interest of my long-term health, I can no longer risk increasing my present condition. It is therefore with deep regret that I am left with no other option other than to retire from any further public performance for the foreseeable future. Perhaps, after a couple of years, my condition will begin to improve, and I will be able to tentatively take a few steps back towards performing live again. Until then, I apologise for any disappointment or inconvenience caused by the few gigs that have had to be cancelled, but trust that you will all be sympathetic to the reasons behind this regrettable and unavoidable decision. It has been an honour to perform for all the thousand of fans that have come to see the band over the last few years. I will miss playing with Carl and Dave, and wish them all the luck in the future. I will treasure the memories of our experience together forever. Hopefully, I'll get a chance to play in front of you all again someday. Much love and fond regards, Shaun Baxter xxxx" Elsewhere, Greg's manager - Bruce Pilato - brings us news to accompany Greg's birthday! Volume 2 of "From the Underground," entitled "Deeper Into The Mine," will be released before Christmas. The CD features nearly an hour of music, much of it never released, including six tracks recorded during the Chrysalis sessions in the '80s featuring musicians including Tom Scott, Clarence Clemmons and Toto. Samples of some of the tracks can be heard now at http://www.greglake.com/forum/jukebox.asp -- in order to access this, you need to sign up for the site (it's free!). The new CD will be available at Greg's online gift shop sometimes around Thanksgiving: http://www.oneshoprock.com/default.asp?id=100&cat=Greg%20Lake%20%20Shop Bruce also says to be watching for other ELP "splinter" projects featuring previously unreleased music from ELPowell, 3 and others. Also expected next year is a new album of recordings by Greg featuring all-new versions of many of his classic songs from his King Crimson era through the 1990s. This album will be released in 5.1 SurroundSound, for the ultimate listening experience. Discussions are ongoing for Greg to return to the stage in 2004, too - more details to come in future issues of the Digest and at www.greglake.com. Happy birthday, Greg! =========================== Breaking News, Rumors, Etc. =========================== From: Dave Mitchell [david.c.mitchell@btinternet.com] Sent: Sunday, November 02, 2003 3:25 PM To: elp-digest@reluctant.com Subject: Keith and the Nice Hi John, Just sat and read the new Digest. I was very interested to read the comments about the tour, as I was at the Northampton Derngate show on the second night. I was surprised to hear that some of the other nights were poorly supported as Derngate was packed! Also I was surprised to read that there was an interval later in the tour. They went straight through two and a quarter hours at Northampton and the grand piano was wheeled on during Dave Kilminster's solo spot. Dave was a bit worried about being run over by the piano. Perhaps the audience is getting too old to go that long without a bathroom break these days LOL! I was glad to see quite a few people had brought teenage kids with them, and thought perhaps I should have taken my 16 year old daughter who plays guitar and occasionally keyboard, until the opening bars of America, which nearly blew the back wall out of the theatre. Wow was it loud! But I would like to echo some of the comments about the sound. The main problem was Lee Jackson and Dave Kilminster's vocals - Lee was almost inaudible, Dave not quite so, but I am impressed that Keith has taken time to answer the problems and do something about it. There were a few comments about people leaving after The Nice segment, but I only saw a few people leave. The boys obviously were having a whale of a time, and full of enthusiasm. Keith has a really great band around him, and other than the sound problem, the show sounded better than the Vivicitas recording which I have bought since the show. I really enjoyed the show, it took me back to April 74 when I saw ELP at Wembley on the Brain Salad Surgery tour. Then I sat right at the back, and could only just see the band. This time I was right in the middle of row Q so I had a great view of the show! I would just like to say a big thank you to Keith and the band, it was great to see and hear him live again after 30 years. I just hope that he will get back together with Greg and Carl and tour again. That would be fantastic! Dave Mitchell david.c.mitchell@btinternet.com --------------------------------------------- From: John Etherington [midheaven@compuserve.com] Sent: Sunday, November 02, 2003 3:58 PM To: elp-digest@reluctant.com Subject: Confession Hi I don't know if anyone has dared to admit this here before, but I have to confess that I am totally torn between my total appreciation of the Nice and my strained tolerance of the WOTAE (as John Peel would say!) that is ELP or their equivalent. Personally, I have always thought that The Nice were/are the epitome of cool - a perfect blend of classical, folk and jazz within a rock format. Thus within the current structure of things (within the space of an interval) Keith Emerson manages to transform from hero to electronic monster! Obviously the second half goes down well, but I wish Keith would play two separate shows. I know I could go to the bar, but I hang on to end, just to see Lee and Brian re-appear. Having got that off my chest, I felt that us Nice appreciaters got good value at Croydon recently...my only regret being that we didn't hear "She Belongs to Me" (though I appreciate that we can't have everything every time). I'd still love to hear "Diamond Hard Blue Apples of the Moon", which is another all-time favourite. It was sweet to see Keith greet his piano teacher and mother, and I always enjoy Lee's stories. Just for the record, I originally saw the Nice at Radio One Club, Fairfield (Five Bridges) and Royal Festival Hall. I also saw ELP at RFH (I thought the free rose and programme was a great gesture) plus Isle of Wight and, I Oval. Keep sending the messages! John Etherington --------------------------------------------- From: John Tunnicliffe [johnwtunnicliffe@hotmail.com] Sent: Sunday, November 02, 2003 4:57 PM To: elp-digest@reluctant.com Subject: Re Liverpool show Hi, I just had to write and say that I was disappointed with the show in Liverpool. The band members were excellent, flogging their guts out but the sound was just too loud and the mix didn't work. This was especially disappointing as the acoustics in the Philharmonic are superb and would have proved an excellent base level to start off from. After 4 tracks I was ready to go home (which can only go to show how awful the sound was). I noticed that at least 8 people left the circle and did not return (though they might have hidden in the bar where it would have been quieter) My wife persuaded me to stay and after the show I spoke to Keith, Brian and Lee. Brian was one of the nicest people you could ever meet and his drumming was superb, Lee told me that at an earlier show the sound engineer had got the levels up to 150dB. Keith seemed shattered but happily posed for photographs for fans. Having only just read in the digest that Keith himself was unhappy with the mix and commented during the concert that there was too much feedback and he also indicated to the sound engineer to alter the levels of one of the drumkits. Was it worth the ticket price? Sadly not this time. John --------------------------------------------- From: Dennis Kay [denniskay@tiscali.co.uk] Sent: Monday, November 03, 2003 8:03 AM To: elp-digest@reluctant.com Subject: Sound Problems I was lucky enough to attend the recent Emerson and the Nice concerts at Cambridge and Leicester. The mix at the Cambridge concert was slightly out of balance in the early stages and considering that this was the first gig of the tour the show was a delight to see and hear. The only let down was the Lee Jackson vocals,. He was using a microphone on a headband that made his usual "gruff" sounding voice even more difficult to understand. The mix was not at it's best for him and often the instruments overpowered him, making it very hard to distinguish the words even when you know the song! Alas this happened again at Leicester, same problem but not quite as bad as Cambridge. The set up he used was not ideal for him and at both concerts the vocals were perfect when a separate vocal microphone sited on a mic stand was used,. Unfortunately Lee Jackson didn't use it! only Dave Kilminster who incidentally did a fantastic job throughout the concert and deserves full praise. All in all, it was a pleasure to see and hear such accomplished musicians perform at their best and to hear the appreciation from the audience. Keith Emerson was looking good and the impression given was that he was enjoying himself. Both concerts were well attended with only a few spare seats at the Leicester concert. One slight down side at both concerts was when the second half started with Keith Emerson playing ELP numbers without Jackson and Davidson some fans, although only a small number decided to leave. More fool them because the show was electric and a treat for the fans. Jackson and Davidson returned for a final couple of numbers and all went very well. To sum it up, a few minor problems but everything was forgotten when the band stayed on stage to shake hands with fans and all went home happy! Dennis Kay --------------------------------------------- From: Jimcam62@aol.com Sent: Monday, November 03, 2003 11:01 AM To: ELP-Digest@reluctant.com Subject: Re: ELP Digest Vol. 13 #11 I've just been to see Keith and Carl in Glasgow within the space of 2 weeks and can only describe these performances as out-of-this-world. Both are true live performers and give it their all for their audiences. After the demise of ELP both of the above have taken their musical talents in new and exciting directions. On this particular score I would suggest that the third member of the trio has done absolutely **** all but sit on his arse. To suggest that he should have been given the credit for production on what would have been the last ELP album is a joke. Me thinks the mindbending drugs of the 70's have lodged in his brain and created an ego which far outstrips his ability. Jimmy PS Read Emo's book. The bass player doesn't come out too well. --------------------------------------------- From: DanielAusten@aol.com Sent: Monday, November 03, 2003 11:21 AM To: ELP-digest@reluctant.com Subject: Re: ELP Digest Vol. 13 #11 PS I saw the watford show. As brilliant as it was, EMO may never hit the perfection I saw in 1978 St Petersburg Florida without a longer tour, but it was really wonderful to see a few ELP numbers. Practice makes perfect, and a longer tour with Greg and Carl if at all possible would do that. For example Yes last year are 98% of what they where when I saw them in 1976 in Tampa Florida. --------------------------------------------- From: Paul Crane [paul.crane@virgin.net] Sent: Wednesday, November 05, 2003 11:31 AM To: ELP-Digest@reluctant.com Subject: RE: Nice UK Tour I saw Keith at Basingstoke and the last night at Watford. If you are a fan you must make the effort to go and see him play. True the sound was out of balance at Basingstoke but to have a left hand side front row seat at Watford was a revelation. His skill and speed has not diminished and has to be seen. I even got to shake the great man's hand a couple of times. Thanks Keith. Paul Crane. =========================== Reader Commentary =========================== From: Nick Zales [zales@execpc.com] Sent: Sunday, November 02, 2003 2:33 PM To: ELP-Digest@reluctant.com Subject: Keith Chimes in How awesome it was to see a post here from the maestro himself, Keith Emerson. Happy birthday Scorpio man! I think it's great people are getting out to see the Nice, but I don't want to see the Nice, I want more ELP. Yes is looking for a band to tour the U.S. with in 2004 and most Yes fans want ELP. If Greg is the problem then I say find somebody else and continue on. Cozy Powell replaced Carl Palmer for a while and so why not? There is no need, however, to find a bass player/singer with a last name that starts with "L." "E_P" would suffice. Greg has always been a great part of ELP but he has also been the biggest jerk in the band and his ego mania is depriving fans of more ELP. I would guess his shows are attended mainly by his old girlfriends as I can't imagine anybody spending their own money to see the least talented part of ELP. So rock on Keith. That we have tons of reviews of Keith's shows and none of Greg's in this last digest proves by default that Greg is toast. So I raise my glass and toast Keith's 59th birthday and I hope he lives to be 109 and keeps on rocking, "like the Captain of the Skull....." Nick Zales Milwaukee, WI --------------------------------------------- From: David Presley [david.presley@runbox.com] Sent: Sunday, November 02, 2003 5:09 PM To: elp-digest@reluctant.com Subject: QUESTION FOR KEITH Hi John - as always, great work on the newsletter/website. I was recently quite impressed when Trans Siberian Orchestra made tickets available to members of their fan club one week prior to going on sale to the general public. I've always felt this was not only a great reward for devout fans, but also assures the most knowledgable and excited audience near the stage. Should Keith contemplate a tour with The Nice that extends beyond the UK, I would ask the he consider a similar system, based on the email addresses subscribed to the newsletter. Oh, and if he should make it down to Atlanta, I'd be more-than-happy to step-in for Will's rendition of "Tarkus" during the soundcheck (having played-it on keys for well-over 20 years! ;-) Thanks again, and kindest regards. David Presley p.s. Happy (belated, by the time you read this) Birthday, Keith! --------------------------------------------- From: Peter Wilton [pjsw@beaufort.demon.co.uk] Sent: Sunday, November 02, 2003 6:28 PM To: ELP-Digest@reluctant.com Subject: Re: ELP Digest Vol. 13 #11 >From: Waugh, George J [waughgj2@bp.com] >Sent: Monday, October 20, 2003 9:50 AM >To: John Arnold >Subject: RE: E & P in Glasgow > >The ELP sound mix in 1992 in the Albert Hall was fantastic, due in >part to the sound coming from 3 musicians, not 4, and to be fair, >the rig was much bigger. Actually, for me the 1992 Albert Hall concert was far worse, because far too loud for the human ear to handle. The beginning was fine, but at Romeo & Juliet Lake gave a signal for the volume to be dramatically increased. By the end, I could see Emo's hands moving up and down the keys, but could hear only thundering drum with bass line. Of the two Nice shows I've just seen, the worse sound was at Basingstoke, but even that was clarity itself compared to my seat in the Albert Hall in 92; I can hear more now simply because the amplification is no longer excessive. -- Peter Wilton The Gregorian Association Web Site: http://www.beaufort.demon.co.uk --------------------------------------------- From: DanielAusten@aol.com Sent: Monday, November 03, 2003 11:09 AM To: ELP-Digest@reluctant.com Subject: Re: ELP Digest Vol. 13 #11 Dear John, The EMO show was very good to brilliant. If Keith reforms with Greg and Carl, I really think Dave Kilminster should be in the band. He can do the high bits and guitar Greg might need help with. best regards, Dan --------------------------------------------- From: Perry Casilio [perrycasilio@hotmail.com] Sent: Monday, November 03, 2003 9:24 PM To: ELP-Digest@reluctant.com Subject: Re: ELP Digest Vol. 13 #11 Hi John, As usual, I want to thank you for the great work that you do on behalf of the legendary ELP. I want to comment on the recent interview link with Keith that was posted in the last Digest. In the interview, Keith as usual was modest about his piano playing abilities.However, even though I just adore some of his piano works such as the solo off of the 1st album, Karn Evil, Take a Pebble, the 3rd movement of the Concerto, and parts of Emerson Plays Emerson, I have to say that I find Keith's organ and synth playing to be truly great without question! As a classically trained musician, I always marvel at the amazing touch, speed, clarity, and phrasing that Keith shows on the organ and synth. Also, it goes without saying that his legendary contributions to these instruments will be felt far into the future. In both his own compositions and his interpretations of others, Keith's organ and synth playing in the progressive realm are almost peerless. Regards, Perry Casilio / Talent, OR --------------------------------------------- From: Stuart Park [mailto:stuart.park@phasesoftware.co.uk] Sent: Tuesday, November 04, 2003 9:40 AM To: webmaster@keithemerson.com Subject: Inaccurate Lee Jackson Info (aka Lee Jackson RIP?) I swear I saw him in the flesh at Watford Collosseum a couple of weeks ago but apparently he has been dead for over 20 years! http://www.xtrememusician.com/info/artists/profiles/694.html I hope Lee is feeling better soon. [ Editor's Note: This web site has Lee Jackson listed as having been born in 1921 (in Mississippi) and dying in 1979. Oops! Not to panic. Lee seems to be fine according to the photos of the recent tour by The Nice. Remember: just because you read something on the internet doesn't mean it's true. - John - ] =========================== Questions (and Answers!) =========================== From: Drumrolls2@aol.com Sent: Sunday, November 02, 2003 11:13 PM To: elp-digest@reluctant.com Subject: Re: ELP lyrics page When someone finally puts out the small set of lyrics to "The hut of Baba Yaga" I will be the first to go there. As it stands, this is the only tune that I can think of that the lyrics, what few there are of them, have NEVER been published, and it frustrates me. I cant even sing along wit the tune, because I am not certain that what I *think* is being said *is* being said. Bummer! Steve Barber =========================== ELP-related products, tribute bands, promoters (The ELP Digest does not endorse, etc.) =========================== From: Mark Glinsky [glinskym@sbcglobal.net] Sent: Monday, November 03, 2003 5:45 PM To: ELP-digest@reluctant.com Subject: Christmas Karn Evil 9? Thought this was of interest, from the latest Gary Davis newsletter: Bukkene Bruse/The Loveliest Rose ....CD $14.99 Christmas music from Norway's premier traditional quartet. Bukkene Bruse is a traditional folk group featuring the distinctive voice of Arve Moen Bergest, Annbjorg Lien on Hardanger Fiddle, Bjorn Ole Rasch on keyboards and Steinar Ofsdal on flutes. Their instrumentation has a lovely church-like sound with classical vocals reminiscent of Gregorian chant. Their instruments mesh together in a dramatic effect, the perfect thing to keep you warm this winter. The Loveliest Rose features mostly traditional Christmas material from Norway arranged by the band and a few newly composed tunes. Stories of the first Norwegian saint, Christmas night lullabies, hymns, and Christmas tree farmers, with lyrics in Norwegian. One tune was co-written with Keith Emerson (yes, THAT Keith Emerson). Would you believe a new Christmas tune based around Karn Evil 9 3rd impression? soundbite - Gary Davis http://www.artist-shop.com artshop@artist-shop.com phone: 877-856-1158, 330-929-2056 fax:330-945-4923 INDEPENDENT PROGRESSIVE MUSIC!!! =========================== 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: 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 13, Issue 12] ***************************************