To:  <elp-digest-web@reluctant.com>
      From:  "Bill Wagner" <billnkj@ix.netcom.com>
   Subject:  August 31 ELP Show Review
      Date:  9/1/98 9:35 AM

     ELP was hot last night.  In fact, we all were since the air 
     conditioning at 4th and B wasn't keeping up with our recent heat wave 
     in San Diego.  The sweat was pouring off of Emerson and he paused 
     several times between songs to dry off the keyboards.  Eventually, a 
     roadie found a big fan to place in front of him and Emerson was very 
     grateful.  
     All of that was distraction, however, to the great show ELP put on.  I 
     particularly enjoyed hearing Tarkus all the way through in concert, a 
     first for me since 1977 at the Long Beach Arena.  That was probably the 
     last time I saw Lake strap on a lead guitar, too.  Also refreshing was 
     getting a break from some of the old standards like Pirates and 
     Pictures.  While I love those pieces, I've heard them so many times and 
     making room for gems like A Time and a Place and The Sheriff was a nice 
     idea.

     Emerson was in fine form. His solo piano turn, playing excerpts from 
     his Piano Concerto, was truly powerful.  The aggressive energy he used 
     while swiping at the Hammond keyboard was more intense than I'd seen in 
     years.  Yes, a few of the solos didn't quite work out, but he was out 
     there pushing it hard all night.  It was a pleasure watching Palmer 
     power his way through the evening and Lake's voice was very strong.  
     Recalling the vocal disaster of the 1992 Black Moon tour, you have to 
     hand it to him; he's really shaped up.  Of the three, Lake seemed the 
     most removed from the action.  Was he perhaps just tired and happy to 
     see the tour end?  He rarely interacted with Emerson and Palmer or 
     spoke to the crowd.  It was a terrific evening.  I'm still humming 
     Lucky Man this morning.

     The opening act was an spellbinding acoustic set by the group Venice 
     (from Venice Beach, CA). Usually, the opening act is an excuse to come 
     late, but I'm glad I didn't miss these guys.    These four 
     brothers/cousins put out vocal harmonies that CSN could only dream of.