Keith Emerson or Rick Wakeman?

Barbara!

Wakeman. 

geneyesontle wrote: Keith Emerson is overrated

just out of interest why do you think that? (or are you just stating a preference?)

Definitely Wakeman...Although Emerson is a prog God, I think there's more harmony and elegance in Rick's music..

PabstRibbon wrote: Wakeman anytime

+1

I never like these comparisons; to me Emerson and Wakeman are both excellent with different strengths and weaknesses, as with any human technician! But Emerson carried the band on his own (following Ritchie); Wakeman excelled at solo pieces within the framework (and comfort zone) of a full band. So Emerson (if I have to vote!).

Mr. RW

Emerson is the most diverse and proficient keyboardist I've ever known, and I can easily memorize his melodies. Wakeman, on the other hand, has crazier organ solos, especially the one on 'Close to the Edge'. I will go in the favor of emo over skill. Wakeman. 

elpprogster wrote: Mummy or Daddy?

This lad has it sussed. Which is more important to you?

Forgive me for saying but this is like choosing between Brahms & Beethoven. Perhaps the world will never see more great masters like Bach, Brahms & Beethoven, etc...but Emerson & Wakeman are as good as it gets in their time
(yes, I will also toss Tony Banks in there)

As a piano player who can play some of both Emerson & Wakeman, I can say:

Emerson's work is much more complex and harder to play. His writing is a thrill to analyze.  It almost sounds great on the staff, when you look at it.

Wakeman's work has more pomp and classical flair and dare I say fun?  Wakeman was obviously a much more successful solo artist able to carry a whole band by himself. Rick's compositions are much easier to play than Emerson's.

dennismoore wrote: Wakeman's work has more pomp and classical flair and dare I say fun?  Wakeman was obviously a much more successful solo artist able to carry a whole band by himself. Rick's compositions are much easier to play than Emerson's.

Puzzled by the comment that Wakeman was able to carry a whole band by himself. I presume you are talking about his solo band. I've seen both with their repective solo bands and they both carry their bands very obviously. If we are talking Yes and ELP then Emerson regularly had to carry ELP much more than Wakeman did in Yes. Yes existed quite happilly before Rick joined and has been more than able to cope without him after he left. ELP without Emerson? Well its never happened so its pointless musiing over it. Who could have replaced Emerson ? - Patrick Moraz who replaced him very successfully in Refguee (The Nice under a different name) and then replaced Wakeman in Yes. So in conclusion the best is ermm..Moraz ...no that wasn't the point I was making