ELP LEGACY LIVE

This new live release is part of probably a series of tribute concert to Keith Emerson. There's another that was announced months ago, but we didn't receive any more news about when and if it's going to be released. Carl Palmer band is a trio with bass/drums/guitar, and with the magic of technology, the guitar and bass can play some keyboards notes without sounding too different from the original version. Unlike the previous DVD release, this time there's some keyboard and Hammond organ in some songs with guest Mark Stein, but Mark who also sings doesn't have the beautiful voice of Greg, his tone is a little bit rough, but don't lack energy.

The surround sound on the DVD is useless and you have to crank up to volume to hear something, I switched to the stereo halfway through. I enjoy the song "Romeo and Juliet", maybe because it was a long time ago that I listen to it, I think it's a good song. The song "Take a Pebble" played by the bass player Simon Fitzpatrick is a total success, but I missed Greg's vocals. The dancing parts are a bit awkward for my taste. I don't see what it can add to the show. It is still impressive to see Carl Palmer playing with the same passion as he was in the 70's. Steve Hackett makes his appearance in the song "Fanfare for the Common Man" and in the final song "Nutrocker" who is played with 2 drummers.

We have to listen to the CD, which is another concert, to hear the full version of "Tarkus", this is another highlight of that CD/DVD package. But for some reason, the CD runs out after 45 minutes in the middle of a drum solo... I recommended this live release to the ELP fan who can enjoy ELP music with more guitar and a different sound without losing the spirit of ELP music.