KEITH EMERSON BAND FEATURING MARC BONILLA

I discovered the great man while I was laying in bed in hospital in May 1972. I was listening to a great radio programme (there weren't plenty in Belgium in those days, nor in these ones actually) available late on Saturdays. Believe it or not, the whole of the magical "Tarkus" was aired. And as a twelve years old child, I just succumbed.

This introduction to tell you that I know this exceptional musician for quite a while. I saw the giants live in Brussels (May '74) during their wonderful "Welcome Back My Friends?".

But if you have read some of my reviews, you know by now that a name (being "Yes", "Tull" or "Genesis") does not suffice to allow wonderful ratings. So was it with some late ELP albums, and overall with most of Keith solo outputs.

When I read some reviews telling that Keith is back, that this album is the best of any band member after their break; I just say that it was not difficult. Carl just performed (very) poorly, Greg's solo career is non- existent and Keith was a serious disappointment as far as I'm concerned.

So, this one is indeed the only record which can be seriously taken into account in Keith's solo career.

Great synth parts of course, gentle and classic piano play ("Prelude To A Hope"), some fine added vocals by Marc ("A Place To Hide"), fine compositions, melodic moments, splendid keys performance. What else? Well, nothing else! This is so fine after so many dark and unproductive years.

I can only be rather happy and thankful to the great man to have released such a good album after so many average ones. The fine guitar play from Marc is a true asset to this album as well ("Miles Away, Part 3").

Most of this release is referring to some sort of epic/concept song ("House Of Ocean Born Mary"). It is true to say that the few tracks outside of this "suite" or epic are much less catchy and could have been skipped IMHHO (the worse being achieved with "Game Time"). But we are all acquanited that jewels were sitting along poor stuff on any great ELP works. Right?

This is a solid album which I rate with four stars. Seven out of ten would have been more appropriate but I've been quite harsh on the man so, let's be more optimistic and raise this good work to the next level: four stars. A nice trip back to ancient times. I like it?