Over the years the thought has crossed my mind - what would the band have been like if it had played all of its hits, as well some of its less commercial works, without the sideshow mentality - a more subdued, emotional interpretation, rather than using the “carnival has come to town” approach?A new, live ten track release by Keith Emerson and Greg Lake, called Keith Emerson & Greg Lake - Live from Manticore Hall, provides a partial answer.The album offers soft, live performances by Emerson and Lake of Greatest Hits and obscurities recorded during what was supposed to be a 2010 ELP reunion tour.At the last minute, however, Palmer didn’t like the sound on the recordings and dropped out of the project.I think he missed out on audience intimacy that he probably has never experienced due to his seemingly haughty personal standards and preference for razzle dazzle.
Live from Manticore Hall gave Emerson and Lake the ability to reflect on, in words of the Grateful Dead, “what a long strange trip it’s been.”Midway through the performance Emerson and Lake even offer a “Q and A” session with the audience that results in a very personal look at the life of a rock star, rock band and success. It is a unique opportunity among rock and rollers who are more often cultivating image, not intimacy.What can be less gimmicky and pretentious than that?Here’s the track list:
“From The Beginning” “Introduction” “I Talk To The Wind” “Bitches Crystal” “The Barbarian” “Take A Pebble” “Tarkus” “C’est Le Vie” “Pirates” “Moog Solo” / “Lucky Man”
- Old School