HONKY

Anyone who knows the output of Emerson, Lake & Palmer is aware of how playful musician Keith Emerson can be. On this solo album he had the chance to play like a child in a toy shop, accompanied by Bahamian musicians. As the recent Esoteric Recordings re-release informs us, he had a happy time in and out of the studio, sun-bathing, water-skiing, fishing etc. and therefore this album is for him a dear bringer of joyful memories. It can't be denied that the joyful spirit can be felt by the listener too.

Anyone who knows the output of Emerson, Lake & Palmer also pretty surely can guess in advance whether (s)he will enjoy this album or will it push the irritation button. Well, at least the Bach pastiche composed by George Malcolm is nice. The production values are principally fine: the keyboards are in tune and the co-musicians are gifted.

On my behalf there's absolutely nothing else to say.