LIVE (DVD)

A few years ago I bought a live CD from this band, I was very pleasantly surprised and even impressed about the dynamic sound and strong renditions from the classic ELP tracks. When I noticed that Greg Lake has also released a DVD from that period I didn't hesitate one single second to order it!

DVD-1 opens with The Court Of The Crimson King, it sounds fine but I miss a little bit the warm atmosphere of the original version. Listening to the rest of the DVD-1, I conclude that this is the only negative remark, what a great band, what a sensational duo-keyboard work, what a powerful rhythm-section and what a 'killer-guitarplayer', he lifts almost every track to a very high level! The tracks often sound bombastic featuring spectaculair work on keyboards like in Fanfare For The Common Man, Lucky Man (great fat sound during the legendary solo) and especially the epic Pictures At An Exhibition that contains many captivating and surprising musical ideas and exciting soli. Greg Lake also delivers delicate work on acoustic guitar, this is a good contrast with the often bombastic prog.

DVD-2 features Welcome Backstage (exclusive view on the band with pre- tour 'rehearsals', nice backstage movies and of course interviews), The Band (docu about the band tour) and St. Bride's - Featuring Ian Anderson, David Arch & Florian Ophale (Greg Lake plays his hit I Believe In Father Christmas from 1975 with Ian Anderson on flute and a church choir).

THIS IS A GREAT PROGROCK DOCUMENT, A MUST FOR EVERY ELP FAN!!