KEITH EMERSON - GLENN HUGHES - MARC BONILLA. BOYS CLUB - LIVE FROM CALIFORNIA

The partnership with Marc Bonilla brought the best studio effort from the great man (IMHHO). This live album not only brought both men together, but in addition the excellent vocalist/bassist Glenn Hughes (Purple of course) joined as well for this live set.

Although the release of this old live set might be considered as rather bizarre (what was the need to wait for so long?), the result is quite decent to tell the truth. There are some rarities found here, like a cover from "Procol Harum": the hugely melodic, tender, super- catchy and beautiful "Whiter Shade Of Pale".

Glenn is of course sumptuous during his vocal interpretation. His warm and soulish tone is truly on par with the incredible original. What is quite a deception is that the organ part is quite discreet. Anyone would have hoped a gorgeous play form Keith; but this cover is more guitar oriented. After all, a good cover needs to be different from the original and this one fulfils its purpose (mainly thanks to Glenn).

The bluesy feel is also deeply present during "Cover Me", but after all, Glenn also influenced Mark III with this type of mood. Let's say that these moments aren't the best from this live offering. Just like the instrumental "White Noise".

Let's be fair: each one I guess were thrilled to discover three great ELP moments from this live set. And those ones won't be disappointed. A wild version of "Hoedown", a vigorous and quite different version of the brilliant " Tchaikovsky" interpretation available on "Pictures?". This time, a combination of organ/piano with guitar is being offered: a highlight for sure. I really like this version of "Nutrocker".

And everyone is waiting for the "Tarkus" rendition of course. By far the most legendary song from the great trio ("ELP"). I guess that you won't be surprised to hear that vocal parts are rather more funky/deeper than the Lake ones who were more symphonic/high pitched.

The whole sounds a bit more jazzy, and speedy. And I would lie if I told you that this version is better than the original. There is no better than the great studio original, but this one holds its own merit (the last third portion for instance which is closer to the original).

In all, I was expecting more from this group of musicians; but this album fullt deserves the three star rating. A good album for sure.