EMERSON LAKE & PALMER

Emerson Lake & Palmer was formed by a keyboardist Keith Emerson, who departed from The Nice, Greg Lake, a bass player of King Crimson and Carl Palmer, who previously had played with Atomic Rooster and The Crazy World Of Arthur Brown. Needless to say, ELP have become synonymous with the term "prog rock" being one of the best known bands in the genre. What really is a proof of the "chemistry" between the musicians of the supergroup is that they released their debut slightly over half a year after meeting. This was intended as a collaborative recording session work, but ELP couldn't part their ways with just that. So, that's how the band was formed.

Emerson Lake & Palmer have a distinctive style of their own that blends jazz approach to classical music. This is best visible on their variations on themes by Bela Bartok ("Barbarian") or Leos Janacek and J. S. Bach (both on "Knife Edge"). Their music is characterized by unbelievable amounts of vigour, energy as well as musical intelligence. The great late Keith Emerson is the wizard of keyboards and a phenomenal composer. Greg Lake's unmistakable tear-bringing vocals has become one of audience's favorites. In addition, Lake is a proficient bassist capable of moody grooves. Carl Palmer is an excellent drummer with great playing dynamics. Enough said, the musicianship of this debut album is outstanding.

Emerson Lake & Palmer consists of six tracks. The band seems to have organized the time perfectly. This work goes from English renaissance folk ballads like "Lucky Man", through Emerson's triple-movement suite "Three Fates" or jazzy improvisation over classical quotes on "Knife Edge" to almost proto-metal opening on "Barbarian". The variety is great, because it does not show the common inconsistence that many debuts have with too much of a variety. At times, the music loses itself and becomes a bit repetative and sterile, which is a shame.

All in all, this is a classic prog album, so it's obviously a much needed addition to every collection of the genre's fan. This work majestically represents the early years of symphonic rock subgenre as well as progressive rock in general and despite being slightly flawed here and there, it is highly recommended, Many amazing and unforgettable moments! Four stars!