SPEAK, MEMORY (CD+DVD)

Collegium Musicum was one of the better Eastern European bands around. At the time when ELP albums was as rare behind the iron curtain as water in the Sahara desert, Collegium Musicium delivered the goods. And that in a manner which almost shamed Keith Emerson & Co.

Yes, this live CD/DVD is in the same vein as the excesses from Keith Emerson & Co. Where ELP was a shadow of themselves at High Voltage, Collegium Musicum delivered a cracking gig at this gig in Bratislava in 2009.

The added value here from the usual keyboard driven mix of classical music (Johan Sebastian Bach) and rock is the addition of some great electric guitar solos and some jazz elements.

Quality wise, Collegium Musicum does not have the great songs ELP had and that is a problem with them and their albums. So also with this live effort. There are some great stuff here, but most of the live effort is based on the technicalities of Marian Varga's excellent finger works and not so much on creating good melodies. This is another classic case of great musicians forgetting what music is all about.

Hence, this is not a great CD and neither a great DVD. I admire Marion Varga, but this offering is lacking any really great tune and is therefore falling by the wayside. A three star is sufficient for this live album. Check out their other live albums instead.

'.5 stars