WORKING LIVE VOLUME 1

This is Carl Palmer leading his trio (Shaun Baxter, guitar and Dave Marks, bass) through some ELP classics and a drum solo, recorded live in Bilston on 19th July 2001. Given that there is nary a keyboard to be found, let alone vocals, I was more than a little concerned as to how this album would pan out, but I have to confess to being more than just a little pleasantly surprised. Looking at the songs I decided to play the sixth one first (yes, I know that I shouldn't play a live album like that), as I was concerned to hear what they had done to "Toccata". It is one of my favourite ELP numbers, from the mighty 'Brain Salad Surgery' and I was intrigued/dismayed to hear what could be done by Carl without Keith or Greg by his side. But it transpired that there was no need for any concern as the guitar-led version on this album shows just how the music can be adapted (yes, I do realise that "Toccata" is in fact a piece by Ginastera that had been adapted by Emerson).

My faith restored, I then played the album in the correct order, and thoroughly enjoyed "The Barbarian" etc. Of course it would have been too much to ask not to have a drum solo, but given that this is the last song the listener can always turn it off early. Overall an interesting album that any ELP fan will want to seek out ? much better than I could have hoped.

Originally appeared in Feedback #73, Jun 03