Keith Emerson or Rick Wakeman?

Message Topic Search Topic Options Post Reply Create New Topic Printable Version Translate Topic

Without a doubt, Keith was the driving musical force behind ELP, despite Lake's ballads.  On the other hand, Wakeman's first recording with Yes, Fragile, while slightly expanding the band's sonic pallette, doesn't sound all that different from The Yes Album with Tony Kaye.  I'd argue that Steve Howe was the driving musical force in the band during that period and even the follow up, Close to the Edge, with it's more integrated keyboards wasn't that huge a departure for the band. 

Using the logic that Yes would have probaby enjoyed the same success if Kaye had stayed, or if someone else had taken over his spot, while at the same time arguing that ELP would not have even existed with Emerson, my vote has to go to Keith.  Though, in all honesty, I have tremendous respect for both men.

Edited by spknoevl - January 25 2012 at 11:58

Poll Question: Which of these two keyboards wizards from 60's & 70's do you prefer?
Poll Choice	Votes	Poll Statistics
Keith Emerson	49	[39.84%]
Rick Wakeman	49	[39.84%]
Both	22	[17.89%]
Neither	3	[2.44%]
You can not vote in this poll