HONKY

This first solo album by Keith Emerson is not a pleasant experience! If you know Rick Wakeman's Rhapsodies album you will have a pretty good idea of what to expect here in both style and quality. It is clear that Emerson had fun making this, but it is hard to take this music seriously. Is it meant as a joke? I would have to say, at least partly, yes!

Judging from the disastrous Works Vol. 1 double album, you might expect Emerson to continue in a classical direction. But this album is much closer in style to Carl Palmer's side of the Works album, which means a jazzy affair. The album is almost entirely instrumental but with a few vocal bits. The mood is jolly and a bit whimsical, even silly.

Honky was recorded in the Bahamas and according to the booklet 'honky' is what the children of the island called Keith while he was there! It is reasonable to believe that Emerson's stay there was primarily a holiday and that this album was recorded in that relaxed, care-free spirit.

ELP's Love Beach is a near masterpiece compared to this drivel! This album is for completionists only. Recommended only for a laugh.

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