Hybrid-SACD - UDSACD 2299 Read more.
1. The Barbarian
2. Take A Pebble
3. Knife-Edge
4. The Three Fates:
a. Clotho
b. Lachesis
c. Atropos
5. Tank
6. Lucky Man
“Supergroups” existed even before Emerson, Lake & Palmer was formed in 1970. And many came after them. But few, if any, could match the chemistry of the British trio and their unique combination of virtuosity, vision and energy. ELP continues to influence a wide range of musicians and their self-titled debut album remains an impressive statement of creative imagination, dramatic songwriting and musical mastery more than five decades after its original release! Emerson, Lake & Palmer opened the door to the infinite possibilities of progressive rock without resorting to artificial technical excesses, thus achieving the rare feat of establishing “intellectual music” in the mainstream. The multi-gold album marked the start of an extraordinary career that would see Keith Emerson (Hammond organ, organ, piano, clavinet), Greg Lake (guitars, bass, vocals) and Carl Palmer (drums) sell millions of records.
On “Emerson, Lake & Palmer”, the musical influences that ELP brought with them are evident in a unique blend of instrumental and vocal pieces. Contrary to rock music conventions, there was no permanent guitarist, so Keith Emerson's keyboard playing usually takes center stage alongside the rhythm section of Greg Lake on electric bass and Carl Palmer on drums. Hammond organ riffs and classical adaptations in the tradition of their predecessor band The Nice meet synthesizer and piano solos rooted in the expanded harmonies of jazz. The majority of the album consists of adaptations of classical pieces (such as “The Barbarian”, based on Béla Bartók's “Allegro Barbaro”) and solo pieces by individual band members, often expanded with instrumental parts. The hits “Lucky Man” and “Take A Pebble” are based on acoustic ballads by Greg Lake, which precede those he would contribute to later albums. In Carl Palmer's solo piece “Tank”, he showcases his incredible drumming skills accompanied by the band. The album was acclaimed by New Musical Express and Rolling Stone, with the latter raving: “This is such a good album that it's best listened to as a whole.” AllMusic awarded it four and a half out of five stars and the internet music portal The Daily Vault praises the album as a “dizzying mix of keyboard solos, incredible bass work, outstanding vocals and powerful drums”.
Lovingly mastered from the original tapes at MoFi's California studio and packaged in a mini LP-style gatefold sleeve, this Hybrid SACD presents this prog rock classic in audiophile reference quality for the first time: Clear, dynamic and balanced, this collectible reissue honors the perfectionist approach that characterized both the musical interplay and the recording of the album. It brings out the epic dimension, sonic depth, and astonishing musicality of the trio. All aspects – textures, nuances, effects, tempo changes – that go hand in hand with the trio's compositions are reproduced in a room-filling sound image with precise details. The original realism of the recording comes through on this MoFi reissue as it deserves! The strictly numbered hybrid SACD of course comes with the legendary original cover artwork featuring the painting “Bird” by British artist Nic Dartnell.
