I think this song covers all bases. Keith Emerson is THE world class keyboard wunderkind. It shows off Carl Palmer's brilliance at jazz drumming, a difficult style for a drummer. And Greg's vocals and lyrics are genius.
honouring for ever these two crucial parts/members of the trio "of all times" (and my heart still cries for missing them) but also absolutely honouring the sole survivor, the Legend on drums: Carl Palmer
Keith was my wife’s ‘next door’ neighbour in East Sussex for 17 years (actually the houses were about half a mile apart but hey, when you have money 😎). Keith regularly popped in for a cuppa...and brought over his mates like Lee Jackson and Jack Bruce (this was before i met her btw!) Her kids and Keith’s sons played together, and kept in touch into adulthood. Keith would often go to the village pub on Sunday afternoons and bang away on the upright piano. A truly great musician and an even greater guy 👍
Yes, it took me a year before I could listen to them again. I will never forget my brother's words when he told me . "Today is a sad day brother. Keith Emerson passed today." l what a legacy he left.
psbarrow I hope you can try not to feel that way for too much longer. I don’t think sadness and tragedy is how he (or his family) would want to have us to remember him. He devoted his whole life to music. It’s not so much how anyone dies that matters, but rather how they lived. x
oh ELP... and here I have a story of how I met Greg Lake (rest in peace) in a german retirement home as a 20 year old guy :D it's sometimes a small world. I don't know if I already told this, but let the bragging begin: It was 2005 and at that time we still had conscription here in germany. If you didn't want to go to the military for 9 or 12 months you could choose community service for the same duration. That's what I did. So I ended up in a retirement home for a year. Before Easter 2006 a relatively new resident told me that her son-in-law will come with his family from England over for Easter. And I said "oh wow he really comes from england just to visit on Easter? That's a very nice guy". Then she said that he is a musician but she doesn't know exactly what he does. And then, in a very heavy german accent she said "his name is Greg Lake"... and I stared at her... "what? Greg Lake?... but but... but you don't mean THE Greg Lake? From ELP? (only few years earlier I got into ELP). No way!" ... She said she doesn't know what his bands name is etc. I went to one of the geriatric nurses and told him "Is her son-in-law really Greg Lake?" He: "yep..." .. Me: "from ELP?"... he again: "yep!"... I was freaking out. Finally on easter he showed up and he took his mother-in-law out for a nice day. I could only say "oh hi.. Mr Lake.. I'm a big fan... omg omg omg" ...I was so nervous that I could not really speak. But well... I met him, yay! His wife was born Regina Böttcher and she was a model in the 70's when they married. Her mother Maria died in 2009 in the retirement home I worked at. You can still find the death notice online in a retirement home's journal. :-\ true story.
Mach deine Begegnung mit ihm nicht kleiner. Du hast ihn getroffen und weißt den Moment zu schätzen. Und du hast ausgedrückt, dass du ihn bewunderst. Ich traf einmal John Cleese und traute mich nicht ihn anzusprechen.
Tintop Cool story! Did Greg Lake say anything back to you? I never met him face to face but in 2013 when he did his outdoor “Storytellers” on the first Moody Blues Cruise (he had 2nd billing) there was a Q&A session near the end, and I asked him if he ever had any formal voice training. I complimented him for his rich and powerful voice. He said he never had any formal training. Something else he said at that Storytellers session I didn’t know was that he was only 12 when he wrote the song “Lucky Man.” Very impressive ... We saw him later on the cruise as we walked through the private dining area one afternoon and he was there with a woman, probably his wife. I didn’t try to say anything to him. He gave off a “keep away” vibe and made a point not to mingle or talk to any fans.on the cruise. I saw his concerts twice and he used tapes while playing various instruments. Even without a band he was fabulous live. I had also seen him with a band in NYC in 2009. There are some videos of him from the cruise on UA-cam. I took one of C’est La Vie. It’s not good quality but you can find it on my channel. What a phenomenal talent!
@@AqualungsBreath Ich kümmerte mich ja um seine Schwiegermutter und machte sie auch für das Treffen fertig. Die hatte echt Haare auf den Zähnen, auch eine sehr starke Persönlichkeit, ich habe sie echt gemocht....auch wenn ich sie letztendlich nur circa ein halbes Jahr betreut habe bevor mein Zivildienst vorüber war. Als er dann auf unsere Etage kam hat er ja auch erstmal die Pfleger*innen alle begrüßt und die Stationsleitung. Na und mich natürlich auch weil ich grad bei seiner Schwiegermutter war hehe .. es kam einem echt unwirklich vor.
Every song off this album is a MASTERPIECE. When they played this live they would have a folky tune by Greg Lake called Blu The Dog and when they would go into Keiths piano solo He`d play a couple of jazz melodies including the intro to the Song Tank which is on side 2 you`d love this entire album and it gives u a taste of their music its always better to go in order rather than skip to the massive opus of Tarkus.
Agree. This album is the right place to start. But yeah, Tarkus. I mean, Tarkus is a monster in every way. And if at all possible the live version off "Welcome Back My Friends" album...
For me, Greg Lake had the best male voice in progressive rock, and he was a naturally gifted songwriter, bassist and acoustic guitarist. Keith Emerson was considered the most technically advanced keyboard player of the early 70s prog movement. He was certainly very gifted and could be very engaging and interesting but he wasn’t always focused and never got me in the heart like Tony Banks or John Tout from Renaissance did. Greg Lake and Keith Emerson both died too soon at age 69, too close together. John Tout died in 2015 was just 70. They all left quite a lasting musical legacy that can never be repeated. May they RIP 💙
Can't imagine any band now having the talent or the guts to produce music like this. Glad for me that I grew up with them, sad for kids now that they didn't. Only hope some of them catch on.
@Sebastian playing or composing ? is the question, playing I agree with a small difference 1 Wakeman 2. Emerson, composing 1 Banks 2. Emerson 3 Roger Hodgson
I swear, there was no one out there doing this type of quiet epic. Jazzy, serious music on a rock album. This was the time for releasing the creative mind of an entire generation. The spirit can still be summoned!
Approaching ELP can be like the Saxe poem about the blind men and the elephant: any single shorter tune will probably emphasize one part of the band over the others. Those longer epic pieces are where all the elements - multiple keyboards, varied percussion, bass, guitar, and vocals all blend as singularly important parts of a greater whole. Take a Pebble is closer than the other Lake ballads to presenting that. But something like Tarkus or Trilogy or The Endless Enigma or Karn Evil 9 will give you the entire ELP panorama. FYI - that opening "zesty" sound is Emerson strumming the strings inside the box of his grand piano. When I first heard it, I thought it was an autoharp.
Very good point! I wonder about the people who bought this album for Lucky Man and then got hit by The Barbarian. You must check out Justin's reaction to the Barbarian. It is really funny!
Lake was as great on Guitar as he sings and plays bass. A band I feel slipping away into forgotten history...:(...This is the first prog I ever heard in my life in 73...When I heard Tank; It started me as a drummer to which I am still to this day...Practice to the best and If you can get half way there; you'll still be considered Very Good or even great...:)
I first heard this tune in 1979. It changed my musical life anyway. The intro is Emerson scraping piano strings, pressing keys to create a minor 9th chord. He is really demonstrating MODAL JAZZ which is my favorite music. I am multi instrumentalist and I definitely love this tune. It is pretty unsettling and scary. The song is in DORIAN mode which is a minor mode....This is one tune that led me to study jazz/modes. It's cool how you said at first listen you were not sure where it was going. The lyrics are really cryptic and eerie. I think maybe this tune was comprised of many ideas the band had and incorporated into one song. It is a bit long, but I always enjoy this tune. I can hear bits and pieces of McCoy Tyner in Emersons playing, when he is using 4th based chords. Overall this is a briliant masterpiece.
You got that Justin, Keith incorporates Classical Into Prog and Carl Brings in The Jazzy drumming Lake brings the voice their one of Progs most Successful Bands
When people say ELP are overblown and pretentious it always reminds me of the fact that some of JS Bach's contemporaries called him the same thing. Bach was one of Keith Emerson's musical inspirations. I read that their science fiction epic Karn Evil 9 is being a made into a major motion picture. Keep up the good work Justin!
Mark.... that would be great ! Karn Evil 9 movie. I've listened to this since '73-ish. And I know every damn note. Air-guitar, air-bass, air-piano. ;-)
Some music is for background. Some for party and dancing. Then there is music you must close your eyes and listen to every note and become immersed in the glorious journey. We don't get enough of that type of music anymore.
This stunning First album was an extension of what "The Nice" had started. Shame you didn't have the luxury I had of listening to the development such a talented group of musicians as it happened. King Crimsons 1969 album "In the Court of the Crimson King" with Greg Lake and "The Nice" self titled album with Keith Emerson in 1969 were my favourite albums at the time, what a band it was that came from the ashes. Love your vids taking me back to those days. I was so lucky to have seen these bands live. Keep up the Great shows.
Spot on with the Classical and Jazz influences. In fact one whole album is all classical music by Mussorgsky, "Pictures At an Exhibition." This particular song was written by Greg Lake the guitarist. Whenever there are lyrics he wrote them.
Yes this is their most jazzie piece. The strings are plucking and scraping the strings within the piano. Uniquely brilliant track. All members are at their best here.
Hey JustJP, My FB friend send me this video. I was Keith’s partner for ten years before his passing in 2016. You are spot on about the classical and jazz influences. Keith never even considered himself as a “prog” guy. Lol.
Hi there Mari, thank you so much for watching and enjoying the video. I appreciate your insight into Keith as well, and I'm very sorry about his passing. I hope that you and your family are doing well and staying safe. Please take care!
Also worth to point out The First side is 3 compositions by all three of them all of them add something to each song Emerson is the star of Take a Pebble i See Carl Palmer is the Star on The Barbarian and Lake is the star on Knife Edge. Side Two is a composition each by the three of them. The Three Fates is an Emerson Piece, Tank includes Carl Palmer's iconic Drum solo and Lucky Man was wrote by Lake when he was 13.
This song is pure magic to me and I've heard it probably a hundred times. Lake's keyboard work is incredible but absolutely love Palmer's jazz drumming on this track. Either of them on their own are awesome, but the melding of the two is bliss.
Emerson was striving towards the classical/progressive, Lake - towards pop/folk, and Palmer - towards jazz/funky/fusion. :-) Not just on this song. :-)
It is important also that you watch them playing live, because they were born to play live than you get the real grasp of who they are, how astonishingly well they play and how hugely entertaining they are.
Oh the good old days...peace and love era...with great music and great words and melodies! I was only 8 but I loved my oldest brothers music.and still listen to it today!
Hi JustJP. FYI Take A Pebble was the first song ELP ever recorded together as a group, the rest is history. I hope the future of music will be kind to them.
Wondering when you would get to this one Smart to stick with first album for now What a glorious song is this....epic masterpiece Anyone want a definition of prog? Take a Pebble The piano the drums the bass and guitar work and one of the memorable voices in rock history and one of the great lyricists So glad to have seen them in concert Miss them in our lives RIP Greg and Keith One wonders what it must be like for Carl to be without them now Transcendent tune ...moving
Micheal again! Just wanted to say how cool that story was of the guy who met Greg Lake at a nursing home on Germany!! Thats a beautiful story!! RIP GREG AND KEITH. For sure!! Just researched a video of them on the Kathy And Regis Show in the late 90s! Awesome!! Great response by the studio crowd!😊😊😊
Just to warn you, "Knife Edge," the album's next track, is another gut punch... though not quite as much as "The Barbarian." ; ) Other lengthier ELP tracks to check out leading up to "Tarkus" (and "Karn Evil 9"): "The Endless Enigma (Part 1)/Fugue/The Endless Enigma (Part 2)," "Trilogy," "Toccata," and "Fanfare for the Common Man."
If you this this song is packed with emotion, listen to Trilogy. It takes you through all the stages of a relationship. The bliss, the angst, the anger, the frustration, the beginning, and the end. One of the reasons I love ELP. Saw them in 1977. Best show I've ever seen.
Of course, a masterpiece. Very original. Keith shows how deep he knows classical music and jazz, because he incorporates such elements so naturally, so efortlessly. And so many advised commentators here ... really impressive. I feel I belong to a very exquisite club. Justin, "Knife Edge" is a must (a very energetic song). Thank you.
Growing up in the 60's and 70's it's fascinating to see the reactions of younger people hearing nothing like this most likely in their entire lifetime...being a classical and jazz musician I often wonder how much music can one listen to given the many different styles available.
Unless you are ready to go big, ELP is over the top, grandiose muse. I love it, but it has almost as many detractors as it does fans. Love that in this band. Never walked the line. Produced their first 5 albums in less than 3 full years with huge tours. In my top 5 Rock bands from day one. Glad you are attempting it slowly. Tarkus, All of Karn Evil 9, Trilolgy.... heavy stuff, for me, it is why the lighter music is so dang good. Sheriff, hoedown are full of color and fun! Cheers Buddy, enjoy the ride.
Power trio. Greg Lake on vocals and guitars, including bass guitar. Carl Palmer on drums. Keith Emerson on keyboards. Each a phenomenal musician as you already have, and will discover. Lake also played/sang for King Crimson. Palmer played for a version of Yes called Asia.
As usual you pretty much nailed the band, progressive rock infused with classical, jazz and even folk music. Three gifted musicians who were truly equals in the contributions to the sound that is ELP.!!! R.I.P. Greg & Keith..
Peacefull song I Always love to hear ; thanks Justin Keith was a Genius and I miss him ; I was shocked when I got the so sad news in 11 march 2016 Greg so good singer , bassplayer and composer R I P both of you I like the way Rachel Flowers saves the memory of Keith Emerson
When I was a kid I thought ELP were the Future; then, for decades, they seemed firmly consigned to the Past. I'm glad to see them appreciated afresh in a new Present. (Now I'm going for a lie down...)
A lot of ELP music you have to think Close to the Edge genre. But there's some really beautiful stuff like this, also off the Trilogy album, and Greg Lake usually does a ballad for each album that is beautiful. Tarkus is a mind bender for sure, takes some strength to get thru that but still great stuff.
You can't go wrong anytime you listen to ELP. I would stick to this debut album and listen to "Luck Man" and "Knife Edge" as two very different songs showing their versatility. I really think you will like both.
They played this at the concert I was at in my hometown back in 1972, their Enigma tour. It was the first concert I’d ever been to and as a 14 year old I had no idea what to expect but remember the large tank/tarkus on the side of the stage and Keith Emerson throwing his keyboards around. A showman through and through. It’s those memories of great musicians the you cherish.
ELP was a favorite early on. RIght after I heard Lucky Man. I was 9 when the album came out and Take A Pebble grew on me in no time. 50 yrs later I am still listening.
The sound you thought was someone dragging the strings of a guitar or a zither, was actually Keith Emerson reaching into the piano and playing the strings with his hand.
The piano instrumental is lovely. The three of them play beautifully together. The feeling is so organic. Not sure it's a great piece of songwriting. But you're right, the way it breathes it so fresh.
One of my favourite songs from a great album. Emmerson was a master on keyboards, nobody better. I always loved Greg Lakes voice (and looks). Both sadly missed x
YESSS!!! Favourite ELP song Best off the album in my opinion I love this album one of Very Best Debut albums of all time, Tarkus is a amazing song but if you do the rest of this album it’s just terrific. “Juuuussstt Take a Pebbleeeee.....”
I would encourage you to check out Rachel Flowers, a young blind pianist who started playing ELP songs when she was 9. She's fantastic and Keith Emerson communicated with her in 2011. I particularly love her rendition of the K. Emerson Piano Concerto #1 in which she plays piano and flute at the same time!
There ARE some very talented young bands out there! Unfortunately there in NOT a music industry that supports this kind of music, so it's hard to find them.
True. The first Yes and Genesis albums are hard to listen to. Every track from THIS album is golden. Of course, Lake had been with King Crimson and Emerson with the Nice , so that was their 'warm-up' as it were.
ELP were the first supergroup of the '70s. Keith Emerson made his name with The Nice from 67-69(ish); Greg Lake was the voice and bass of King Crimson on In The Court Of The Crimson King; Carl Palmer was a teenage prodigy in the Crazy Word Of Arthur Brown and then Atomic Rooster. The jazz/classical mix came from Emerson, who had been doing that with the Nice in songs like Brandenburger (Bach) and particularly their barnstorming version of Sibelius's Karelia Suite and a great song called For Example, while their cover of Tim Hardin's Hang On To A Dream was almost a prototype for Take A Pebble. With ELP, Emerson paid more attention to 20th century composers, with Bartók and Janáček providing material for The Barbarian and Knife Edge on this album. Tarkus is heavily influenced by Argentinian composer Ginastera in its percussive keyboard playing. Their interest in classical reworkings reached its height with Pictures At An Exhibition, which Keith effectively de-Ravel'd in that he took the well-known orchestration of Mussorgsky's original piano works and reverted them to keyboard-led pieces for stoners. The most remarkable thing about Keith's own compositions is their completeness. Whereas Yes would have song ideas and fragments that they managed to cut and paste together in the studio and somehow make a whole out of all of the parts, Keith's compositions came fully formed, with no sense of seeing the join, yet at the same time allowing space for Greg and Carl to add their own contributions. For the 14-year-old me, Take a Pebble was a lot to take in and I did get bored. It was with age that the quality of this song became apparent. Like a lot of bands of that time and of that ilk (one music journalist dubbed it "pomp-rock") they got carried away with their own success -- leading to excess -- and a lot of the later stuff is a little embarrassing to my ears now but the first four albums stand the test of time pretty well and Take A Pebble is still pretty close to a masterpiece.
No, @@ianmc8671 , I was including Pictures among the first four albums. I was never a fan of Brain Salad. I tried to like it but I couldn't shake the feeling that something was going wrong from that point on.
Justin My Man!! Michael here!! Thank you so much for doing some more ELP!! Haven't heard this in awhile!! Your reaction was PERFECT!! I couldn't have said it any better!! I love how you said it wasn't so much what they were playing in the middle but what they WERENT!! So spot on as always!! Such a talented bunch of musicians!!! We used to go camping in the mountains of AZ almost every weekend in high school and we would play this in my friends Toyota truck on his 8- track!! Along with Yes of course and some pink Floyd!! Great times!!! I graduated in 1976!! Fabulous time for music!!! You must watch ELP LIVE in TOLLWOOD FESTIVAL 1997!! Emerson's solo at the end is OFF THE CHAINS SICK!!!! Please watch on your own time! They open the show with TAKE A PEBBLE!! It's only 45 min long so please enjoy!!! I get where your going also by saving the best of your reactions to bands for last!! Keeps us coming back for more JUSTJP!!! Love your work my friend and watch out for those ALIENS out there okay?? Wouldn't want to read that you've been abducted or something!!! ClOSE ENCOUNTERS!!! Lol your #1 AZ FAN Michael!😊😊😊 Have a great weekend my man!! Peace to everyone out there!!!
Back To ELP Justin.. Didn't see that coming 😊🤘👍. Personally, I think this song is such tour de force.. Even with that subtle folk/country acoustic section, which I've grown to love over the years Justin. The beauty of the singing and Keith's pianoforte work is just sublime imho. ❤️ Take a Pebble still gets to me even now. After all these years Justin, it still puts a big smile on my face.. Period. It's a work of art, and emotion definitely. ♥️ Thanks For going back to this, and them butty. 😊 Made my day for sure. All the best to you both, and have a great day butty. 😊 I think, given time, I think you'll grow to love ELP Justin.
It's a great track. The music takes you on a journey. I read an interview with Greg Lake in Melody Maker, in the early 70s, and Greg was quite dismissive of the lyrics. They are just words added to the song. They don't mean anything. He said. In the beginning, contains brilliant guitar work by Greg. All three of them are masters in their own fields. Keith had classical training and tried to develop that music in a rock format. Good assessment of the track.
Emerson Lake and Palmer's first appearance together was at a concert at the Isle of Wight where they performed mazursky pictures at an exhibition please forgive the spelling :-) a classical piece that they arranged for their 3-piece fan and even wrote songs for in between the pieces. they later released it as an album. This song from their first album it's such a great example of their eclectic way of trying to break barriers in rock music! They're very first hit lucky man was actually on the album because they still have some space on the record and Greg Blake decided to work up a song he wrote when he was 12 years old. They could do a free-flowing song like take a pebble and then do highly structured songs like Karn Evil 9. As you can tell I was a big fan :-)
There's a lot to digest, so I had to hear the song second time and as you mentioned this song is all about the piano. The intro reminded me of being a kid and climbing on the piano, opening the lid and raking the strings. The piano with the slow vocals was nice and melodic and was a pleasant listen. The next moment is when the guitar comes in. I was also getting a folk vibe, and it sounds like he's playing in an open tuning. Again I liked the vocals with the guitar. The next moment is the piano solo accompanied with the drums. This for me was the best part of the song. I was getting a jazz vibe and just loved the drumming in this section. The song then closes with the slow vocals and drums. I should also mention the drummer in certain sections of the song is using mallets to get that timpani drum effect. Really enjoyed this track, nice choice and reaction.
My first contact with ELP was when their Pictures at an exhibition was sent on Swedish TV sometimes in the Winter 1970/1971. It must have been the same concert as is available on UA-cam today. Most amazing was the sounds Emerson got out of his synteziser. That was totally new to me and my brother. Could rock music sound like this! It was an eyeopener also to classical music in general. When it later was available on vinyl it was one of the first albums I bought. / Erik Åhlander Sweden
This song takes on a character and life all it’s own. Listen to it with a good set of headphones in a dim or dark room and it reveals a lot. Justin, you gave a good observation of the song. Yes, they were known as Prog Rock, but they really put together a complex piece of music with Keith Emerson’s classical piano with a touch of a jazz beat on drums from Carl Palmer along with Greg Lake’s tremendous vocals and acoustic guitar. Excellent example of all of their talents both collectively as a group and individually. That was what ELP was really all about.
Yes it's me again!! Just got back from a walk and listened to this on headphones!! Just beautiful!! Just wanted to say!! Greg Lake, Jon Anderson, Peter Gabriel, and Annie Haslam! The heat powerhouse of the 70s and of our genre!! One more thing for all of us following you: whos better you guys and dolls?! Emerson or Wakeman?? Ttyl Micheal!!
When we were 18 we always went to this park on Sundays, all the kids would be there partying. We hooked up a speaker system on my friends car with quick disconnect plugs to hook up our outside speakers from his car, this was always a must play!
I believe the sound at the beginning of just take a pebble is Kieth Emerson strumming a piano internals I saw them in concert and he was in the piano it was awesome concert beyond description in London Ontario’s tiny centennial hall 👍👍👍. I listen to this band from the beginning in late 1969 or early 1970 . I still have their cds in my car for my hour commute each way ,I love going to work lolol
I saw them several times back n the day - evey show was a winner. Give a listen to Welcome Back My Friends to the Show That Never Ends - a great rocker that they used to open the show with in later years.
Check out elp's take of Aron Copeland's fanfare for the common man performed in an empty stadium or toccata - an adaptation of Argentinian composer alberto ginastera's piano concerto. Elp got both of them to approve of the covers.
Hey JustJP, thanks for your wonderful intelligent thoughtful reviews. Keep them coming! I would love to see your review of Works Volume 1, and in particular Fanfare for the Common Man. All three musicians were at their peak by then, particularly Emerson. You have to remember that in the era of the earlier ELP albums the keyboard technology was in a state of development. So the sounds Emerson could produce were from a limited timbral palette. Yes, ELP composed and performed extraordinary music in their early period, but technologically constrained. By the time you get to the late 1970s Emerson had the Yamaha GX1, the first time we hear (as far as I know) Emerson on a polyphonic synthesizer. By then he had written and performed his own piano concerto. So what can a musician with that level of keyboard skill do with a keyboard machine that has an almost infinite sound palette compared with anything before? Like Bach with the "italian concerto" for solo two manual harpsichord, Emerson take Copland's Fanfare and turns it into a concerto for 3 manual synthesizer. When I first heard it in the late 1970s it was like nothing I had heard before. The era of unlimited music synthesis had begun. The opening brass timbres controlled immaculately through polyphonic pressure sensitive keys captures the essence of the ideal brass player. I hope you can do a review and I would love to hear your thoughts.
I don't know how or why, but the sound quality of your reactions are usually much better than elsewhere on UA-cam. Keep doing whatever you are doing. The sound is fantastic.
I love the way you listen, I'm a dancer and your body language shows me that you are not trying to try to push the music in a direction, what most of the people who react to music do, you just follow the music. So, thank you. Sorry for my english, it is not my first language.
Great song, jazz, prog, classical & hillybilly in perfect harmony. Many listeners have told you to go to Tarkus, I'd suggest Trilogy and the title song or The Endless Enigma (with Fugue and Part 2). They are the best ELP for me.
JP, you need to check one of the live performances of this circa 1970. Absolutely mind blowing. You are correct in your observation of classical + jazz + folk. The three of them brought their individual styles and influences together and produced some of the best music of the era. My recommendation to you would be Pirates from the Works Vol. 1 album. Re: the lyrics...you got it! :)
I think this song covers all bases. Keith Emerson is THE world class keyboard wunderkind. It shows off Carl Palmer's brilliance at jazz drumming, a difficult style for a drummer. And Greg's vocals and lyrics are genius.
Keith was a musical genius who teamed up with two other virtuoso musicians. There will never be another ELP!
Thanks JP, their music will live forever! (or until the sun burns out)
Keith and Greg, sadly missed.
honouring for ever these two crucial parts/members of the trio "of all times" (and my heart still cries for missing them) but also absolutely honouring the sole survivor, the Legend on drums: Carl Palmer
All three guys were top talented geniuses! Some jazz some classical and some progressive rock. Pure genius!
Justin, the opening strumming was of Keith Emerson hand-plucking his own Piano's internal Strings.
Such a cool technique - sounds like a harpsichord!
@@michaellaporte4951 Witness ua-cam.com/video/IaYsgjn82GA/v-deo.html
Here’s how Keith did it. ua-cam.com/video/IaYsgjn82GA/v-deo.html
Rand Kelly Nice...never seen this....thanks for the link!
You beat me to it
"The three bands on Atlantic I am most excited about right now are Led Zeppelin, YES, and Emerson Lake & Palmer". - Ahmet Ertegun, 1974
Keith was my wife’s ‘next door’ neighbour in East Sussex for 17 years (actually the houses were about half a mile apart but hey, when you have money 😎). Keith regularly popped in for a cuppa...and brought over his mates like Lee Jackson and Jack Bruce (this was before i met her btw!) Her kids and Keith’s sons played together, and kept in touch into adulthood. Keith would often go to the village pub on Sunday afternoons and bang away on the upright piano. A truly great musician and an even greater guy 👍
Every time I hear discussions of Keith now, I just feel so sad about how he left us.
Still breaks my heart. Loved Keith.
Yes, it took me a year before I could listen to them again. I will never forget my brother's words when he told me . "Today is a sad day brother. Keith Emerson passed today." l what a legacy he left.
psbarrow I hope you can try not to feel that way for too much longer. I don’t think sadness and tragedy is how he (or his family) would want to have us to remember him. He devoted his whole life to music. It’s not so much how anyone dies that matters, but rather how they lived. x
My birthday, 6-1/2 years ago March 11, I woke up to the news of Keith's death. I'm still kind of shocked.
oh ELP... and here I have a story of how I met Greg Lake (rest in peace) in a german retirement home as a 20 year old guy :D it's sometimes a small world. I don't know if I already told this, but let the bragging begin:
It was 2005 and at that time we still had conscription here in germany. If you didn't want to go to the military for 9 or 12 months you could choose community service for the same duration. That's what I did. So I ended up in a retirement home for a year. Before Easter 2006 a relatively new resident told me that her son-in-law will come with his family from England over for Easter. And I said "oh wow he really comes from england just to visit on Easter? That's a very nice guy". Then she said that he is a musician but she doesn't know exactly what he does. And then, in a very heavy german accent she said "his name is Greg Lake"... and I stared at her... "what? Greg Lake?... but but... but you don't mean THE Greg Lake? From ELP? (only few years earlier I got into ELP). No way!" ... She said she doesn't know what his bands name is etc.
I went to one of the geriatric nurses and told him "Is her son-in-law really Greg Lake?" He: "yep..." .. Me: "from ELP?"... he again: "yep!"... I was freaking out.
Finally on easter he showed up and he took his mother-in-law out for a nice day. I could only say "oh hi.. Mr Lake.. I'm a big fan... omg omg omg" ...I was so nervous that I could not really speak. But well... I met him, yay!
His wife was born Regina Böttcher and she was a model in the 70's when they married. Her mother Maria died in 2009 in the retirement home I worked at. You can still find the death notice online in a retirement home's journal. :-\
true story.
Mach deine Begegnung mit ihm nicht kleiner. Du hast ihn getroffen und weißt den Moment zu schätzen. Und du hast ausgedrückt, dass du ihn bewunderst. Ich traf einmal John Cleese und traute mich nicht ihn anzusprechen.
Wow, what a cool story. Thanks!
Loved reading that experience, thanks Tintop!
Tintop Cool story! Did Greg Lake say anything back to you?
I never met him face to face but in 2013 when he did his outdoor “Storytellers” on the first Moody Blues Cruise (he had 2nd billing) there was a Q&A session near the end, and I asked him if he ever had any formal voice training. I complimented him for his rich and powerful voice. He said he never had any formal training.
Something else he said at that Storytellers session I didn’t know was that he was only 12 when he wrote the song “Lucky Man.” Very impressive ...
We saw him later on the cruise as we walked through the private dining area one afternoon and he was there with a woman, probably his wife. I didn’t try to say anything to him. He gave off a “keep away” vibe and made a point not to mingle or talk to any fans.on the cruise. I saw his concerts twice and he used tapes while playing various instruments. Even without a band he was fabulous live. I had also seen him with a band in NYC in 2009.
There are some videos of him from the cruise on UA-cam. I took one of C’est La Vie. It’s not good quality but you can find it on my channel.
What a phenomenal talent!
@@AqualungsBreath Ich kümmerte mich ja um seine Schwiegermutter und machte sie auch für das Treffen fertig. Die hatte echt Haare auf den Zähnen, auch eine sehr starke Persönlichkeit, ich habe sie echt gemocht....auch wenn ich sie letztendlich nur circa ein halbes Jahr betreut habe bevor mein Zivildienst vorüber war. Als er dann auf unsere Etage kam hat er ja auch erstmal die Pfleger*innen alle begrüßt und die Stationsleitung. Na und mich natürlich auch weil ich grad bei seiner Schwiegermutter war hehe .. es kam einem echt unwirklich vor.
Every song off this album is a MASTERPIECE. When they played this live they would have a folky tune by Greg Lake called Blu The Dog and when they would go into Keiths piano solo He`d play a couple of jazz melodies including the intro to the Song Tank which is on side 2 you`d love this entire album and it gives u a taste of their music its always better to go in order rather than skip to the massive opus of Tarkus.
Agree. This album is the right place to start. But yeah, Tarkus. I mean, Tarkus is a monster in every way. And if at all possible the live version off "Welcome Back My Friends" album...
For me, Greg Lake had the best male voice in progressive rock, and he was a naturally gifted songwriter, bassist and acoustic guitarist. Keith Emerson was considered the most technically advanced keyboard player of the early 70s prog movement. He was certainly very gifted and could be very engaging and interesting but he wasn’t always focused and never got me in the heart like Tony Banks or John Tout from Renaissance did.
Greg Lake and Keith Emerson both died too soon at age 69, too close together. John Tout died in 2015 was just 70. They all left quite a lasting musical legacy that can never be repeated. May they RIP 💙
Greg and Keith were not the same age. Greg died at 69. Keith was 71.
Can't imagine any band now having the talent or the guts to produce music like this. Glad for me that I grew up with them, sad for kids now that they didn't. Only hope some of them catch on.
He is strumming the piano strings.
While strumming with one hand, he’s holding down a chord with the other.
@Sebastian It's hard for me to rank Keith and Rick, so I say Emerson in my favorite pianist and Wakeman is my favorite keyboardist :-)
Ty ty ty!
@Sebastian playing or composing ? is the question, playing I agree with a small difference 1 Wakeman 2. Emerson, composing 1 Banks 2. Emerson 3 Roger Hodgson
I swear, there was no one out there doing this type of quiet epic. Jazzy, serious music on a rock album. This was the time for releasing the creative mind of an entire generation. The spirit can still be summoned!
That album came out the same year I was born. I don’t think it was a coincidence. I was born to love this album my entire life.
Approaching ELP can be like the Saxe poem about the blind men and the elephant: any single shorter tune will probably emphasize one part of the band over the others. Those longer epic pieces are where all the elements - multiple keyboards, varied percussion, bass, guitar, and vocals all blend as singularly important parts of a greater whole. Take a Pebble is closer than the other Lake ballads to presenting that. But something like Tarkus or Trilogy or The Endless Enigma or Karn Evil 9 will give you the entire ELP panorama. FYI - that opening "zesty" sound is Emerson strumming the strings inside the box of his grand piano. When I first heard it, I thought it was an autoharp.
Very good point! I wonder about the people who bought this album for Lucky Man and then got hit by The Barbarian. You must check out Justin's reaction to the Barbarian. It is really funny!
I always thought that it was a zither.
Lake was as great on Guitar as he sings and plays bass. A band I feel slipping away into forgotten history...:(...This is the first prog I ever heard in my life in 73...When I heard Tank; It started me as a drummer to which I am still to this day...Practice to the best and If you can get half way there; you'll still be considered Very Good or even great...:)
Reactors are discovering them every day. I'm so excited to see how ELP can still thrill.
I first heard this tune in 1979. It changed my musical life anyway. The intro is Emerson scraping piano strings, pressing keys to create a minor 9th chord. He is really demonstrating MODAL JAZZ which is my favorite music. I am multi instrumentalist and I definitely love this tune. It is pretty unsettling and scary.
The song is in DORIAN mode which is a minor mode....This is one tune that led me to study jazz/modes.
It's cool how you said at first listen you were not sure where it was going. The lyrics are really cryptic and eerie. I think maybe this tune was comprised of many ideas the band had and incorporated into one song. It is a bit long, but I always enjoy this tune. I can hear bits and pieces of McCoy Tyner in Emersons playing, when he is using 4th based chords. Overall this is a briliant masterpiece.
My favorite ELP song of all time. Piano is superb.
You got that Justin, Keith incorporates Classical Into Prog and Carl Brings in The Jazzy drumming Lake brings the voice their one of Progs most Successful Bands
When people say ELP are overblown and pretentious it always reminds me of the fact that some of JS Bach's contemporaries called him the same thing. Bach was one of Keith Emerson's musical inspirations. I read that their science fiction epic Karn Evil 9 is being a made into a major motion picture. Keep up the good work Justin!
Mark.... that would be great !
Karn Evil 9 movie. I've listened to this since '73-ish.
And I know every damn note. Air-guitar, air-bass, air-piano. ;-)
Agreed - jazz and classical influences are definitely in there.
Some music is for background. Some for party and dancing. Then there is music you must close your eyes and listen to every note and become immersed in the glorious journey. We don't get enough of that type of music anymore.
They come across as a very imaginative, free flowing trio in full control on this one. Amazing, after just spending a few months together.
ah, this song is just beautiful. I absolutely love this album
This stunning First album was an extension of what "The Nice" had started. Shame you didn't have the luxury I had of listening to the development such a talented group of musicians as it happened. King Crimsons 1969 album "In the Court of the Crimson King" with Greg Lake and "The Nice" self titled album with Keith Emerson in 1969 were my favourite albums at the time, what a band it was that came from the ashes. Love your vids taking me back to those days. I was so lucky to have seen these bands live. Keep up the Great shows.
Spot on with the Classical and Jazz influences. In fact one whole album is all classical music by Mussorgsky, "Pictures At an Exhibition." This particular song was written by Greg Lake the guitarist. Whenever there are lyrics he wrote them.
Yes this is their most jazzie piece. The strings are plucking and scraping the strings within the piano. Uniquely brilliant track. All members are at their best here.
Hey JustJP, My FB friend send me this video. I was Keith’s partner for ten years before his passing in 2016.
You are spot on about the classical and jazz influences. Keith never even considered himself as a “prog” guy. Lol.
Hi there Mari, thank you so much for watching and enjoying the video. I appreciate your insight into Keith as well, and I'm very sorry about his passing. I hope that you and your family are doing well and staying safe. Please take care!
Finally ELP again! Endless enigma, toccata and knife edge are great tracks to react to.
Got mad goosebumps listening to this song, the vibes are unreal
Also worth to point out The First side is 3 compositions by all three of them all of them add something to each song Emerson is the star of Take a Pebble i See Carl Palmer is the Star on The Barbarian and Lake is the star on Knife Edge. Side Two is a composition each by the three of them. The Three Fates is an Emerson Piece, Tank includes Carl Palmer's iconic Drum solo and Lucky Man was wrote by Lake when he was 13.
Ty for that!
This song is pure magic to me and I've heard it probably a hundred times. Lake's keyboard work is incredible but absolutely love Palmer's jazz drumming on this track. Either of them on their own are awesome, but the melding of the two is bliss.
Don't you mean Emerson's keyboard work? ;-)
@@gregall2178 Yes, that would be what I meant :) Thanks.
Keith Emerson was a one of a kind .Never will there be his equal , again . His death left a terrible hole in music . May God Rest His Soul.
Emerson was striving towards the classical/progressive, Lake - towards pop/folk, and Palmer - towards jazz/funky/fusion. :-) Not just on this song. :-)
It is important also that you watch them playing live, because they were born to play live than you get the real grasp of who they are, how astonishingly well they play and how hugely entertaining they are.
Oh the good old days...peace and love era...with great music and great words and melodies! I was only 8 but I loved my oldest brothers music.and still listen to it today!
Hi JustJP. FYI Take A Pebble was the first song ELP ever recorded together as a group, the rest is history. I hope the future of music will be kind to them.
Ty for that Jack!
Very good about the negative space! Greg Lake once pointed out the importance of leaving space and putting emphasis on 'the important notes.'
Can't wait for when JP gets to analyse the lyrics to Benny the Bouncer.
Wondering when you would get to this one Smart to stick with first album for now What a glorious song is this....epic masterpiece Anyone want a definition of prog? Take a Pebble The piano the drums the bass and guitar work and one of the memorable voices in rock history and one of the great lyricists So glad to have seen them in concert Miss them in our lives RIP Greg and Keith One wonders what it must be like for Carl to be without them now Transcendent tune ...moving
Great first impression analysis of a masterpiece. Hats off to you for listening to something so long and off the traditional beaten path.
Thanks!😃
Micheal again! Just wanted to say how cool that story was of the guy who met Greg Lake at a nursing home on Germany!! Thats a beautiful story!! RIP GREG AND KEITH. For sure!! Just researched a video of them on the Kathy And Regis Show in the late 90s! Awesome!! Great response by the studio crowd!😊😊😊
Just to warn you, "Knife Edge," the album's next track, is another gut punch... though not quite as much as "The Barbarian." ; ) Other lengthier ELP tracks to check out leading up to "Tarkus" (and "Karn Evil 9"): "The Endless Enigma (Part 1)/Fugue/The Endless Enigma (Part 2)," "Trilogy," "Toccata," and "Fanfare for the Common Man."
If you this this song is packed with emotion, listen to Trilogy. It takes you through all the stages of a relationship. The bliss, the angst, the anger, the frustration, the beginning, and the end. One of the reasons I love ELP. Saw them in 1977. Best show I've ever seen.
Haven;t heard this tune since I was a teen. Toooo long! Such a great track. The 'playing in the cave' part reminds of "Discovery" from "2112" by Rush!
Of course, a masterpiece. Very original. Keith shows how deep he knows classical music and jazz, because he incorporates such elements so naturally, so efortlessly. And so many advised commentators here ... really impressive. I feel I belong to a very exquisite club. Justin, "Knife Edge" is a must (a very energetic song). Thank you.
It's a great club to be in! Drinks are 2% off on Tuesdays!
Growing up in the 60's and 70's it's fascinating to see the reactions of younger people hearing nothing like this most likely in their entire lifetime...being a classical and jazz musician I often wonder how much music can one listen to given the many different styles available.
Unless you are ready to go big, ELP is over the top, grandiose muse. I love it, but it has almost as many detractors as it does fans. Love that in this band. Never walked the line. Produced their first 5 albums in less than 3 full years with huge tours. In my top 5 Rock bands from day one. Glad you are attempting it slowly. Tarkus, All of Karn Evil 9, Trilolgy.... heavy stuff, for me, it is why the lighter music is so dang good. Sheriff, hoedown are full of color and fun! Cheers Buddy, enjoy the ride.
Power trio. Greg Lake on vocals and guitars, including bass guitar. Carl Palmer on drums. Keith Emerson on keyboards. Each a phenomenal musician as you already have, and will discover. Lake also played/sang for King Crimson. Palmer played for a version of Yes called Asia.
Carl Palmer played with “The Crazy World of Arthur Brown”. Lake from King Crimson, Emerson from The Nice.
As usual you pretty much nailed the band, progressive rock infused with classical, jazz and even folk music. Three gifted musicians who were truly equals in the contributions to the sound that is ELP.!!! R.I.P. Greg & Keith..
Peacefull song I Always love to hear ; thanks Justin
Keith was a Genius and I miss him ; I was shocked when I got the so sad news in 11 march 2016
Greg so good singer , bassplayer and composer
R I P both of you
I like the way Rachel Flowers saves the memory of Keith Emerson
When I was a kid I thought ELP were the Future; then, for decades, they seemed firmly consigned to the Past. I'm glad to see them appreciated afresh in a new Present. (Now I'm going for a lie down...)
Hope you enjoyed your rest!
Greg Lake had a gorgeous singing voice . This song is one of the best to feature what his voice sounded like .
A lot of ELP music you have to think Close to the Edge genre. But there's some really beautiful stuff like this, also off the Trilogy album, and Greg Lake usually does a ballad for each album that is beautiful. Tarkus is a mind bender for sure, takes some strength to get thru that but still great stuff.
This is the best song by ELP! ❤️🎸🎶🎧
So,so,so and others billion time so emotional,intense,poetical Song. A real gem for humanity soul and Spirit from this magical trio!!!!!!!!
You can't go wrong anytime you listen to ELP. I would stick to this debut album and listen to "Luck Man" and "Knife Edge" as two very different songs showing their versatility. I really think you will like both.
They played this at the concert I was at in my hometown back in 1972, their Enigma tour. It was the first concert I’d ever been to and as a 14 year old I had no idea what to expect but remember the large tank/tarkus on the side of the stage and Keith Emerson throwing his keyboards around. A showman through and through. It’s those memories of great musicians the you cherish.
ELP was a favorite early on. RIght after I heard Lucky Man. I was 9 when the album came out and Take A Pebble grew on me in no time. 50 yrs later I am still listening.
I agree with you absolutely, but for me this song contains some of my all time bass playing.
The sound you thought was someone dragging the strings of a guitar or a zither, was actually Keith Emerson reaching into the piano and playing the strings with his hand.
The piano instrumental is lovely. The three of them play beautifully together. The feeling is so organic.
Not sure it's a great piece of songwriting. But you're right, the way it breathes it so fresh.
One of my favourite songs from a great album. Emmerson was a master on keyboards, nobody better. I always loved Greg Lakes voice (and looks). Both sadly missed x
YESSS!!! Favourite ELP song Best off the album in my opinion I love this album one of Very Best Debut albums of all time, Tarkus is a amazing song but if you do the rest of this album it’s just terrific. “Juuuussstt Take a Pebbleeeee.....”
Knife-Edge is pretty fantastic as well
It really is
I would encourage you to check out Rachel Flowers, a young blind pianist who started playing ELP songs when she was 9. She's fantastic and Keith Emerson communicated with her in 2011. I particularly love her rendition of the K. Emerson Piano Concerto #1 in which she plays piano and flute at the same time!
Makes today’s stars look really talentless! Welcome back my friends !
There ARE some very talented young bands out there! Unfortunately there in NOT a music industry that supports this kind of music, so it's hard to find them.
Sebastian thy are paid as stars which( is criminal.
To the show that may have ended....but.,.know......no.
mostly because most of them are talentless.
"Lucky Man" and "Still, You Turn Me On" would be good "feeling out" songs as well.
ELP .....the best ever....your right on.........jazz.......classical .... keep listening
Ty! They do it all
The thing about ELP was they were great from the start.
True. The first Yes and Genesis albums are hard to listen to. Every track from THIS album is golden. Of course, Lake had been with King Crimson and Emerson with the Nice , so that was their 'warm-up' as it were.
So far, I gotta agree
ELP were the first supergroup of the '70s. Keith Emerson made his name with The Nice from 67-69(ish); Greg Lake was the voice and bass of King Crimson on In The Court Of The Crimson King; Carl Palmer was a teenage prodigy in the Crazy Word Of Arthur Brown and then Atomic Rooster. The jazz/classical mix came from Emerson, who had been doing that with the Nice in songs like Brandenburger (Bach) and particularly their barnstorming version of Sibelius's Karelia Suite and a great song called For Example, while their cover of Tim Hardin's Hang On To A Dream was almost a prototype for Take A Pebble. With ELP, Emerson paid more attention to 20th century composers, with Bartók and Janáček providing material for The Barbarian and Knife Edge on this album. Tarkus is heavily influenced by Argentinian composer Ginastera in its percussive keyboard playing. Their interest in classical reworkings reached its height with Pictures At An Exhibition, which Keith effectively de-Ravel'd in that he took the well-known orchestration of Mussorgsky's original piano works and reverted them to keyboard-led pieces for stoners.
The most remarkable thing about Keith's own compositions is their completeness. Whereas Yes would have song ideas and fragments that they managed to cut and paste together in the studio and somehow make a whole out of all of the parts, Keith's compositions came fully formed, with no sense of seeing the join, yet at the same time allowing space for Greg and Carl to add their own contributions. For the 14-year-old me, Take a Pebble was a lot to take in and I did get bored. It was with age that the quality of this song became apparent. Like a lot of bands of that time and of that ilk (one music journalist dubbed it "pomp-rock") they got carried away with their own success -- leading to excess -- and a lot of the later stuff is a little embarrassing to my ears now but the first four albums stand the test of time pretty well and Take A Pebble is still pretty close to a masterpiece.
No, @@ianmc8671 , I was including Pictures among the first four albums. I was never a fan of Brain Salad. I tried to like it but I couldn't shake the feeling that something was going wrong from that point on.
Justin My Man!! Michael here!! Thank you so much for doing some more ELP!! Haven't heard this in awhile!! Your reaction was PERFECT!! I couldn't have said it any better!! I love how you said it wasn't so much what they were playing in the middle but what they WERENT!! So spot on as always!! Such a talented bunch of musicians!!! We used to go camping in the mountains of AZ almost every weekend in high school and we would play this in my friends Toyota truck on his 8- track!! Along with Yes of course and some pink Floyd!! Great times!!! I graduated in 1976!! Fabulous time for music!!! You must watch ELP LIVE in TOLLWOOD FESTIVAL 1997!! Emerson's solo at the end is OFF THE CHAINS SICK!!!! Please watch on your own time! They open the show with TAKE A PEBBLE!! It's only 45 min long so please enjoy!!! I get where your going also by saving the best of your reactions to bands for last!! Keeps us coming back for more JUSTJP!!! Love your work my friend and watch out for those ALIENS out there okay?? Wouldn't want to read that you've been abducted or something!!! ClOSE ENCOUNTERS!!! Lol your #1 AZ FAN Michael!😊😊😊 Have a great weekend my man!! Peace to everyone out there!!!
Haha ty Michael!👽
Back To ELP Justin.. Didn't see that coming
😊🤘👍.
Personally, I think this song is such tour de force.. Even with that subtle folk/country acoustic section, which I've grown to love over the years Justin.
The beauty of the singing and Keith's pianoforte work is just sublime imho. ❤️
Take a Pebble still gets to me even now.
After all these years Justin, it still puts a big smile on my face.. Period.
It's a work of art, and emotion definitely. ♥️
Thanks For going back to this, and them butty. 😊
Made my day for sure.
All the best to you both, and have a great day butty. 😊
I think, given time, I think you'll grow to love ELP Justin.
Ty Neil!
It's a great track. The music takes you on a journey. I read an interview with Greg Lake in Melody Maker, in the early 70s, and Greg was quite dismissive of the lyrics. They are just words added to the song. They don't mean anything. He said.
In the beginning, contains brilliant guitar work by Greg. All three of them are masters in their own fields. Keith had classical training and tried to develop that music in a rock format.
Good assessment of the track.
Emerson Lake and Palmer's first appearance together was at a concert at the Isle of Wight where they performed mazursky pictures at an exhibition please forgive the spelling :-) a classical piece that they arranged for their 3-piece fan and even wrote songs for in between the pieces. they later released it as an album. This song from their first album it's such a great example of their eclectic way of trying to break barriers in rock music! They're very first hit lucky man was actually on the album because they still have some space on the record and Greg Blake decided to work up a song he wrote when he was 12 years old. They could do a free-flowing song like take a pebble and then do highly structured songs like Karn Evil 9. As you can tell I was a big fan :-)
You are the first person to react to this hidden gem. The first time I heard it was from my brother's vinyl he found at a used record store.
There's a lot to digest, so I had to hear the song second time and as you mentioned this song is all about the piano. The intro reminded me of being a kid and climbing on the piano, opening the lid and raking the strings. The piano with the slow vocals was nice and melodic and was a pleasant listen. The next moment is when the guitar comes in. I was also getting a folk vibe, and it sounds like he's playing in an open tuning. Again I liked the vocals with the guitar. The next moment is the piano solo accompanied with the drums. This for me was the best part of the song. I was getting a jazz vibe and just loved the drumming in this section. The song then closes with the slow vocals and drums. I should also mention the drummer in certain sections of the song is using mallets to get that timpani drum effect. Really enjoyed this track, nice choice and reaction.
My first contact with ELP was when their Pictures at an exhibition was sent on Swedish TV sometimes in the Winter 1970/1971. It must have been the same concert as is available on UA-cam today. Most amazing was the sounds Emerson got out of his synteziser. That was totally new to me and my brother. Could rock music sound like this! It was an eyeopener also to classical music in general. When it later was available on vinyl it was one of the first albums I bought. / Erik Åhlander Sweden
This song takes on a character and life all it’s own. Listen to it with a good set of headphones in a dim or dark room and it reveals a lot.
Justin, you gave a good observation of the song. Yes, they were known as Prog Rock, but they really put together a complex piece of music with Keith Emerson’s classical piano with a touch of a jazz beat on drums from Carl Palmer along with Greg Lake’s tremendous vocals and acoustic guitar. Excellent example of all of their talents both collectively as a group and individually. That was what ELP was really all about.
I was a big ELP fan from their first album on! Yes, ELP, & Rush are the jewels of Rock Royalty!!
Yes it's me again!! Just got back from a walk and listened to this on headphones!! Just beautiful!! Just wanted to say!! Greg Lake, Jon Anderson, Peter Gabriel, and Annie Haslam! The heat powerhouse of the 70s and of our genre!! One more thing for all of us following you: whos better you guys and dolls?! Emerson or Wakeman?? Ttyl Micheal!!
Nice! Hope you had a nice walk🚶♂️
Carl Palmer one of the best drumers ever.
When we were 18 we always went to this park on Sundays, all the kids would be there partying. We hooked up a speaker system on my friends car with quick disconnect plugs to hook up our outside speakers from his car, this was always a must play!
Nice!
I believe the sound at the beginning of just take a pebble is Kieth Emerson strumming a piano internals I saw them in concert and he was in the piano it was awesome concert beyond description in London Ontario’s tiny centennial hall 👍👍👍. I listen to this band from the beginning in late 1969 or early 1970 . I still have their cds in my car for my hour commute each way ,I love going to work lolol
Good driving music!
I saw them several times back n the day - evey show was a winner. Give a listen to Welcome Back My Friends to the Show That Never Ends - a great rocker that they used to open the show with in later years.
If you want to dive into an ELP epic might I suggest Karn Evil 9, the entire suite (1st, 2nd and 3rd Impressions).
Check out elp's take of Aron Copeland's fanfare for the common man performed in an empty stadium or toccata - an adaptation of Argentinian composer alberto ginastera's piano concerto. Elp got both of them to approve of the covers.
A great song!👍🏻👍🏻
classic great tune, talent talent talent!
i cry every time i listen to this magic song
Hey JustJP, thanks for your wonderful intelligent thoughtful reviews. Keep them coming! I would love to see your review of Works Volume 1, and in particular Fanfare for the Common Man. All three musicians were at their peak by then, particularly Emerson. You have to remember that in the era of the earlier ELP albums the keyboard technology was in a state of development. So the sounds Emerson could produce were from a limited timbral palette. Yes, ELP composed and performed extraordinary music in their early period, but technologically constrained. By the time you get to the late 1970s Emerson had the Yamaha GX1, the first time we hear (as far as I know) Emerson on a polyphonic synthesizer. By then he had written and performed his own piano concerto. So what can a musician with that level of keyboard skill do with a keyboard machine that has an almost infinite sound palette compared with anything before? Like Bach with the "italian concerto" for solo two manual harpsichord, Emerson take Copland's Fanfare and turns it into a concerto for 3 manual synthesizer. When I first heard it in the late 1970s it was like nothing I had heard before. The era of unlimited music synthesis had begun. The opening brass timbres controlled immaculately through polyphonic pressure sensitive keys captures the essence of the ideal brass player. I hope you can do a review and I would love to hear your thoughts.
Ty George! I'll keep it in mind😀
Wakeman and Emerson apparently recorded some stuff together they were good friends hopefuuly one day it will be aired.
I don't know how or why, but the sound quality of your reactions are usually much better than elsewhere on UA-cam. Keep doing whatever you are doing. The sound is fantastic.
3 songs for the price of 1 with this tune. Quality. Value. Get it all at your local ELP!
I love the way you listen, I'm a dancer and your body language shows me that you are not trying to try to push the music in a direction, what most of the people who react to music do, you just follow the music. So, thank you. Sorry for my english, it is not my first language.
Ty so much Francois!
ELP and Yes - grade A Prog Rock. Saw them play this song in 1971 after they opened with The Barbarian. Have been listening ever since.
Great song that puts my mind at ease and sit relaxed😎 Love the hoedown bit. All three were/ are masters in there own right.
Great song, jazz, prog, classical & hillybilly in perfect harmony. Many listeners have told you to go to Tarkus, I'd suggest Trilogy and the title song or The Endless Enigma (with Fugue and Part 2). They are the best ELP for me.
JP, you need to check one of the live performances of this circa 1970. Absolutely mind blowing. You are correct in your observation of classical + jazz + folk. The three of them brought their individual styles and influences together and produced some of the best music of the era. My recommendation to you would be Pirates from the Works Vol. 1 album. Re: the lyrics...you got it! :)
A brilliant song, one of ELP’s best!