- An Almost Complete Collection
This web-page lists the (almost complete discography of the band: ELP Emerson, Lake & Palmer. Each record/album is listed in chronological/alphabetical order of Album-name. Please feel free to contact me with any additonal information you have on this ELP Emerson, Lake & Palmer discography
Emerson, Lake, and Palmer (ELP) were a progressive rock supergroup that emerged in the early 1970s. The band was composed of keyboardist Keith Emerson, bassist and vocalist Greg Lake, and drummer Carl Palmer. Together, they produced some of the most complex and innovative music of the era, blending classical and jazz influences with rock and roll to create a unique sound that continues to inspire musicians to this day.
Keith Emerson was already a well-respected keyboardist before joining ELP. He had previously played with the Nice, a British band known for its progressive sound. Greg Lake had also made a name for himself as a member of King Crimson, another influential progressive rock group. Carl Palmer, meanwhile, had played with Atomic Rooster and the Crazy World of Arthur Brown.
The three musicians first came together in 1970, when they formed ELP in London. They quickly gained a reputation for their virtuosic playing and intricate arrangements. Their eponymous debut album, released later that year, featured a mix of original songs and covers, including a memorable version of Aaron Copland's "Hoedown."
ELP's second album, "Tarkus," was a concept album that told the story of a mythical creature. The album showcased the band's ability to blend rock and classical music, with Keith Emerson's virtuosic keyboard playing taking center stage. The title track, a twenty-minute epic, remains one of ELP's most iconic songs.
The band's third album, "Trilogy," continued in the same vein as "Tarkus," with tracks like "The Endless Enigma" and "Living Sin" showcasing the band's musical range. ELP also began to experiment with synthesizers on this album, further expanding their sound.
ELP's fourth album, "Brain Salad Surgery," was another concept album that featured a longer, more complex version of "Karn Evil 9," a song that had previously been performed live. The album also included a cover of "Jerusalem," a song that had become popular in England as a kind of unofficial national anthem.
Despite their critical and commercial success, ELP were not immune to the changing musical tastes of the 1970s. The band's later albums, such as "Works Volume 1" and "Works Volume 2," featured more mainstream rock songs and failed to resonate with fans in the same way as their earlier work. The band eventually broke up in 1979, with Emerson and Lake going on to form a new version of the band in the 1980s.
ELP's influence on rock and roll cannot be overstated. Their intricate arrangements and virtuosic playing helped to define the progressive rock genre and inspired countless musicians in the decades since. Despite their short career, their impact on the music world continues to be felt today.
## Formation and Early Years Emerson, Lake & Palmer (ELP) emerged in 1970 as a supergroup, a fusion of immense talent from the existing progressive rock scene. Keith Emerson, renowned for his keyboard wizardry and theatrical flair with The Nice, joined forces with Greg Lake, King Crimson's charismatic vocalist and multi-instrumentalist, and Carl Palmer, the powerhouse drummer from Atomic Rooster.
This unique blend of virtuosity and ambition quickly set ELP apart. Their eponymous debut album, released in November 1970, showcased a groundbreaking mix of rock, classical, and jazz influences. Tracks like "The Barbarian" and "Knife-Edge" highlighted their technical prowess, while the epic "Take a Pebble" revealed a knack for emotive songwriting.
Musical Evolution in the 1970s
The early 1970s marked a period of intense creativity for ELP. Albums like *Tarkus* (1971), *Trilogy* (1972), and *Brain Salad Surgery* (1973) solidified their status as progressive rock pioneers. Their music became increasingly complex, featuring extended instrumental passages, elaborate arrangements, and a willingness to experiment with synthesizers and other electronic instruments.
ELP's live shows became legendary, filled with pyrotechnics, lasers, and Emerson's iconic spinning Hammond organ. Their performance at the Isle of Wight Festival in 1970, where they famously blew up a piano onstage, cemented their reputation for theatrical excess.
Despite their immense popularity, ELP's music divided critics. Some hailed them as innovators, while others dismissed their work as pretentious and overblown. Regardless of critical opinion, their albums consistently sold well, and they continued to fill stadiums around the world.
Shifting Tides in the 1980s
The late 1970s and early 1980s saw a decline in progressive rock's popularity, with the rise of punk, new wave, and other genres. ELP's output slowed down, and their albums, such as *Love Beach* (1978) and *In the Hot Seat* (1994), received mixed reviews. Internal tensions and personal issues led to the band's dissolution in 1979.
Various reunions and side projects followed in the 1980s. Emerson and Lake formed Emerson, Lake & Powell with drummer Cozy Powell, while Emerson and Palmer collaborated with bassist Robert Berry as 3.
Early 1990s Reunion
In 1991, the original trio reunited, resulting in the album *Black Moon* (1992). While not reaching the heights of their earlier work, it demonstrated that their musical chemistry remained intact. They continued to tour sporadically throughout the 1990s, delighting longtime fans with their classic material.
Core Band Members
Keith Emerson (keyboards, synthesizers): The undisputed musical leader of ELP, Emerson was a virtuoso keyboardist known for his flamboyant stage presence and innovative use of electronic instruments. His classical training heavily influenced ELP's sound, often incorporating elements of Bach, Mussorgsky, and other composers into their music.
Greg Lake (vocals, bass, guitar): Lake's powerful voice and songwriting skills were crucial to ELP's success. He penned many of their most memorable songs, including "Lucky Man," "Still...You Turn Me On," and "From the Beginning." His ability to seamlessly blend rock and classical elements in his compositions was a defining feature of ELP's music.
Carl Palmer (drums, percussion): Palmer's drumming was a driving force behind ELP's energetic sound. His technical proficiency and rhythmic complexity perfectly complemented Emerson's keyboard explorations and Lake's melodic sensibility. His solos were often showstoppers, showcasing his incredible speed and precision.
Legacy
Emerson, Lake & Palmer left an indelible mark on progressive rock. Their willingness to push musical boundaries, embrace theatricality, and blend diverse influences paved the way for countless bands that followed. While their music may not be as widely celebrated as it once was, their influence continues to resonate in the work of contemporary artists across various genres.
For progressive rock aficionados, Emerson, Lake & Palmer's (ELP) "Brain Salad Surgery" is a landmark LP. Released in 1973, it marked the band's first foray and stands as a testament to their fusion of rock and classical influences
- Brain Salad Surgery (1979, Austria) - Brain Salad Surgery (1973, France) - Brain Salad Surgery ( 1973, Germany ) - Brain Salad Surgery (1973, UK)
"Emerson, Lake & Palmer" is the eponymous debut album of this British progressive rock band, released in 1970. As a first album from the newly formed supergroup, the album clearly demonstrates the variety of influences
- Self-Titled (1970, England) - Self-titled (1970, Germany)
"Love Beach" was primarily a result of contractual obligations with their record company. The band had completed their previous album, "Works Volume 2", which was a double LP featuring individual contributions from each band member.
Love Beach 12" Vinyl LP
Mussorgsky's "Pictures at an Exhibition" is a suite of piano pieces inspired by an art exhibition of his deceased friend Viktor Hartmann. Each movement depicts a different artwork, connected by a recurring "Promenade" theme. ELP's version is a bold reimagining of the suite, incorporating rock elements, synthesizers
- Pictures at an Exhibition (1972, Germany, Island Records) - Mussorgsky's Pictures At An Exhibition (1972, Germany, Manticore Records) - Pictures at an Exhibition (1972, Netherlands)
At the helm of the recording process was the skilled sound engineer Eddy "Are You Ready" Offord. His meticulous approach to capturing the intricate arrangements and complex compositions of ELP played a crucial role
- Tarkus (1971, Germany, Island Records) - Tarkus (1971, Germany, Manticore Records) - Tarkus (1971, UK)
Greg Lake demonstrated his musical prowess, steering the ship of "Trilogy" into uncharted waters. The album showcased a seamless fusion of classical influences, jazz improvisation, and rock elements
- Trilogy (1972, Germany, Island Records) Trilogy (1972, Germany, Manticore Records) - Trilogy (1972, UK)
"Works Volume I" it's a musical journey that traverses diverse sonic landscapes, each shaped by the distinctive talents of the three band. This opus is ingeniously divided into four sections
Works 12" Vinyl LP
Released as the sequel to the groundbreaking "Works Volume 1", this album showcases the band's evolution and musical maturity. The artistry of Keith Emerson, Greg Lake, and Carl Palmer shines through in every note,
Works Volume 2 12" Vinyl LP