"Trilogy" Album Description:
In the musical landscape of 1972, the UK witnessed the release of "Trilogy," a groundbreaking album by the iconic progressive rock band Emerson, Lake & Palmer (ELP). Produced by the renowned Greg Lake, this masterpiece not only left an indelible mark on the music scene of its time but also contributed significantly to the evolution of progressive rock.
Production Prowess: A Symphony of Skill
At the helm of production, 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, a signature style that defined ELP's progressive sound. The meticulous craftsmanship in the production process, coupled with Lake's visionary approach, elevated the album to a realm of musical sophistication.
Eddie Offord, the sound and recording engineer, played a crucial role in capturing the intricate layers of sound that characterize "Trilogy." His technical expertise ensured that each instrument, from Keith Emerson's virtuosic keyboards to Carl Palmer's dynamic percussion, was presented with unparalleled clarity. The Advision studio, where the album was recorded, became the sonic canvas for ELP's artistic expression.
Visual Harmony: The Album's Aesthetic Appeal
Beyond its musical brilliance, "Trilogy" boasted an album cover design that added a visual dimension to the auditory experience. The iconic cover, crafted by the visionary design team Hipgnosis, reflected the mystical and enigmatic themes woven throughout the album. The gatefold cover not only protected the vinyl within but also unfolded a visual narrative that complemented the sonic journey within.
Photography by Hipgnosis and tinting by Phil Crennell further enhanced the aesthetic appeal, creating a holistic artistic expression. The meticulous attention to detail in the album's visual elements echoed the precision found in its musical composition.
Manticore Records and the Release: A Milestone in 1972
Released under Manticore Records with the catalog number K43505, "Trilogy" marked a milestone in the UK music scene of 1972. The record label, founded by ELP themselves, provided a platform for the band's creative freedom. The release of "Trilogy" under Manticore Records reinforced the significance of artists taking control of their artistic direction.
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Music Genre:
Prog Rock |
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Album Production Information:
The album: "EMERSON LAKE PALMER ELP - Trilogy FOC (UK)" was produced by:
Greg Lake
Sound/Recording Engineer(s):
Eddie Offord
This album was recorded at:
Advision Advision Recording Studio, located in central London, UK, was originally known as Guy De Bere Studios, built on the site of a former school. Initially designed for jingles and voice-overs, it transitioned to a premier recording facility under Guy Whetstone and Stephen Appleby, equipped with a Telefunken four-track tape machine. Renowned for iconic 1960s and 1970s pop and rock recordings, the studio later became The Sound Company in 1993, undergoing further development.
Album cover design & Photography Hipgnosis
Hipgnosis – British album cover art design groupHipgnosis is my favorite proof that a record sleeve can be a full-on mind game, not just a band photo with better lighting. Read more... Hipgnosis is the legendary London-based art design group that turned rock sleeves into visual myths. The core duo, Storm Thorgerson and Aubrey "Po" Powell, were childhood friends of the Pink Floyd inner circle in Cambridge—a connection that allowed them to bypass the stiff mandates of EMI’s in-house design department in 1968. Their debut, "A Saucerful of Secrets," was only the second time in EMI history (after The Beatles) that an outside firm was granted creative control. The very name "Hipgnosis" was a piece of found art; Syd Barrett, during one of his more enigmatic phases, scrawled the word in ballpoint pen on the door of the South Kensington flat he shared with the duo. Thorgerson loved the linguistic friction of it: the "Hip" for the new and groovy, and "Gnosis" for the ancient, hidden knowledge. While Peter Christopherson later joined as a third partner in 1974, that initial Barrett-endorsed moniker defined a decade of surrealist mastery for bands like Led Zeppelin, Genesis, and 10cc, before the group dissolved in 1983.
Tinting by Phil Crennell
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Record Label & Catalog-nr: Manticore K43505 |
| Packaging:Gatefold/FOC (Fold Open Cover) Album Cover Design with artwork / photos on the inside cover pages |
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Media Format:
12" LP Vinyl Stereo Gramophone Record
Total Album (Cover+Record) weight: 280 gram |
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Year & Country:
1972 Made in UK |
Personnel/Band Members and Musicians on: EMERSON LAKE PALMER ELP - Trilogy FOC (UK)
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Band-members, Musicians and Performers
- Keith Emerson (ex The Nice)
- Keith Emerson – Keyboards
The guy who made the Hammond and Moog sound like they were trying to escape the stage. Read more... Keith Emerson was the keyboard alchemist who made prog rock sound like a classical recital crashed into a rock club. I first caught him in The Nice (1967-1970), where he pushed rock into Bach, jazz, and sheer volume, then he helped launch Emerson, Lake & Palmer (1970-1979; later reunions 1990-1999) and turned the Moog into a headline act. His rig of Hammond, piano, and synths wasn't decoration; it was the whole plot, and he played it like a restless conductor. In the 80s he detoured through Emerson, Lake & Powell (1985-1986) and the trio 3/Emerson, Berry & Palmer (1988-1989), always chasing bigger sounds than the stage could hold, even when the band name changed.
- Greg Lake - Vocals, Bass Guitar
- Greg Lake – Bass, Vocals, Guitar
The voice behind "Lucky Man" and the basslines that kept prog from floating into space. Read more... Greg Lake was the warm-voiced anchor who made prog rock feel human even when the music went full sci-fi. I first heard him with King Crimson (1969-1970), where his bass, acoustic guitar, and vocals helped define the debut-era drama. Then he co-founded Emerson, Lake & Palmer (1970-1979; reunions 1990-1998), writing and singing the tunes that gave all that virtuosity a heartbeat. In the mid-80s he took another run with Emerson, Lake & Powell (1985-1986), proving the songs still landed even when the lineup shifted. Before the big leagues, he cut his teeth in The Gods (1967-1968), already aiming for bigger stages than the clubs could offer, with a songwriter's grin.
- Carl Palmer
- Carl Palmer – Drums, Percussion
The human metronome who could still swing while the time signatures did parkour. Read more... Carl Palmer was the turbo-charged drummer who made prog rock feel like a high-speed chase in a concert hall. Before the supergroup mythology, he cut his teeth with The Crazy World of Arthur Brown (late 1960s) and Atomic Rooster (1969-1970). Then he strapped in with Emerson, Lake & Palmer (1970-1979; reunions through the 1990s) and turned odd meters into something you could actually head-nod to. After ELP’s first run, he helped launch Asia (1981-1986, 1989-1992, 2006-2022), where his precision kept the arena hooks from going soft. Palmer’s playing is all snap, elegance, and controlled chaos—the kind of drummer who makes keyboards and guitars behave by sheer force of timing.
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