Search - Keith Emerson :: Off the Shelf

Brilliant, Must-Have Sampling From The Master's Career!

Mark W. Norton | La Mirada, Ca United States | 05/08/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I already had 12 of the 15 tracks on this CD, mostly from bootleg sources, but was still very excited for the official, remastered release. I wasn't disappointed. The diverse tracks cover a lot of years, and show that Emo kept busy in between soundtrack and ELP work.



The first time I heard "Walter L" I almost drove off the road! Imagine a Jimmy Smith-style organ/band arrangement with outrageous Moog solos--completely off the wall and brilliant. "America" featuring Pat Travers is arguably the most raucous version of the perennial Emerson staple. I always thought the lyrics of "Rio" were in Japanese, but according to the liner notes they're Portuguese and even the natives can't understand them--no matter, it's a catchy tune. "And Then January" and "Asian Pear," both inspired from romances, showcase the emotional depth that Keith has shown more of in recent years. Additional musicians include The Nice, Cozy Powell, Ian Wallace, John Hiseman, Levon Helm, Garth Hudson, Simon Phillips, Aynsley Dunbar, Barbara Thompson, and Ron Aspery.



Kudos for another fine mastering job by Will Alexander. Another outstanding Emo archive release! Now if he'd only release the orchestrated version of Tarkus and the Second Piano Concerto..."

Off the Charts~

S. Armeson | San Diego, Ca | 01/07/2007

(4 out of 5 stars)

"
I have been an Emerson fan since 1971. Keith is the Dalai Lama of the Keyboard. This recording is great. My legitimate gripes are the voacal tunes. Yeesh "Straight between the eyes" and "Don't be Cruel" are pretty hideous. Barring those the rest are excellent. Particularly "And then January", "Asian Pear" and "Motor Bikin`". I would really, really love to recommend this. I mean the jury is still out. If you're a dyed-in-the-wool fan, go ahead. Otherwise, I dunno. It certainly has its moments. I confess to loving "Up the elephant & round the castle". What the heck, go buy it."