29th March, 2024
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Pictures at an Exhibition - Emerson, Lake & Palmer

This album was recorded live at Newcastle City Hall on March 26, 1971. The majority of the music is ELP's interpretation of Mussorgsky's classical piece Pictures at an Exhibition with a couple of pieces written by the band thrown in. It is a great achievement for the band. They are able to take a Mussorgsky work and transform it into that distinctive ELP style of classical-rock fusion, loud, bombastic and synthesized work. It is really a symphonic progressive masterpiece. For those who are not familiar with classical music, this album can be an entry point where Mussorgsky's creations are interpreted by this legendary progressive rock trio.

The album opens with the graceful organ work of Emerson on the stately Promenade, a chilling Mussorgsky adaptation which is repeated three times throughout the show. This immediately segues into The Gnome, which features synth mayhem from Emerson and brilliant drumming from the Carl Palmer, The Gnome is a Carl Palmer led piece, with his lush and well timed drumming giving the whole piece a start stop feel. One of my favorite pieces on the whole album is The Sage an acoustic tune, thanks to the guitar styling’s of Greg Lake and his superb voice. His passionate vocals are complemented by the nice guitar arpeggios. It a wonderful and captivating album that proved prog rock still had many interesting boundaries to explore in the Seventies. It is a wonderful journey. And once you like this, go for their Trilogy and Brain Salad Surgery albums as well.

Released on Atlantic/Island label in 1971

Line-up / Musicians:

- Keith Emerson / keyboards

- Greg Lake / vocals, bass, guitar

- Carl Palmer / drums, percussion

Reviewed by Pilak Bhatt

Pilak Bhatt is a 54 year old Mumbai resident who is still keeping the turntable spinning. Bhatt is one of many avid LP record collectors in the country and also around the world who has a passion for music and collecting LP records. Bhatt has a collection of almost 1 lac LP records. He buys and sells LPs, advises on turntables and has his own Music Circle shop at Kandivili, Mumbai that stocks loads of LPs.  He can be contacted on 9820365979. 

 


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