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20 Oct 2005 - Yomiuri Shinbun (circulation 10 million) - Japan Yomiuri Shinbun The keyboardist, who as the central force of the great British rock band, Emerson Lake and Palmer, led the way for the current of progressive rock, recently toured Japan. The solid performance did not show his age at all, perhaps largely due to his new partner, the vocalist/guitarist 20 years younger, Dave Kilminster. The inclusion of Kilminster is a break away from Emerson's band years where the configurations were mainly trios. Kilminster's guitar was basically in the background, but added depth to the harmony and succeeded in drawing out the technically rich keyboards. Kilminster's singing was also a delight, a sad and beautiful voice possessing both sensitivity and power. Interacting with the younger talents has stimulated Emerson's creativity, and his performance was full of life. Piano Concerto No. 1 which he originally recorded with an orchestra was arranged for the band, and converted into a grand and dynamic symphonic rock piece complete with synthesizers. Also, Tarkus, played towards the end of the show, was structured differently from the CD, lengthening the improvisational portions and adding sharp interplays. The new song, Static, was in a slightly different style from Emerson's band years, a more uplifting rock tune and the result was quite an interesting piece. The girl holding the Japanese placard between the songs served to be a charming breather, but other than that it was a tense and energetic 2 and a half hours.
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