Three Fates Project (Varese Sarabande, 2012)
Emerson Lake and Palmer was one of the leading symphonic progressive rock bands for many years. If you ever wondered what the band would have sounded like with a full symphony orchestra, now you can do it thanks to the superb Three Fates Project. This album by The Keith Emerson Band came out late last year and features the outstanding 70-piece Münchner Rundfunkorchester classical music orchestra conducted by Terje Mikkelsen.
Unlike other works where rock music is reconfigured as purely symphonic music, the Three Fates Project combines the majestic sounds of a full symphonic orchestra with a progressive rock band. The Keith Emerson Band features Keith Emerson on piano, Moog, organ; Marc Bonilla on guitars, mandolin; Travis Davis on 6-string bass; and Troy Luccketta on drums. Additional drummer Toss Panos appears on the piece American Matador.
Although Keith Emerson’s keyboards normally had a pre-eminent role in most of his projects, the Three Fates Project gives guitarist a leading role in many parts. While Keith Emerson normally combines refined progressive rock and jazz improvisation, Bonilla is more of a classic rocker and shredder.
The recording showcases the talent of Keith emersion as a composer and arranger rather than a performer. Fans of Emerson Lake and Palmer will recognize many classic pieces that were performed by the pioneering band. Most of the compositions are either Keith Emerson originals or works by contemporary composers that were regularly performed by Emerson Lake and Palmer.
The Three Fates Project contains orchestral recreations of Emerson Lake and Palmer classics such as “Tarkus,” “The Endless Enigma,” “Abaddon’s Bolero” together with Aaron Copland’s “Fanfare For The Common Man” and Alberto Ginastera’s “Malambo.” Also featured is the Spanish-flavored “American Matador” piece by Marc Bonilla from his second solo album, as well as new compositions: Keith Emerson’s “After All of This” and Marc Bonilla’s “Walking Distance” and “The Mourning Sun.”
Even though the entire album is captivating, the new version of ‘Tarkus’ is clearly spectacular.
Track List:
1 The Endless Enigma Suite (Pt.1)
2 The Endless Enigma Suite (Pt.2)
3 American Matador
4 After All Of This
5 Walking Distance
6 Tarkus (Concertante)
7 Malambo
8 The Morning Sun
9 Abaddon’s Bolero
10 Fanfare For The Common Man (PT.1)
11 Fanfare For The Common Man (PT.2)
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