Keith Emerson ~ Variations: A Musical Journey Through the Life of a Prog Rock Genius

Keith Emerson ~ Variations: A Musical Journey Through the Life of a Prog Rock Genius

Spirit of Unicorn Music is set to release a monumental collection, “Keith Emerson ~ Variations,” a 20 CD box set that encapsulates the illustrious career of Keith Emerson, a musician who has left an indelible mark on the world of progressive rock. This definitive collection, launching on 13th October 2023, is a treasure trove for Emerson Lake & Palmer fans and music enthusiasts alike.

Keith Emerson, known for his groundbreaking work with Emerson Lake & Palmer, The Nice is celebrated as a pioneer of progressive rock and one of the most phenomenal keyboard players in music history. Lee Jackson, Emerson’s long-time friend and bandmate in The Nice, aptly stated, “Keith Emerson invented progressive rock. I know because I was there at the time.”

“Keith Emerson ~ Variations” is a meticulously curated journey through Emerson’s musical evolution, starting from his early days with The Nice and Emerson Lake & Palmer, traversing through his solo endeavors, soundtracks, collaborations, and concluding with a series of spectacular live performances showcasing his extraordinary keyboard prowess.

This collection, presented in a unique 10 x 10-inch box, is enriched with sleeve notes by Jerry Ewing, the Editor of PROG Magazine, who delves deep into Emerson’s extensive catalog and converses with his collaborators to unfold the fascinating story of the man behind the keyboard.

The box set also includes a 48-page book brimming with rare photographs from the Emerson family archive, offering fans a glimpse into the unseen moments of Emerson’s life. Every CD in this collection has been mastered by the esteemed engineer Andy Pearce and features a previously unreleased show from BB Kings in 2004.

The Emerson family has played a pivotal role in assembling this collection, ensuring that it resonates with the essence of Keith Emerson’s musical legacy. Aaron Emerson, Keith’s son, expressed his enthusiasm, stating, “It is with great excitement that we can share all of Dad’s great work, expanding throughout his long career. I hope it gives you as much joy as it has done for all of us.”

“Keith Emerson ~ Variations” is more than just a collection; it’s a tribute to a musical genius whose innovations have shaped the landscape of progressive rock. Whether you are a long-time admirer or a newcomer to Keith Emerson’s music, this collection offers a comprehensive and profound exploration of his musical journey, making it an unparalleled addition to any music lover’s collection.

Keith Emerson: Variations 20 CD box set is available for pre-order now. Don’t miss the chance to own this definitive collection, a true homage to one of the greatest musicians of all time.

“Keith Emerson ~ Variations” is a musical odyssey that celebrates the life and works of a once-in-a-generation artist. It’s a journey through the highs and lows, the innovations, and the timeless music created by a true maestro of progressive rock, Keith Emerson. This collection is not just a set of CDs; it’s a piece of musical history, a testament to the enduring legacy of a musical genius.

TRACK LISTING

PART ONE: THE EARLY YEARS / THE BANDS
DISC ONE: Early Years / The Bands

PART TWO: THE SOLO ALBUMS
DISC TWO: Honky
DISC THREE: Changing States
DISC FOUR: Emerson Plays Emerson
DISC FIVE: Keith Emerson Band

PART THREE: THE SOUNDTRACKS
DISC SIX: Inferno
DISC SEVEN: Nighthawks
DISC EIGHT: Murderock
DISC NINE: Best Revenge / La Chiesa
DISC TEN: Iron Man
DISC ELEVEN: Harmagedon / Godzilla

PART FOUR: COLLABORATIONS
DISC TWELVE: Three Fates Project
DISC THIRTEEN: Beyond the Stars

PART FIVE: LIVE / COLLABORATIONS
DISC FOURTEEN: Boys Club (Live from California)
DISC FIFTEEN: Moscow Pt 1
DISC SIXTEEN: Moscow Pt 2
DISC SEVENTEEN: Live from Manticore Hall
DISC EIGHTEEN: Off the Shelf
DISC NINETEEN: Live At BB Kings
DISC TWENTY: B.B.Kings – NYC – 21/05/2004 / The Keith Emerson Trio

PART ONE: THE EARLY YEARS / THE BANDS
DISC ONE
Medley – Keith Emerson (Age 14)
Rock Candy – The T Bones with Chris Barber
Lament For Tony Stratton Smith – Keith Emerson
America / 2nd Amendment – The Nice
The Three Fates – ELP
The Old Castle / Blues Variations – ELP
Fugue – ELP
Karn Evil 9 2nd Impression – ELP
Piano Improvisations (Live) – ELP
Fanfare For the Common Man – ELP
Barrelhouse Shakedown – ELP
Honky Tonk Train Blues – ELP
Introductory Fanfare / Peter Gunn Theme (Live) – ELP

PART TWO: THE SOLO ALBUMS
DISC TWO: Honky
Hello Sailor – Includes Bach Before the Mast Part 1
Hello Sailor – Includes Bach Before the Mast Part 2
Hello Sailor – Includes Bach Before the Mast Part 3
Salt Cay
Green Ice
Intro Juicing
Big Horn Breakdown
Yancey Special
Rum A Ting
Chickcharnie
Jesus Loves Me

DISC THREE: Changing States
Shelter From the Rain
Another Frontier
Ballade
The Band Keeps Playing
Summertime
The Church
Interlude
Montagues And Capulets
Abaddon’s Bolero (Orchestral Version)
The Band Keeps Playing (Aftershock Mix)

DISC FOUR: Emerson Plays Emerson
Vagrant
Creole Dance
Solitudinous
Broken Bough
A Cajun Alley
Prelude To Candice
A Blade of Grass
Outgoing Tide
Summertime
Interlude
Roll’n Jelly
B & W Blues
For Kevin
The Dreamer
Hammer It Out
Ballad For a Common Man
Barrelhouse Shakedown
Nilu’s Dream
Soulscapes
Close To Home
Honky Tonk Train Blues
Medley
Nicola
Silver Shoes
I’ll See You in My Dreams

DISC FIVE: Keith Emerson Band
Ignition
1st Presence
Last Horizon
Miles Away Pt. 1
Miles Away Pt. 2
Crusaders Cross
Fugue
2nd Presence
Marche Train
Blue Inferno
3rd Presence
Prelude To a Hope
A Place to Hide
Miles Away Pt. 3
Finale
The Art of Falling Down
Malambo (From “Estancia Suite”)
Gametime
The Parting

PART THREE: THE SOUNDTRACKS
DISC SIX: Inferno
Inferno (Main Title Theme)
Rose’s Descent into The Cellar
Taxi Ride (Rome)
The library
Sarah In the Library Vaults
Bookbinder’s Delight
Rose Leaves the Apartment
Rose Gets It
Elisa’s Story
A Cat Attic Attack
Kazanian’s Tarantella
Mark’s Discovery
Mater Tenebrarum
Inferno Finale
Cigarettes, Ices, Etc.
Inferno (#1)
Inferno (#2)
Inferno (#3)
Inferno (#4)
Inferno (#5)

DISC SEVEN: Nighthawks
Nighthawks (Main Title Theme)
Mean Stalkin’
The Bust
Nighthawking
The Chase
I’m A Man
The Chopper
Tramway
I’m Comin’ In
Face To Face
The Flight of A Hawk

DISC EIGHT: Murderock
Murderock
Tonight, Is Your Night
Streets To Blame
Not So Innocent
Prelude To Candice
Don’t Go in The Shower
Coffee Time
Candice
New York Dash
Tonight, Is Not Your Night
The Spillone
Murderock (Part 1)
Murderock (Part 2)
Murderock (Part 3)
Murderock (Part 4)

DISC NINE: Best Revenge / La Chiesa
Best Revenge
Orchestral Suite To Best Revenge (Instrumental)
Playing For Keeps
The Dreamer – Love Theme (Instrumental)
Wha’dya Mean (Instrumental)
Outgoing Tide
For Those About to Win
The Runner (Instrumental)
La Chiesa
The Church (Main Theme)
The Possession
Prelude 24
La Chiesa Revisited

DISC TEN: Iron Man
Iron Man Main Title Theme
And The Sea Shall Give Up It’s Dead
I Am Ultimo, Thy Deliverer
Data In Chaos Out
Silence My Companion, Death My Destination
Iron Man Theme Alternative

DISC ELEVEN: Harmagedon / Godzilla
Harmagedon
Theme Of the Floi
Jo And Michiko
Sonny’s Skate State
Zamedy Stomp
Challenge Of the Psionic Fighters
Children Of the Light
Godzilla
Godzilla Vs. Gotengo
Godzilla Final Wars Titles
EDF Headquarters Fight
EDF Museum
Infant Island
Rodan Attacks NYC
Earth Defense Forces Theme
Motorcycle Battle
Godzilla Awakens
Love Theme
Monster Zero Theme
Cruising The Cirro Stratus
Godzilla Theme
Godzilla Final Wars End Titles

PART FOUR: COLLABORATIONS
DISC TWELVE: Three Fates Project
The Endless Enigma Suite (Pt. 1)
The Endless Enigma Suite (Pt. 2)
American Matador
After All of This
Walking Distance
Tarkus (Concertante)
Malambo
The Mourning Sun
Abaddon’s Bolero
Fanfare For the Common Man (Pt. 1)
Fanfare For the Common Man (Pt. 2)

DISC THIRTEEN: Beyond the Stars
Toccata Con Fuoco
Beyond The Stars
Glorietta Pass
The Dreamer
Endless Enigma Suite Pt 1
The Fugue
Endless Enigma Suite Pt 2
Malambo, Op. 7
The Mourning Sun
After All of This
Walking Distance
Fanfare For the Common Man Pt 1
Fanfare For the Common Man Pt 2

PART FIVE: LIVE COLLABORATIONS
DISC FOURTEEN: Boys Club (Live from California)
Afterburner
Long Journey Home
Hoedown
A Whiter Shade of Pale
White Noise
Cover Me
Nutrocker
Tarkus
Dreams
Middle Of a Dream

DISC FIFTEEN: Moscow Pt 1
Karn Evil (1st Impression Pt. 2)
Piano Concerto (3rd Movement)
Bitches Crystal
Malambo
Touch And Go
Lucky Man
Miles Away Pt.1
Miles Away Pt. 2
Crusaders Cross
Fugue
Marche Train
Finale

DISC SIXTEEN: Moscow Pt 2
The Barbarian
Tarkus
Nutrocker Suite
Moscow Fantasia
Malambo (Orchestral Version)

DISC SEVENTEEN: Live from Manticore Hall
From The Beginning
Introduction
I Talk to The Wind
Bitches Crystal
The Barbarian
Take A Pebble
Tarkus
C’est La Vie
Pirates
Moog Solo / Lucky Man

DISC EIGHTEEN: Off the Shelf
Abaddon’s Bolero Orchestral
Pictures At an Exhibition
And Then January
Rio
Straight Between the Eyes
Don’t Be Cruel
Au Privave
Walter L
Rhythm-A-Ning
Asian Pear
Motor Bikin’
America
Lumpy Gravy
Up The Elephant & Round the Castle
Sex & Drugs & Rock & Roll

DISC NINETEEN: Live at BB Kings – 21/05/2004
America / Rondo
Country Pie
Hang Onto a Dream
Bitches Crystal
Touch And Go
Piano Interlude
Karelia Suite
Blade Of Grass
A Cajun Alley
Creole Dance
Quango Story
Just Crazy

DISC TWENTY: B.B.Kings – NYC – 21/05/2004 / The Keith Emerson Trio
Live At BB Kings
Lucky Man
Hoedown
Tarkus
The Keith Emerson Trio
You Say You Care
There Will Never Be Another You
Teenies Blues
Winkle Picker Stamp
56 Blues
You Came a Long Way from Saint-Louis
Soul Station
Single
We Three Kings
Captain Starship Christmas

Phil Aston | Now Spinning Magazine

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