I love the fact he was chewing gum at the same time... Most people can't walk and chew gum now because they have their faces in their phones. Greg could chew gum, sing perfect pitch and play a 12 string... I am blessed to have grown up in a time when music meant something...
How often do we listen to a pitch-perfect singer on an album, only to be disappointed by the live version, where the singer lacks the range and clarity? As you say, Greg is seamless, and pitch perfect. His haunting voice always gives me goosebumps. Absolutely beautiful.
I prefer hearing Greg sing live than from CDs. In the Beginning sounds so much better because Greg puts more emphasis on how he sings it. The same goes with this song. I bought the songs from ELP that Greg does and I listen to them over and over. What a gifted man he was. I miss him so much. His guitar playing pulled me in first then his angelic voice. Never fear Greg, you will always be remembered. R.I.P.
I love that voice and wonder why he is ignored in most rock singers rankings (mostly biased towards hard/heavy singing, so the likes of Rod Stewart, Chris Rea or Peter Gabriel also tend to be overlooked). But, objectively, the intimacy, effortless power, depth and beauty in Greg's voice deteriorated by mid-80s (& Powell, then Black Moon in early 90s). The voice became dusty, dry and harsh and you could hear effort in delivering power to it. Unfortunately, voice is a tricky, delicate instrument and some retain theirs until old age whereas others damage theirs due to the lifestyle (Jim Morrison demolished his by M Hotel / LA Woman albums, being less than 29, all subtlety was gone, yelling remained) or untrained technique and heavy smoking (Fish ruined his by mid-1990s). Of course Lake's later voice was but a far cry from his early power and beauty.
His guitar playing is simply stunning. A 12 string acoustic guitar played with such perfection is a rarity. And of course singing his heart out. Just amazing.
Such presence. I first discovered him through his performance of Lucky man with the all star band. Didnt really like the song at first but it was like he was just there with his guitar by my none Excistent fireplace. Takes alot of effort to be able to do something so effortlessly.
His autobiographical book _Lucky Man_ is very recommended. In it, he modestly and sincerely admits he could extract from his acoustic guitar what he needed, and was very average on the electric, but far from anywhere considering himself a crafty guitarist. I think it's just fair: he could and did use a 6- or a 12-string acoustic as a tool to complement his singing, without having to be a virtuoso like e.g. Howe. But then, of course Greg was a fantastic bass guitar player, at least on par with John Wetton and not far behind Chris Squire (all playing some very complex stuff requiring technique, precision and lots of memorizing).
@@greg-warsaw4708 His playing was to a very high order. I say this as a player myself. I do not regard Steve Howe as a virtuoso of any kind. He obviously likes to claim that ground with his solo acoustic performances Which are, frankly, sad. He’s an excellent group player. I’ve never understood his solo performances, which to anyone but the fanboys are clearly attempting something he cannot do. Why do that? Anyway, sorry for OT.
"AND THERE WE HAVE IT!!" Greg Lake, the most underrated performer from the most underrated band in history, though they sold out stadiums for years. One of the top musical performances available on RU-vid. THANK YOU, Fil.
To “walk and chew gum (at the same time)” is to be able to do two or more things at the same time. In the case of Greg Lake he can play most proficiently on that twelve-string and sing gloriously PLUS, chew gum. Now, that’s talent for you, ladies and gentlemen.
Obviously not the first to say it, but Lake is the most underrated of the three A great all around musician overshadowed by Emerson and Palmer, both acknowledged virtuosos of their instruments. But what a great guitarist, bassist, and singer.
I just need to point out the obvious here. All you are saying is that you underrated him. As someone who failed to notice how important an artist’s contributions are or were, and you have just now noticed, does not really mean the rest of the world shared your ignorance, as you authoritatively state is the case. Greg Lake was, by 1969, a bona fide global superstar, a large part of the reason Keith Emerson courted him to complete the trio. Nobody then, or now, underrated Greg Lake. Ever. Excepting of course, you. You might keep this in mind the next time you use that ridiculous argument concerning an exceptional artist, or anything else, that you have just realized is good.
what an amazing performer, human, angel. Complex guitar cords, so cold you can see his breath, flawless vocals, inspired lyrics which he wrote, and physical perfection.... all while he easily chews his gum. Oh my goodness. Just amazing. I was so incredibly fortunate to have met him when he came through St. Louis Mo in the 70's for a concert. I lived with 7 flight attendants and 2 had tickets to the ELP show. One of them had ELP on her flight the day before and she told Greg, "2 of the 7 of us who live together, have tickets to the show tonight!" of course, he said, "BRING THEM ALL!!" Four of us went and since it was sold out, we sat on the freaking stage! Then we went to dinner after! So grateful - It is one of the best memories of my long career in the airline industry and Greg shined brighter than anyone, on all levels. RIP Greg, you will never be forgotten. No way will I ever believe in the "Rock and Roll Hall of Fame" - ELP isn't in it so it's BS.
I was extremely fortunate to see ELP during this tour in ‘74. They were the most amazing live band I’ve ever seen. Incredibly dynamic live sound out of only three band members. Greg’s voice was mesmerizing. He could sing a soft song with emotion, get down and bluesy and then belt out ‘Welcome Back My Friends’. Miss that great music of that era.
In my view, the man was superb at all things music. An icon. Few came close. None surpassed him. Try playing that, singing it as well, having that vibrato, that pitch control, and his perfect grasp of guitar technique. He makes it look effortless. That is the mark of mastery. Imagine the audience of 350K people, and dead silence as he plays. THAT is power.
To be this relaxed while doing all the things Greg is doing here is a sign of true greatness. He looks like he's sitting on his front porch. See a live rendition of 'The Sage' for more of the same. One of the all-time greats.
Absolutely! I bought "Trilogy" when it was released in 1971 and I played that vinyl down 'til it was transparent. "From the Beginning" is one of my favourite songs to play & sing, but when I go back and listen to it........sh*t. Who could do that song justice. How a song, with so much going on---the vocal, the guitar, the talking bass, the lead guitar solo, the bongo drums and finally that juicy synthesizer outro---how could it still have such an expansive, wide open space ambience that matched the landscape artwork on the album cover, is the stuff of studio magic. If ever a recording could hang in the Louvre, "From the Beginning" is it.
Absolute PERFECTION. I love and miss Greg Lake. Such an angelic voice. Excellent song writer and amazing musician. I would do anything to get him back. Oh, how universe misses this man.
Breaks my heart that we will no longer see Mr. Lake’s presence on a stage or compose new music. Fantastic rendition of one of my favorite ELP songs. This virtuoso performance is for the ages - thank you so much Fil for your examination of this musical wonder.
Man, you're in my head. I've been watching this video for weeks now, several times a day. I'm a player/singer and never fail to be completely blown away by how easy he makes this look when I know it's not! Plus his voice is just gorgeous AND it's a really beautiful song. Thanks for this, Fil. 💖
I'm not a huge fan of ELP (although I love "I Believe in Father Christmas" by Greg), but have to say, despite Fil focusing mostly on the guitar playing, that this is easily one of the greatest live singing performances I've ever seen/heard.
Yes, this is definitely my favorite version of this song. Simple, sweet, directly aimed at Greg’s talent, not the big synthesized version. I wish I knew more about him earlier. My luck was older brothers bringing the albums into the home and giving me as a preteen a beautiful intro to ELP.
I seen then them at there peak at Cleveland, Ohio. I will never forget that angelic voice. No other voice swept me away that night like his, so pure, calm and haunting. A memory I will never forget.
Greg Lake was one of the pioneers of progressive rock. His work with King Crimson was the dawn of the genre. Listen to his bass guitar during Twentieth Century Schizoid Man, truly prog. When Emerson, Lake and Palmer were formed progressive rock was taking off. Yes, Genesis, Gentle Giant and the like were paving the way for Dream Theatre, Porcupine Tree and Steve Wilson’s solo work. I was lucky enough to see him in a room with only two hundred seats. I met him afterwards and he was as generous as he was skilled in music. When I thanked him for the countless hours of pleasure listening to his music he looked at me and said , “God Bless you, but this is a journey we have taken together”. He thanked me for being part of it.
What male vocalist wouldn't want to sing with that incredible, velvet timbre. It's an institution of the highest order. Sometimes, like in Endless Enigma, there's a purity, like how a golden voiced monk would sing madrigals in a sacred chamber.
@@laurajones351 Thanks, Greg's vocal quality and range were unique. He had such elegant tonality yet also such raw power and authority., like a lion with the voice of an angel.
If I could play and sing this song and "From the Beginning" I would have arrived. But not gonna happen. Greg Lake is phenomenal in his songwriting, guitar, singing, the whole package. All while chewing gum like he isn't even concentrating. Great analysis Fil.
I love love love love this. Greg Lake is why I ever picked up a guitar. This song in particular. I love the way he chews gum throughout and never misses a note. I was so sad when he and Keith died.💜🎼🎵🎶💜
I love this performance just gorgeous. Greg's guitar almost sounds like a harpsichord and the way he rolls out the chords like he's playing a keyboard. I love the deep resonation of Greg's voice with his guitar making the song sound as if it were recorded in a castle. A very poetic composition and romantic performance. Thanks for reviewing and analyzing this great song Fil. Excellent job man.
This song just melted my ❤️ heart! I actually prefer Greg's solo performance here over the album recording. Greg Lake, a supremely talented man, was so beautiful playing this, one of my favorite songs ever, I don't get tired of watching this California Jam video. Thank you for your honest and heartfelt review of his song! 😊😘💕. RIP Greg! You are truly missed!
Agree. Just pulled up the album version yesterday and it's nowhere close to this performance m. This is simply amazing. His playing and voice here top the album cut by miles. Still can't believe how masterful this is.
I love Greg Lake and this performance! Prog Rock!!!!! Thank you Fil!!!!! And chewing the gum. What a huge loss!!! And the European accent. Such a beautiful young man. His acoustic is like a fine fiber. Ahhhhh. ❤️
Absolutely agree. C'est la Vie is one of rock's top 20 songs by any reckoning, and a top 5 acoustic number as well. Greg had the best voice among all his contemporaries, rivalled but not surpassed by Daltrey, Ian Anderson, and Gillan.
Was fortunate enough to see ELP back in 70s Detroit at Cobo Hall. Fantastic concert with symphony behind them. Greg Lake sang acoustic Lucky Man. His voice made you melt! Truly a great memory!
imagine being so comfortable that you can sing this mindblowingly beautiful song with that gorgeous voice and lovely guitar that you can be irreverently chew gum. What a guy, I am so in love with him to this day. He just takes me into some spiritual journey. Return in power Greg. regret that I never saw him live. what he did with King Crimson was otherworldly.
Fil, I've watched so many of your analyses. I just listened to about 2+ hours of ELP, & Greg Lake, esp. & then went to your analyses here. I am really amazed by how talented you are. Watched you live 1st-time last night...the song you did at the beginning was BEAUTIFUL! You killed the Triumph song! But, I always come back to how kind, humble, positive, and Knowledgable you are!!!! The older I get the more important music is to me. Being an only child, born in 1961, my collie, Dutchess, and my small portable radio were my life. Mom taught piano & Dad had a beautiful voice (from bass to tenor). Dad was a Southern Baptist Minister with an amazing speaking voice, also. I eventually became the typical "preacher's daughter" but those days were long ago. My many times Great Uncle was Jeremiah Ingalls who compiled and wrote in SOUTHERN HARMONY. So, I have some music in my DNA. But I swear I saw you tearing up during the song! Either that or you're up too late as usual. Beauty in music to me is like a Van Gogh...a stary, stary night.....You help me see the deep strokes of the instrument(s) and I can still feel the sense of sorrow or joy. Thank You
Thank you so much for all this Fil. The song is great. Greg was great. The piece is incredible and incredibly difficult. As you point out managing to sing and play all those arpeggios on the 12 string without a single mistake, not even a buzzing string was amazing. And Greg did it without any (apparent) effort. And your analysis and technical comment about all this is super. Thank you again
An amazing band. This is one of Greg's songs where he was able to shine. He played 12 string, guitar and bass and sang. Thanks for giving "us" a lesson on playing this and explaining exactly what Progressive songs accomplish.
Thanks Phil for acknowledging Sir Greg! Often over looked by his piers, One of the 1st true pioneers of Prog Rock, & with that unmistakable Charismatic voice he turned a lot of people on, His fave guitar was the Gibson J 2000 which he played From the Beginning,
Thanks Fil for showing Greg Lake's great talent. Is there anyone else with a voice like that? Great songwriter, and excellent bassist / guitarist. Anyone who can play bass on 21st Century Schizoid Man must be good!
Greg Lake is one of my all time favorite musician/singer songwriters. I said "is" not “was” because he's still alive through his music. And Thank You Fil for explaining to the layman all that flies under the radar when you're dealing with a multi-talent like Greg Lake. So many subtleties and nuances. And as you're always quick to point out, he's singing while playing which doubles the complexity.
That Zemitas sounds glorious! Greg Lake had one of those definitive voices that are a step up from most Top 40 singers! RIP Greg Lake! Fantastic video, thanks for sharing!
Greg could chew gum, sing, and play guitar all at the same time! And do it all at a high level. He sounds identical to the studio recording vocally on this live performance. Astonishing. What a tremendous guitar player and singer Greg was! He absolutely nailed this performance. He is very much missed, as is Keith Emerson who tragically left us early. I was in my 20’s when this album was released. ELP was a fabulous band. RIP Greg and Keith. Nice job on your analysis, young lad! 🎸
What an angelic voice. The first time I heard them was at. A Cleveland stadium . I was mesmerized with his voice. His playing but his voice was perfect. I liked. Good. music and they were excellent. But that voice took me away on a cloud. One of my favorite bands.
I was born with perfect pitch a vocalist since about 6 yrs old ... I saw them 4 times ... 4 different tours From 73 through 1992 And they were flawless beyond words every time. never fail A very good bassists but an unsung guitarist especially in picking not a thrasher or speed demon but the recordings of his acoustic’s were beautiful ... especially when he played his Zemetis. Guitars in the 70’s He was perfect love as well as Keith and Carl .... tremendous skills ahead of their time in skill set 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻❤️💯
Love it love it. Greg Lake’s voice meshes so richly with that big-body 12 string. Excellent review. I remember that song played along with ELP on vinyl as a kid. Other-worldly studio version too. Nice breakdown as well. He blossomed so well as a guitarist cause it was his love ahead of the bass. So he was naturally breaking through with such passion when he did play guitar. Great stuff!
Lake was not only able to sing and play complex guitar progressions at the same time, he could play and chew gum at the same time as well! Seriously though, Lake was a special contribution to ELP, as he was with King Crimson. But each of the three were amazing in their own way. RIP, Greg and Keith. You left a legacy.
Do you want to be an angel Do you want to be a star Do you want to play some magic on my guitar? Do you want to be a poet Do you want to be my string? You could be anything Do you want to be the lover of another undercover? You could even be the man on the moon Do you want to be this singer Do you want to be this song? Let me tell you something You just couldn't be more wrong You see I really have to tell you When you`re buried in disguise By the dark glass on your eyes Though your flesh has crystallized Still you turn me on Do you want to be the pillow where I lay my head Do you want to be the feathers lying in my bed? Do you want to be a color cover magazine Create a scene Every day a little sadder A little madder? Someone get me a ladder Do you want to be the player? Do you want to be the string? Let me tell you something It just don't mean a thing. You see, I really have to tell you That it all gets so intense From my experience It just doesn't seem to make sense But still you turn me on
Greg Lake was a phenom. I have a bit of trouble imagining him dead and gone. Same with Keith. What was that song they did in the empty stadium in winter? Fanfare for the Common Man? They did so many, but that one was so unique. They were one of a kind. It didn't fly without Greg though.
Yes. Copland's 'Farefare for a Common Man' in Olympic Stadium. Sub zero temperatures. I read that video was recorded in segments because it was so cold.
"fanfare for the common man"played by emerson,lake and palmer at montreal's olympic stadium(1977) was played in 15 degree fahrenheit ( -9 degrees celsius) weather!!!!!!! safe to say ELP are a TALENTED VIRTUOSO ALL WEATHER KIND OF BAND!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
In 2017 Keith's son, Aaron Emerson, did a tribute in Birmingham, England, of his dad's other-wordly composition, "FANFARE for the Common Man." A quite elderly Mr. Aaron Copeland, song's composer, looked on from a balcony seat, sweetly smiling. It will give you chills.
Fil, thanks for this review. I think its DADGAD on the 12 string, not just drop D. Greg Lake is an unsung hero with guitar lists. He was truly fantastic as a guitarist. The super clean cross picking arpeggios. His electric solo on Karn Evil 9 First Impressions Pt. 1, all those chord changes in just a few seconds. His superb voice (as Fripp says). I always felt that Lake was a timekeeper for ELP since Emerson and Palmer always were racing along, and Lake was keeping the time, pulling them back. Also, one can conclude for those who don't think he was that great: he was good enough to keep up with Fripp in King Crimson, then was tough enough for Emerson and Palmer. Pretty impressive.
Greg never misses a chord or a note streaming out of his sweet mouth. A Beautiful ballad and his acoustic playing is spot now. I don't know if anyone noticed but he is chewing gum too and still sings like a angelic swan. I adore Greg's soulful style he has one of the best soulful voices in rock. Maybe only challenged by Paul Roger's of b. company. In fact they have similar ranges so it's no wonder I love him. He was a treasure to both elp and king crimson. I miss him but what a legacy he left 😢 in rock history. Rip Greg 🙏 a sexy ladies man who seraded a hord of women with his sensual soulful voice... Still... he turns me on 🎉❤😅
@@robertacolarette1594 I have a friend that worked in the music industry and spent a lot of time with Led Zep and she has some interesting stories. Nothing I can make public :-) I love rock biographies. If you haven't read Robbie Robertson's autobiography, I also recommend that one as well.
Thanks Fil, Greg Lake and the band I would say are my heroes since a kid, and I really appreciate what you done there, absolutely excellent of a job, and you made my day big time.
I am in awe of Greg’s performance. Made to look so simple, but you have showed us it’s way more complicated than that. I am indebted to you Fil for your knowledge and ability to show us.
This is your best episode I think.. Really spot on of all the merits Greg Lake had to offer. From talks on live events he did before he died he had an appreciation of the Bee Gees and Elvis especially (outside of his peers) knowing what proper vocals and dedication is all about. So hats off to you for covering the greatest singer in our time.
Greg's voice was amazing and his guitar work top notch. I liked him in King Crimson, loved him in ELP. Thanks for this. Greg is someone I will never forget.
Was once a time when I could have said, “still you turn me on,” and it would have been true, and the person I said that to would have had an immediate context for the song and the emotions that it is expressing. You have managed to bonk my nostalgia bone yet again Fil, and this time the feeling in the room is bittersweet. Still, thank you so awfully much. Another fine reactionalysis to add to this side of the body of your work. 😎🎶🎶🩸🔥
I’m so glad you did this. I found this song again on RU-vid and was so thrilled. This is a stunning performance. His guitar playing and vocal are so perfect. And it’s such a simple song. I’ve always loved ELP each one super talented. Your analysis is exactly right. I can’t get over his picking and singing at the same time, and chewing gum. And I love hearing you, Fil, reproducing the chords on your guitar. Thank God for musicians. I don’t know how I would get through this pandemic without beautiful music. Thanks Fil. ❤️
@@krollpeter The Beatles needed George Martin. Not ELP. No studio magic needed when you have the greatest keyboardist, drummer, and possibly the most talented front man in rock history.
@@rman52 I think we need to divide in between someone like Beyonce, who needs a team of 20 songwriters and 36 producer to make an album, and a band that has good musicians, excellent song writing, creative ideas. The first needs the producer to get an output. The latter has the producer to sharpen what they do anyway. In case of ELP it not so they did not have any production. Greg Lake produced all albums. But it is sometimes good to get the look from outside.
@@krollpeter Greg Lake produced King Crimson's first highly regarded album "In The Court Of The Crimson King" at the age of 22 after the original producer walked out.
Excellent analysis man. Maybe because of his voice, I think his guitar and bass playing were criminally-overlooked. He was so melodic and fluid, and as you said, amazingly accurate. His playing on the studio version is immaculate and inspiring, and I'm a drummer! His runs down the scale near the end of Karn Evil 9 Part 1 are breathtaking. Thanks. You made my day.
for the 5 people that gave greg lake a thumbs down, i do have one suggestion: TURN ON ON YOUR VOLUME AND SLIDE THE VOLUME ALL THE WAY TO THE RIGHT and then give greg lake a thumbs up !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Not just one of my favorite songs but one of my favorite performances. Have watched this video many times still amazes me. ...sings plays amazingly well - all while chewing gum. *Also, you are really good teacher! This song made me suspend my guitar playing for a while in sheer frustration a few years back. You demo the tough parts really well!
Besides being a great guitarist, whose specialty was the bass, he had an outstanding voice while being a fantastic lyricist. Greg chewed gum to keep moisture in his mouth and throat so he wouldn’t dry out while singing. Saw ELP several times in the states n loved every show.
@@bighouse6120 Oh, I have. She is absolutely magnificent. The troupe she led on the Karn Evil 9 cover is on another level of musicianship. Any fan of ELP has to see her perform.
Love that you covered this. For me, Greg Lake was in a league of his own with the combination of his song writing ability and his live performance skills. Some of his live performances almost leave me speechless. I finally see someone else in a comment below mentions his brash gum chewing while performing. What a character. One of a kind.
Saw the Brain Salad Surgery tour. 3 wonderful musicians and performers. Gotta remember, there was Lucky Man, From the Beginning as well as Still You Turn Me On. Also there was almost always an Are You Ready Eddie, The Sheriff or Benny the Bouncer thrown into the mix. Nutrocker, Hoedown, Fanfare for the Common Man. What a voice!
Great Fil !! Amazing ! Perfect analysis. ELP was one of my heroes, I had all albuns. Just take a peble and cast it to the sea. One point you shout have talked is that when you tune the 12 string guitar - like you did in your 6 string - is not the same. The strings become loose and tend to make unwanted sounds. I had a 12 strings guitar and I know how difficult it is to play - you have to do much more strenght to press the strings. I’m fact I never liked. But Greg seems to be completely comfortable, smiling - very happy with his bubble gum ! Really impressive !
Well, I was gonna mention the gum as another degree of difficulty. Anyway, I watched the Cali Jam when it first aired...gotta admit, I was disappointed that this was performed that night as a solo piece. Over time, this particular performance has become my favourite version of this haunting tune. Well done (as usual) with the analysis!
Greg is great. I love the first KC album and listened to it a million times. I've also had the chance to see ELP like a half dozen times or more. They used to hit the (now non-existent) outdoor amphitheatres in my area quite a bit. I never passed up an ELP show when they were in town if I could help it.
Greg Lake is such a wondrous artist -- a unique voice to back up his amazing guitar skills! I've seen ELP twice. They never disappointed. Keith Emerson (RIP) and Greg Lake (RIP). Heaven keep Carl Palmer. This is a very well-constructed and informative video. Thanks Fil! You're an amazing teacher and artist!
Walter Fechter Even so late in his life we saw him perform at the Birchmere when he was so weak and ill but he absolutely had the hearts of everyone in the room and played beautifully as well as told stories (most likely to catch his breath to be able to play another song) bless his heart. It was an unforgettable night and how lucky we were to be there. Yes, too Fil is so great! Me and my hubby love to watch his videos. THZ for your comment. Wish I could have seen ELP back in the day.
@@HearturMind -- Greg Lake was such a rare guy. He was a storyteller/musician out of Time. It was as if he (Greg) stepped out of The Renaissance era and into the 1960s/1970s. Moreover, I listen to "I Believe In Father Christmas" each December. Greg had a heart as free as a merlin in flight. Greg lent his wondrous voice to ballads/love songs which brought the freshness and fullness of Spring to our hearts. This was so very evident when Greg sang with King Crimson ("I Talk To The Wind"). ELP was a phenomenal band -- indeed! They shall be remembered and live on in our minds and hearts. Stay safe and well. Best/cheers -- W