And now, something completely different...

Nah, it is more ELP, but with MOAR Percussion

Been on a bit of an ELP bender lately, and I have to admit that the algo-gods have been kind to me. Yesterday, I went down a rabbit hole on a phenom that I will write about soon (look her up, Rachel Flowers), and I have been getting recommendations that are focusing on an epic composition by Keith and the boys, the “Tarkus Suite”. There have been live recordings of ELP, and the album version, and covers — all outstanding.

But then come the alternative takes. And that is where I am focusing on this newsletter.

The true test of time for a piece of music is how it is adapted and arranged by those that follow. Some will turn it into a new genre, adapting for shifting tastes. Others will lift-and-shift it in novel ways whilst hewing to the creator’s vision.

It is the latter of these that today’s post is. Massimo Pastore took the 22 minute opus that Keith penned that was defined by his searing work on the Moog modular synth and recast it into a full percussion ensemble, bringing a crispness and precision to the suite that is just a joy to behold.

Watching the musicians with their hammers and drumsticks work as a unit in perfect harmony, pounding out the themes and motifs is a joy to behold on the screen. But close your eyes, and it is just as magical.

As great music should be.

I promise you this is twenty-two minutes that you will not regret. Recorded to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the original release of the album, “Tarkus” this tribute is gold.

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