I didn't come into this show with any preconceptions, althogh he's been touring. I was blown away by his casual stories, his still sharp technical ability, the band, and especially the arrangements. I love it when songs are played differently, it keeps them fresh.
The band was top-shelf. Drummer Pete Riley and Bassist Phil Williams were solidly spectacular spectacular (sorry couln't help it). Marc Bonilla is a great musician. He sings, plays guitar, and arranges songs incredibly well. He was cited by Emerson as the catalyst for digging out some old gems, and arranging them so that Emerson could want to play them again.
Karn Evil 9 # 1 Part Two was just ok...Last time I could say that, the remaining show was killer.
From The Beginning, with acoustic piano and guitar only was amazing! Lucky Man was done such that it was bombastic yet fresh. A Nice song, Dylan's "Country Pie", was homespun yet proggy. Living Sin was dug out from the vaults...what a great heavy song. Bitches Crystal was another surprise..one of my favorite piano leads, and he didn't disappoint. Opened with Piano Concerto from Works. Touch and Go was excellent. Did a number that I thought was Romeo and Juliet from Black Moon but I think I'm wrong there.
Did a Marc Bonilla solo number that has just killer guitar work. Bonilla told a funny story of when Emerson saw Bonilla in a club, watched him play and approached him to collaborate on his song he was playing. So Bonilla got a big laugh when he said "I took him under my wing"...
Emerson told a story about meeting heroes, but was disappointed with Jimmy Smith. An odd story of how he grabbed Emerson's balls.....his repartee between songs was funny.
Also played America, Fanfare, Hoedown...no Pirates but hey...Nutrocker closed the set.
And lastly, all of Tarkus. Done brilliantly by the whole band. It was awesome! The lead guitar in Battlefield...damn. Tarkus is a great piece of music. Having a separate guitar and bass really added to the music.
Rob LaDuca (original Nearfest organizer) was telling us this morning about how Emerson was humbled by getting carpal tunnel - and how he's greatful to still be playing at his age.
He was so good. And how do you play standing on the other side of the keyboard? (He did that on a part of one song).
OK, I think that covers it!