An Interview with Aaron Emerson

Elliot Gould of Render Edge Media, LLC sits down with Aaron Emerson, Keith Emerson's son, to talk about life as the son of a rock legend.

[@paulgiaconi-bonaguro4055]

At least Aaron realizes he is not in the same leaugue as his father. Keith was a master and pioneer who was driven. I have never recovered from hearing the MOOG in Toronto when ELP played Lucky Man!! A cosmic sound forever.

[@lucyfoster4082]

And most importantly, he knows that that’s okay.

[@morbidmanmusic]

But in reality, compared to any moderate college level piano majors, they are both average in technique. I on the other hand Loved Keith.

[@doughunt7825]

Thanks for taking the time to let us into your life. Great interview 👍

[@rb5stevenumber903]

Really enjoyed that. I've followed Keith's career ever since I saw the Nice here in the UK in 1968. I enjoyed and still do listen to the Nice and ELP music and saw the Nice a few times and ELP and the keith Emerson band twice. When I think back , I was 16 when I first saw the Nice and that was it. After seeing them no other band come close to them. All good memories that will stay with me. And so nice to hear his son talking about his dad and himself. 👍

[@craigezell4261]

RB5steveNumber 90:Ooh,what a lucky man you are.I discoverd The Nice after discovering ELP & dug them both.I was just a boy during The Nice's heyday but I saw ELP 3 times.Great memories,great music.

[@adriancoppin977]

The Thoughts Of…Emerlist Davjack…

[@adriancoppin977]

@@craigezell4261 you lucky man. I bought all the Nice and ELP albums released in the 60s and 70s and always wanted to see ELP play live. Alas, it was not to be. I am somewhat lucky in that I have a very good friend of the late Greg Lake living a couple of miles away. Namely, Robert Fripp (King Crimson). Also, John zBonham’s son has a country home nearby. I’m 68 years young, retired and finally learning the guitar and music theory. Lovely!

[@olderbutnowiser6701]

I saw Ethan play at trading boundaries (2018?) Followed by Aaron who played an ELP song magnificently. On his way back to his family table Aaron was very kind in talking to me about the music and was an absolute gentleman. It was a privilege to watch them both playing and Keith for certain would be so proud. This was a lovely interview so thank you very much for sharing it. Just to say I first saw ELP in about 1972 and I still play their music and will always do so as it is part of my life.

[@mrgears]

I was there for this concert performed by Ethan and Aaron. It was magic! Thanks so much for posting Elliot!

[@RenderEdgeMedia]

You're most welcome!

[@craigezell4261]

mrgears:Lucky you,dude.

[@andragg]

Keith Emerson's suicide was so tragic that seeing Aaron carry on as a keyboard player, and now his grandson Ethan playing as well, it seems they are carrying on Keith's brilliance in a way. With the death of Chick Corea and the retirement of Keith Jarrett due to strokes, the world has lost 3 of the greatest keyboard players to have ever lived. But Herbie is still going strong, thank goodness!

[@ikofire1]

Aaron Emerson is a class act and fine player. He does a great job dealing with all the dopes (see below) that insist on mentioning his ability as compared to his father. He’s got a lot of guts to play at all honestly. I respect him and thank him for the excellent job he does of looking after his father’s legacy. Cheers Aaron!!

[@Kris.G]

And he's one of the funniest and laid back people I've ever met.

[@dbaenniteol4694]

Fantastic interview! Lot of stuff I haven't read about anywhere else. Like the Japanese tour before Emo's death. I've always had a small suspicion the pressure related to that one would have a role in the big picture. Very impressive the way that Elliot and Aaron handled that part of the interview. Elliot reaching it carefully, wisely, and Aaron answering it generously. Thank you so much!

[@RenderEdgeMedia]

Thank you so much for the kind words.

[@rwjazz1299]

I saw ELP in Rich Stadium back in the mid 70’s. It was incredible. Emerson’s moog could be felt on your chest when he hit certain notes. It was the first time I experienced sub bass at such loud volumes. Heavenly.

[@Kris.G]

Lots of love, Aaron. Some good memories from Sol Diez.

[@djleigh4868]

Keith Emerson changed the world one note at a time...

[@islandpalm148]

Thank you for this interview. First time I've heard Aaron speak.

[@markusantonio4866]

Thanks for this post. I enjoyed watching this.

[@Dolores5000]

Love you Keith! you too Aaron

[@steffanhoffmann]

An admirable accolade and humble appreciation; of his family's skills. Thanks to all. Best wishes 🇬🇧 🤝 🇺🇸

[@craigezell4261]

The Emerson boys ate the rightful heirs of Keith's legacy.

[@islandpalm148]

Mm-mmm.

[@pamelavarilone2614]

Are, yes, 💯 💯 💯

[@craigezell4261]

@@pamelavarilone2614 Oops,typo.

[@sharonagresta-siekerman8601]

What a well done interview. It is nice hearing Aaron's interests and back story to the many years of Keith's music

[@slojo3898]

I weep when I hear Aaron play!

[@rodglen7071]

Agree with Aaron that pre-GX1 days / albums were the best.

[@curly437]

Imo, the GX-1 and Alembic 8 string bass era was great. The GX-1 sound best on the ELPowell tour. Powerful sounding beyond belief.

[@scottburns2600]

My favorite ELPowell song is The Score. Stands up pretty well to any other ELP songs IMO

[@dbaenniteol4694]

@@scottburns2600 Totally agree, The Score could be in any other record, not matter if BSS, Tarkus etc.

[@mez5590]

Wow! Good interview. I’m glad that I’m not the only one that wanted his dad to ditch the Yamaha.

[@vittoriocastelnuovo4223]

Bravo Aaron.

[@danieleveroni7242]

❤

[@curly437]

lol Keith rolling in his grave.....son mistakes Pirates for Officer and a Gentleman OR Love Beach for Works Vol1 Either way, GREAT interview!

[@robpinter5431]

I feel that one day in the future, that Keith will be on the same par in history as the great composers.....

[@morbidmanmusic]

You'd be increadbly wrong, as much as I loved him. As a musician who understands... he isn't what you're thinking. If you were my neighbor, I'd make time to show you why I think that.

[@turquoiseblue228]

So sorry for your loss Aaron. I wonder who organised this Japanese tour?

[@user-jw4fz3sq1w]

Aaron's music is beautiful. It is quite rude to say'at least Aaron realizes he's not in the same league blah blah blah". Maybe he didn't want to be in the same league. You have no idea what it's like to be brought up within a high profile family. They are all different.

[@firstfreonwarrior]

Could have listened fo so much longer.

[@Tracey..H]

He looks like and has mannerisms of Keith. Sorry you lost your dad Aaron

[@anonymusum]

He obviously isn´t really ambitious. And from what I´ve heard he´s just a mediocre keyboardist.

[@pamelavarilone2614]

Is this necessary?

[@anonymusum]

@@pamelavarilone2614 Under normal circumstances not. But look, this guy plays for an audience and this audience reacts with big applause. Why? Because his name is Emerson, not because he´s an extraordinary talent. His name the ticket he´s riding on. I don´t blame him at all, but it´s just another example for the ignorance of average audiences. And that´s how the systems in pop music works - it´s the same in Hollywood as well, by the way.

[@craigezell4261]

Well,nobody does it better than the one who originated it.Aaron's not bad imo.You ought to hear Rachel Flowers.You would swear she has some Emerson blood in her.That young girl is amazing.

[@craigezell4261]

@@anonymusum We know the difference.It's all about respect.

[@anonymusum]

@@craigezell4261 Yeah, I know. Additionally she plays guitar damn well, for example with Zappa´s band.

[@timcoakley5498]

Both Aaron and Ethan are very mediocre compared to Keith, but let’s be honest who really in the rock world is he’s equal not only as a musician but as a composer and performer.