Keith Emerson and Oscar Peterson

[@rhmayer1]

You gotta hand it to Keith Emerson. He played well, but knowing a little about KE you know he practiced and practiced and was surely nervous as hell going on stage with Oscar Peterson. Oscar Peterson was one of the true giants of jazz piano - one of those musicians who completely dominated their instrument. And Keith knew that very well. Even though Keith was a superstar in rock, that don't mean squat when you get up there with a true master. That took guts! Kudos to Keith. So sad about his tragic end, committing suicide in 2016 at 71 after years of nerve pain in his right hand and arm and some ugly critical reviews, taking away his primary joy in life. He was one of the big innovators and a wonderful musician. RIP.

[@3rdandlong]

He was indeed a master. He was my inspiration for taking interest in classical music. And I don't think that spin on the piano was same show, but he did that at the Calif. Jam back in 74. I was there for that. I'm a jazz fanatic now, but still go back to my roots of ELP and anything Keith did. Can't focus on this too much or I'll start getting emotional .

[@billywitwhistle202]

You made me choke a bit. I wish they went down this road instead of "love beach". Blending genre was their genius and Mr. Lake's voice was the best imho.

[@pauldavid9351]

A beautiful tribute.

[@jeffryphillipsburns]

I was fourteen or fifteen when the first ELP record came out. I bought it because I liked the cover and hadn’t a clue about what was inside. Rather a shock when I first slipped it on the turntable. I quickly grew to love it though, and eventually I fantasized myself performing one of the tracks for my ninth-grade schoolmates-can’t remember which track. Many years later I actually got round to learning Bartok’s “Allegro Barbaro” (first cut on the record, arranged as “The Barbarian”), and wow, it really felt good, an ancient fantasy finally fulfilled. Keith died shortly afterward, so I performed Bartok’s “Piano Suite” in his honor. I never got anywhere Keith, even at the sole ELP concert I attended in 1972, but somehow I feel as if knew him. I still miss him. He made a formative impression on me.

[@rhmayer1]

@@jeffryphillipsburns That's a wonderful story. Unique specifically, but not generally. It's amazing how a lot of us musicians have similar personal stories of much deeper connection to musicians that we never met or met very briefly - and what a huge impact it had/has on us. [One such smaller and humorous example for me was sitting on the 4th row aisle seat at the old Circle Star Theater in San Carlos, CA (rotating circular stage!) in the late '70's at a B.B. King concert. During the standing ovation at the end, as he descended down the aisle, I was one of 2 or 3 people that he shook hands with. Needless to say, I didn't wash my hand for a week since surely this would make me a better guitar player!!] Inspiration can run very deep. I wish I could've heard your Piano Suite. I'm sure that extra inspiration came through.

[@carty43]

My favorite keyboard player of all time playing with my dad's favorite piano player. Won't lie; some tears of joy being able to show this to him.

[@Fexobs]

That alone makes it worth the effort I made to upload it :-)

[@dallasstiles118]

Fantastic

[@voice_of_reason5604]

Funny I thought the same thing when came across this. My Dad would have loved this also.

[@marcusanthonyPOV]

What did he say?

[@boomer3150]

Did he like it?

[@KnjazNazrath]

Never thought I'd see Keith scared. When an idol meets their idol, that's one hell of a reality check!

[@drumrboi72]

Reminds me of when Prince was on stage with Stevie Wonder! 😅

[@jerrynappi7075]

SO true I read that in his book Funny to actually see it :)

[@MrKersey]

Oscar Peterson reacted similarly when he was listening to Thelonious Monk live. He said he would never play piano again. Luckily, he continued.

[@egtheo]

@@MrKersey You mean when Oscar heard Art Tatum, who btw was the greatest piano player ever in Oscar’s opinion

[@MrKersey]

@@egtheo yes, I stand corrected, it was Art Tatum. But he also praised Thelonious Monk as well.

[@2007Tarkus]

Thats the beauty of ELP that only now I recognise, they could play rag time, prog rock, classical, blues, folk and boogie what a great band they were

[@edcorneau7346]

And play those styles really well too!

[@stevemills1593]

😊hi

[@kraka2oanIner]

The only time I saw Keith Emerson was ON the TARKUS tour. We were in the second row. WOW! OW! [because it was unbelievably loud...] The guy was not only musical, but in good shape (turning the organ onto its CORNER, while playing).

[@DummyAccount-f1q]

Well, as rock progressed it drew on various established styles. It was inventing itself. Before Emerson, Lake, Palmer there really was no “prog rock” style. King Crimson had been trying new things and mixing old things together for a year or two, and Yes was just getting started. When Cream first came out it was actually called “jazz rock”, not “hard rock”, a fortiori “heavy metal”.

[@bukeksiansu2112]

Once upon a time when "progressive rock" called pop music.

[@georgefromgreece4119]

... simply because (progressive) rock was massively POPular back then.

[@musik102]

That's just Oscar. Anything that's not serious jazz - or classical - is pop music.

[@bukeksiansu2112]

@@musik102 Yeah, for him but I don't think so..20+ minutes songs like Karn Evil 9, Supper's Ready, Thick as a Brick or Tale from Topographic Ocean called not serious music, this world just kidding hell. LOL

[@matthewmcdermott1955]

Classical Musicians and some Jazz musicians still often refer to that type of music as part of pop music.

[@MarsziParszi]

@@matthewmcdermott1955 So is Jazz, often called the pop but of earlier times than the 70s.

[@patmcc7758]

The respect shown by Oscar to Keith is palpable in this interview. Emerson was at his best in front of a piano playing jazz/blues. RIP.

[@JJJJJVVVVVLLLLL]

Someday those early ELP records will be rediscovered...

[@jabbalechat7910]

@@JJJJJVVVVVLLLLL They've never been lost... #justsaying

[@JJJJJVVVVVLLLLL]

Jabba LeChat right.... fwiw Bernie Worrell put Tarkus as one of his all-time favorites.

[@jabbalechat7910]

@@JJJJJVVVVVLLLLL First two ELP albums are my favourites. Saw them live Wembley Pool 1974, third row from front, great gig... 👍😻

[@JJJJJVVVVVLLLLL]

Jabba LeChat whoa! Amazing.

[@iluvpepi]

Ahhh both Keith Emerson and Carl Palmer look so fresh and young. What a humble legend is Oscar Peterson.

[@dillonheimerl5683]

And as humble as oscar is, he still know how to steal the show every time he plays.

[@exerciserelax8719]

I never knew Oscar Peterson had a TV show! This was a fun meeting of rock and jazz.

[@darkpitcher5242]

Yes it was on BBC 2 in the UK

[@kennybluet5527]

There's a youtube video of Joe Pass playing "Ain't Misbehaving " on Oscar's show. Absolutely jaw dropping performance by Mr. Pass.

[@michaelward9880]

I didn't know either. I certainly would have watched it if it was available !

[@stevenuttley]

He certainly wouldn't get one now. Sadly jazz is largely absent from broadcast mainstream TV. Those were different times. Rock had supplanted jazz but jazz still had an audience, big stars, major festivals and even, albums in the mainstream charts via fusion bands like Weather Report etc.

[@hlcepeda]

Produced in Canada.

[@keithackerman3324]

I remember a time when people got famous for actually being great musicians. Anybody have a time machine?

[@LuvWFT]

couldnt have said it better myself...

[@zgart]

What do you mean, we still have great musicians today

[@ampeg]

Really? You don’t need a time machine mate, just put a bit of effort because there is a whole new level of musician out there, they have absorbed all the history and are taking it to new levels. Do you need some links? This IS NOT taking anything away from the timeless greatness of Oscar Peterson who is one of the greatest pianists of all time, certainly in my top 3! But wake up man there is insane musicianship happening. The kids are allright!

[@ampeg]

Peter Lorimer I love the old stuff, and the new. Listen to both about equal just always on the lookout for new music.

[@willstacey5847]

N

[@kensmith8152]

The rolling piano is the most outrageous thing I ever saw!

[@alexwilding-white5566]

At last. The full appearance. I've known about this for forty years and finally saw an abbreviated version about fifteen years ago. Emerson, by his own admission, was wracked by nerves before going on and who could blame him. I would be too. Going in front of a TV audience with one of his idols. Emerson's only public appearance during the two and a half year hiatus after the 1974 tour and I think he carries it off well, nerves and all.

[@meyerk45]

Yeah. You can tell he's a little shook up.

[@kevinkilduff2064]

When you get complemented by the magnificent Oscar P., you've made it! Keith was a talent who played superbly, everything from Dixieland to Jazz to Classical to Pop to Rock and Roll, sometimes doing so while stabbing his keyboard or doing flips! We shan't see his like again. (BTW, great to hear Carl on the drums w the brushes. A superb percussionist in his own right, Carl takes to doing some boogie woogie and never misses a beat!)

[@charlenetherrien3788]

That is Carl and Greg

[@jonrumfitt1913]

@@charlenetherrien3788 Definitely Carl. I don't know who's on bass, but it's not Greg.

[@Fexobs]

@@charlenetherrien3788 It's Carl and Roy Babbington on Bass.

[@TheBlueCream]

Emerson was UNIQUE...esp. as a gr8 COMPOSER IN THE PROGRESSIVE 'POP' VEIN...oscar was a SWINGING JAZZ PIANIST AMONG MANY LIKE WYNTON KELLY, BUD POWELL ETC

[@Kris.G]

I've not heard young Keith talk before... gosh, his son Aaron sounds just like him. I played with Aaron in a band for a short time and he's one of the funniest people on Earth.

[@SplendidCoffee0]

I guess I could say you’re a lucky man

[@MarkGardner66Bonnie]

@@SplendidCoffee0 BWAHAHAHAHA!

[@doublehelix3952]

Please, tell the story From the Beginning 8-)

[@packmule4746]

The Only Way I’ll believe you is if you share your story :P

[@niwa957]

Back from a time when a jacket was a JACKET. Mr. Peterson and Mr. Emerson were polite, stylish and educated gentlemen indeed. And legendary musicians of course...

[@darkpitcher5242]

i watched this when it was first transmitted, I was a teenager my dad hated "pop" music but he watched all OP's shows on the BBC when he saw Kieth doing his stuff he developed a respect for ELP so at least there was one band I didn't have to listen to on headphones

[@skierpage]

@Niconoclastic Neoc the UK music press liked progressive rock in the early 70s when the bands were winning readers' polls and every musician had to name check Keith Emerson, Steve Howe, and Chris Squire to be taken seriously. But when punk took off most journalists turned on prog with a vengeance.

[@unamacarana]

Now, that’s one nervous musician right there. Brilliant. Thanks for posting!

[@rogerpitcher6540]

Pure gold! Love Carl wearing glasses so he can read the chart.

[@brianglock3099]

Keith in his book said Carl wore sunglasses so he wouldn’t be recognized. Said he “ begged” to play with him on the show 🙂.

[@markusantonio4866]

Carl great guy and talent.

[@voice_of_reason5604]

Ha ha yes its CP there too. So busy watching Keith I missed him.

[@mikewest1542]

Shame Greg wasn’t playing the double bass, looks a bit like him from behind, this guy has longer hair like Greg did in 71 !

[@argerm57]

I don't think you would ever have seen anything like this on American TV.

[@sclogse1]

Maybe. Nat had a cool show. Coulda happened there Judy sung with Barbara and Cher.

[@trfesok]

Maybe on PBS, but even that would've stretched it.

[@lestrum]

Exactly what trfesok said. Public Access or maybe Amazon Prime.

[@yeswehavenomañanas]

Two of the greats. Sure miss you Keith.

[@stargate1555]

Keith Emerson, Tony Banks, and Rick Wakeman are keyboard warriors.......! I'm a keyboardist too and just listen in awe of their talent. These guys have a gift that is second to none. I'm left handed, a drummer from the get go, and play guitar, mandolin, and flute too, but these guys are on another level that can only inspire me to be better. Yeah, I play the Piccolo too. Great bunch of guys.

[@jangrndahllorenzen3176]

Don't forget jon lord of Deep purple

[@richardcameron4843]

you could close your eyes and know which of the two are playing at any moment, their styles are so iconic and unique.

[@Justin_Kipper]

Super clip! Keith showed he could play with the best here. And Oscar was great, I've never heard anyone play the keyboard as smooth as Oscar.

[@hlcepeda]

There's a direct teacher-student lineage between Peterson and Franz Liszt: _Liszt_ taught _Thomán_ who taught _de Marky_ who taught _Peterson._ That lent Oscar a very strong classical background, although I'd guess that his smooth playing style was due the great influence of Art Tatum's style.

[@Justin_Kipper]

@@hlcepeda Interesting, good post!

[@JeffParsons-66]

Two of the greatest no doubt. Huge Emerson fan but Oscar is so smooth and quick, made Keith sound a touch clunky. Thats how good Oscar is. Anyway, BOC still going strong!

[@dulpurp]

I became surprisingly emotional when this showed up on my KZbin feed. My dad, a jazz-and-showtunes guy all the way, would often get pestered by my brother, a prog fan, that Keith Emerson was as good as any of those jazzers. OP was predominant among my dad's favorite pianists. Holy crap I wish they could have seen this clip together at the time, and I wish I could tell them both about it now, but they're both gone now, just like the two stars of this clip. ---Thanks for the music---

[@greganderson5972]

Ha! Uber clinical Keith pairing off with super smooth, effortless & fluid Oscar. Both so precise and elegant, but completely different. Fantastic!

[@graybeard2113]

A great Lyft to all of us 👏 👌

[@dgcmusi]

It reminds me when I told my father who was an old school NYC jazz musician in the 50s and 60s to listen to Gentle Giant...he was totally skeptical at 1st to listen but was blown away after 10 seconds...

[@Taterwheel]

I've enjoyed Keith Emerson's music for years and it broke my heart when he took his own life because he couldn't play up to his standards anymore. Keith, you gave us so much, you had nothing left to prove after the first ELP album. I had not seen Oscar Peterson play before, though I had heard him a little. It just looks SO effortless to him. I watched some more videos of him playing, and he was so amazing. Jazz is so rich for pianists, the harmonic possibilities seem to me to be greater than any other genre. At least in Oscar's hands, and of course, Bill Evans. One of the worst parts of growing old is seeing such stellar musicians as these pass away.

[@garyquinn4260]

Incredible players. Carl Palmer on Drums too!

[@McRaeJim]

I thought that was Palmer!

[@instigations]

Keith Emerson's bassist here is Roy Babbington (Soft Machine).

[@djangorheinhardt]

Was John Mclauchlan with soft machine?

[@jabbalechat7910]

@@djangorheinhardt If you mean the guitarist John McLaughlin then the answer is no...

[@djangorheinhardt]

@@jabbalechat7910 Yes just looked it up.I knew a jazz guitar player played jazz fusion at times and I thought it might be John McLaughlin, but it was in fact John Etheridge.John McLaughlin did play blues and R n B with a rock band but I will look that up.Both McLaughlin and Etheridge are e excellent jazz players with Jon McLaughlin inhabiting another universe. ! !( lol )

[@djangorheinhardt]

@@jabbalechat7910 Just looked up John McLaughlin's pedigree.....bleedin' 'ell !, the man's a walkin' talkin' playin' genius. ( lol )

[@jimlassen9422]

@@djangorheinhardt. Check out John Mclaughlin playing on the album 'Pick Hits' which is a live LP and I heard it in 1987 when I first heard of Dennis Chambers playing drums (I am a drummer and was almost numb for a month after listening to Dennis C). Gary Chambers on bass I think but the whole LP is fab.

[@WarrenPaulHarris]

One of the very best keyboard players the world has ever heard. ELP will always be one of my favorites. I met Keith Emerson in 1975 or so at the Troubadour in LA. I was an engineer for Motown. One of our A&R guys called me over and said "I want you to meet Keith Emerson." Wow. What a treat. He was a really nice guy (as most of the people I've ever known in the biz have been) and we spent a little time together. RIP Keith.

[@jeshkam]

Have you worked with Marvin Gaye in the 1970s?

[@jimmorrissey9375]

And the great Martin Drew!! (house band) drummer, what a treat to hear him with Palmer

[@carlomazza731]

Two absolute giants of music; God bless them.

[@MarkSemsel]

Thank you so much for posting this. A historic meeting between a jazz legend and a rock keyboard icon. Interesting to note, when the two groups went back and forth, how much Oscar's group really swung the beat while Keith's played so straightforward.

[@Panglos]

The juxtaposition really does emphasize how Oscar played more by feel where Keith was more, for lack of a better word, "mechanical." It's a right brain/left brain primary thing, emotional vs. intellectual focus, and not a knock on either player. One isn't better or righter than the other. The (impossible) ideal is to maximize both.

[@craigbroadfoot1851]

True but to be fair Keith Emerson was playing much closer to the original boogie woogie piece, which had a rigid left hand to emulate a moving train, whereas Oscar was jazzing it up a lot more as you would expect. Both sound great to me in different ways!

[@LuisEduardoGalindo]

I`ll put it the simplest way: it is because there`s the English approach and the American approach to the swinging walking bass jazz music act. Technique VS Feeling, yet all both faces of the same coin at the end. (plus Oscar had already 45 years practice under his belt at the time)

[@pmoris4405]

Panglos the thing is Keith was extremely nervous. He later said on a 2005 interview that he was thinking of run away while waiting in the dressing room.

[@vapourmile]

@@Panglos Nah, I think it's far more simple than that: Oscar Peterson is a much better keyboard player. Not to knock Keith, I don't think there has been a better keyboard player in rock music, but when he turned to jazz and blues he was only imitating the greats. He could pull it off skilfully, but he couldn't really innovate at that level like they could. Oscar is just more comfortable playing because he a has a far richer palette to draw from. Keith is a great rock pianist, but he isn't up to great jazz pianist level. He's merely a good jazz pianist.

[@paulrevelli]

Man, you could tell straight away that's Carl back there! His articulation and tastefulness with the brushes. Thanks for posting this great clip. It shows great humility for Keith to be in the presence of Oscar Peterson, without snobbery. ELP could do it all when they weren't getting in each others way!

[@TommyPleasure]

Yes Oscar showed great restraint!

[@michaelbeerbados3291]

keith emerson rick wakeman jon lord-rock keyboard GODS

[@somebloke13]

Don't forget Tony Banks!

[@tommyrawlings3046]

Do not leave out Mike Ratledge of Soft Machine!

[@pedrofraga4366]

richard wright too

[@tommyrawlings3046]

@@somebloke13 And Kerry Minnear of Gentle Giant!

[@giannirizzi1031]

@@pedrofraga4366 Rick Wright? Ahahahahahahahahahahahahahahaha

[@martinjohncameron]

What a fantastic talent. I have been a great fan for decades and I had forgotten how bloody good he was!

[@Biffer5]

Miss you Kieth.... He was my keyboard hero from 1970 on. Awesome to hear him with Oscar, one of the greatest zazz pianists of all time.

[@ricardomcvane8720]

RIP Keith Emerson.I saw you Greek Amphiteather 2004.Thanks A Million.

[@jamesrmore]

I got to see ELP live three time. My first thought was there is no way Keith can play this stuff live and especially at tempo. Yet the whole band pulled it off flawlessly every time.

[@iananderson7883]

I've seen this many times over the years. Emerson was great but Oscar was the man. A class act.

[@djangorheinhardt]

I played guitar in a band,a few years ago with a very good " Reading " pianist.He always spoke very highly of Keith Emerson but I did not know anything about him then.Brian ,this pianist , explained that emerson played a piece where the right hand was in four four time,and the left hand,bass clef,was in three four time ,both playing simultaneously, Hearing ,and seeing him now( 26/9/2020 ) I see now why Brian so admired him.

[@TheLastOilMan]

Love ELP! Oscar is pure class .

[@amandajstar]

Yes: lovely man as well as a gorgeous musician.

[@garrygarrett70]

Yep, i often listen to ELP frequently, even today. It doesnt get old and to me doesnt even sound old. The synthesized horns still sound okay to me.

[@yvoheaton6402]

Keith was such an unassuming man. An honourable and polite gentle man who was respected by his peers. Sadly his demons did sometimes get the better of him but I love to see him relaxed and playing so well. I managed to see him play live a couple of times and will never forget the magic he created on his piano.

[@THEFORBIDDENMAN-lk7of]

THIS IS JUST FANTASTIC TO SEE - FROM ONE GREAT PLAYER TO THE OTHER

[@gregwolley3327]

Amazing to see such brilliant talent on the same stage, coming from essentially two different worlds. I was at the California Jam show in 1974 when ELP headlined and Keith Emerson played his spinning piano. Unfortunately, after a long day in the hot sun with over 200,000 people, and knowing little about Emerson, Lake and Palmer at the time, my little entourage left the show before ELP came on stage. Their California Jam set can be viewed on KZbin, including Greg Lake's haunting acoustic solo "Still, You Turn Me On". Emerson created huge walls of electronics to support his keyboards, which required enormous amounts of truck space for hauling his equipment. I was so sad when, wracked with pain in his hands and depression from losing his ability to play, he took his own life.

[@cpking7]

I think the first time I ever saw Keith smile! He bridged me from prog rock into classical and jazz, where Oscar became my favorite jazz pianist, so there they are, my two favorites in different genres. Thanks.

[@bobg56]

Why don't they have TV shows like this anymore?

[@andreatutrani]

Look at Carl play those drums 🥁🔥❤️. He’s fantastic and Kieth…. BRILLIANT 🎹🔥❤️

[@RogerSloop]

... nothing but tears of joy and sorrow. This clip is the definition of the word "poignant".

[@ChrisNotoProgman]

Fantastic ! Thanks for posting this most historic duo and the interview is a bonus !

[@cb-at]

two legends at the same place making music together, what a sensation!

[@gianca60]

I never knew of this historical meeting. Thanks.

[@seanmatthews6056]

Watching this today (I've seen the shorter edit before) I'm having the wildest full-circle moment: I was a huge ELP fan as a teen, in the early 80's. I took up piano lessons way later (in my late 20's) so, among other things, one day I could master "Eruption" from Tarkus. Ten years later (2004-ish) I drop into Lowrey's piano in Toronto at Egliinton and Laird, to test my finally-nailed-down "Eruption" on a really nice piano. The place is empty except for a photo shoot taking place way at the back of the warehouse-sized floor. A lone salesperson comes up and offers me to try anything out. So I find a nice-looking little grand and go at it. I was nailing it. The salesperson, who had wandered away slowly made his way back, hands folded in front and he stood there as I played through. He was, maybe 30 and I, by this point, was 40. He had no idea what I just played so I explained who, what, etc. Then a light went on in his eyes and he said, "Follow me, I have something to show you" and he took me to the back of the store, past the photo shoot to a curtained double door beyond which was a small theatre-like studio. In the middle of the room was a monster piano, the likes of which I'd never seen, with a little handful of extra black keys at the far left end. Salesperson said, "Go ahead, give it a try!" I sat down and noticed a name scrawled on the front: "Oscar Peterson". I said, "Wait, what?" to which he gave a knowing nod and said, "Ya, this was Oscar Peterson's Bosendorfer. It's for sale, if you're interested."...$250,000 was the going price at the time -- 2004, keep in mind -- you could still buy a small house for that price at the time. I tried playing Tarkus again but it was a complete mess, the action was so stiff. But I do absolutely remember the thunderous notes it produced at the bottom end. I think that was the very same piano I'm seeing in this video. Look at the size of it compared to Keith's grand. I can't say for absolute certain, but it's fun to believe Keith Emerson is sitting across from a piano I played because of him.

[@jeffjeff4477]

Oh Boy! From the spinny flippy piano to the ragtime Jazzy duet, this is a great video, Truly living legends captured on film. Amazing. Thank You

[@johndoyle486]

Two real deal geniuses recognising and respecting each other. Beautiful.

[@ThomasKDye]

Keith: "Oh my God I'm on stage with a jazz legend please don't screw this up please don't screw this up..."

[@PhillipLandmeier]

And not just "a" jazz legend but the best. Peterson has no equal. So nice. Quick to smile. Easy going. But behind those eyes was a brain that knew just about everything about music of all kinds, and his skill was unmatched. There was nothing in the past 500 years of music that he couldn't play and didn't know about. In 1971, I bought his book of exercises for training hand independence, which was something I always had trouble with. I'm sure Keith was intimidated. Any pianist would be. On top of that, I'm sure Keith was aware that the people watching the show were not your typical rock and roll audience. Some of the best pianists in the world would be watching this show. Being on this show was probably the "hottest" spotlight Emerson was ever under in his whole life, and I imagine he knew it. Look at Keith's face. He always has fun playing for people, but not that day. That day it was all business. Thanks for posting this.

[@TommyPleasure]

@@PhillipLandmeierFacts!

[@kraka2oanIner]

I heard THE THREE FATES back in 1970 (71?) and ATTEMPTED to describe the music to people - unsuccessfully, of course. I only heard the music; didn't know who or what it was. It drove me NUTS. When I finally found out what it was, I bought the album, post-haste. I still contend that this was his best. His following two albums were also great. I never could, however, figure out how much of his works were original, and how much were derivative. It kinda DIDN'T MATTER; he made the music his own. GENIUS. R.I.P.

[@D13fs]

With all the talent on display I almost didn't notice Oscar's awesome outfit and bling.

[@BrianFedirko]

Sean Carroll mentioned this on YT, so here I am, and I've got tears in my eyes. I briefly met Oscar, but I befriended Keith a couple years before the end. This recording is really special. It is the first I've seen the crane setup he used to do live. But to see him as nervous as I was to meet him while meeting Oscar really touched my heart. They're both monsters in their own right. They both changed my life for the better, as I wouldn't be where I am without them. They'll be missed Gr8! Peace ☮💜Love

[@bobrose7900]

Amazing as always. Keith Emerson was such a stunning influence on so many of us. Your legacy lives on, good on ya.

[@RockwellAIM65]

Emerson is just flyin' and the clarinet player is practically mellow falling off even on the latent edge of his back-beat. LOVE IT!

[@markmadonna4099]

Piano Tech: “Mr. Emerson, you want me to tune the piano HOW??”

[@nancyscarbrough5554]

He definitely was and always will be the master of the keyboards!! Lucky to be a part of that era❣️🌈👌😘👏🤗

[@antduude]

Wonderful! I had no idea about this appearance. I knew Oscar Peterson had a show in England but that was all, I never saw an episode until this popped up in my recommendations. I saw ELP on the BSS and Works tours, but never got to see Oscar live. Thank you, Steve, for making my day with this clip. I love the Internet!

[@rejoyce318]

I WISH I'd been able to see ELP live; however, Oscar Peterson played at my college one weekend - Saturday night concert & Sunday morning Chapel. What a thrilling weekend.

[@Fexobs]

My pleasure !

[@susumunejima7919]

Great Show that never ends...Ladies and Gentlemen, Emerson, Peterson, and Palmer!!

[@timtirelli]

Thanks Steve. Just terrific! N.1 keyboards player in Rock music. No contest.

[@lawoftheuniverse8089]

No Fuckin' Contest at all.. Keith was in a league of his own...

[@Fexobs]

Happy to oblige. Keith is my hero too.

[@autodidact537]

@@lawoftheuniverse8089Oscar Peterson outclassed Keith Emerson by a mile. Not even close.

[@lawoftheuniverse8089]

@@autodidact537 Yes I understand... I didn't make my comment clear, I meant that Keith is in a League of his Own in Pop Rock Music and that is undisputable... Oscar is amazing but to be honest I would kinda rate them as equals or near to it but no Keith is not in a league of his own when it comes to premier Jazz Pianists and Concert Pianists but he definitely holds his own...

[@markoliver630]

Never thought I would hear that ELP was a pop group. Mr. Peterson was amazing my dad loved his music. That is Carl Palmer hiding on drums. Great clip thanks RIP Keith

[@wanwan_-hx4iy]

Thank you, Mr Steve Dinsdale. Fantastic!!! Carl Palmer is pretty.

[@getredytagetredy]

wanwan _5258... Carl is an excellent reader...

[@Taronlusin]

Carl or Martin Drew?

[@kiloechocharlie1342]

@@Taronlusin Sure didn't see Carl in the credits...

[@Justin_Kipper]

@@kiloechocharlie1342 Nope, but watch who's actually playing... Carl :)

[@Fexobs]

Just to confirm it IS Carl, he desperately wanted to be on the show, but promised to try and look unassuming by wearing glasses so as not to take the spotlight away from Keith...hence the "is it ? isn't it ?" confusion.

[@RockwellAIM65]

Hey I don't usually do this. But thanks a lot for posting this. It was really fun!

[@troddy3925]

Keith was apparently nervous about meeting Oscar and playing with him, so he asked Carl Palmer to come along and play incognito, for support.

[@JohnnyTalia]

Yeah, I was looking at the drummer and thinking to myself, "Wait - is that Carl Palmer?"

[@duncan-rmi]

"I know, I'll borrow some specs & look the other way!"

[@twangbarfly]

I saw ELP in the 70's in Newcastle. A friend met him after the gig and he said he had such bad stage fright that he drank so much cognac before each gig that he was physically sick. I can only imagine how star-struck he must have been here playing with and talking to the great Oscar Peterson, who was as gracious as anyone could have possibly been. Absolutely priceless document so thank you so much for the upload!

[@VallinSFAS]

I THOUGHT that drummer looked like Carl!

[@thewoodentops.]

bet! great clip this.

[@roberta4266]

Two GREATS. ,!! What a treat! What an Epic meeting. We were lucky, and still are

[@CommentaryCentral]

God i wish this was longer, two greats! amazing video

[@twilight4192]

What's most Amazing to me here is hearing, and seeing a TV Host who is SO Intelligent, Eloquent, and Highly Cultured - and just happens to be one of THE Greatest Jazz Pianist of ALL Time! What has happened to Human Beings of these modern times?! It's as though Elegance and True Talent are being BRED-Out of the species at large! Keith Emerson was a huge hero of mine when I was a teenager, but He was kind of a "Show-Pony" to some extent. The real deals in Contemporary Piano are Herbie Hancock, Chick Corea, and Keith Jarrett, along with others such as Mal Waldron, Bobo Stenson, the late John Taylor, and Jason Moran. Oscar Peterson, like Art Tatum, Bud Powell, and Thelonious Monk is in a class by himself! - a True Gentleman, and a FIne Canadian!

[@meyerk45]

This furthers my theory that musicians play as they are. Oscar's playing style is as refined as his verbal communication. His musical choices, use of harmony, timing and content mirror how he talks, dresses and displays his humanity. Maybe my favorite player of all time.

[@stevenuttley]

Don't forget Bill Evans and McCoy Tyner. Most modern jazz players use the voicings they pioneered.

[@sclogse1]

Thank you youtube Algo Rhythm.

[@StationaryDingleberry]

Heartwarming...

[@davidsmithwick1293]

A most excellent video clip. Thanks for making it available. Wow!

[@ge0rgeharris218]

As musicians they respected each other's endeavor and could incorporate their styles into a unique blend!

[@thomashumphrey7395]

Oscar Peterson is my favorite piano player of all time, with Bill Evans and Thelonious Monk second and third. Peterson was always tasteful and highly sophisticated, plus he could play anything.

[@sclogse1]

How about naming your favorite Oscar. Would it be on Pablo?

[@thomashumphrey7395]

Hi, I don't have my Peterson albums in front of me and am kind of going on memory, But I'd say anything on Pablo with NeilsHenning Orsted Pedersen, Ray Brown, Sam Jones, Joe Pass, Ed Thigpen, et al. One that I remember is Scandinavian Nights. Also, not on Pablo, but check out Very Tall and Exclusively For My Friends. Take care. @@sclogse1

[@darrylschultz6479]

@@thomashumphrey7395 Oscar's been my favorite for decades, but when it comes to the greatest single jazz piano track I've heard, it would have to go to Eugen Cicero, with his immaculate jazz interpretation of a Bach-like classical-sounding piece called "Exercise". The sudden switch from classical to hard-swinging jazz, plus the beauty of the tune just leaves one gobsmacked.

[@AlisonWheeler]

Ah, wonderful! Missed seeing that back in 76 so great to hear it now. Ta.

[@leoramikam1051]

Bonus points for those that identified the strummer as Carl.

[@gerrycoogan6544]

Funnily enough, when this was originally broadcast on BBC2, I clocked Carl immediately and every time the camera angle widened I was trying (in vain) to see where Greg might be!

[@SBod43]

Must Say, Really Put A Smile On My Face......Fantastic Stuff....

[@gegiomorby915]

If Oscar only know the sad destiny thys young Keith will have. If you are pianist you can see his different posture of his arms. Distonia is already attacking him, Palmer and Lale confirmed that. I'm suffering mildly of distonia and I can see how he has to compromise with his body. At the end of his life he can "play "only with the first 2 fingers. RIP genius.Thanks for the video.

[@jamesrmore]

I've very glad for modern keys with much lighter action but retaining all the expression. I'm classically trained but playing the acoustic piano can be very wearing on the hands, wrists and arms, especially in Keith's style. I'm 67 now and still like playing acoustic occasionally but mainly Dual synth setup. Stay healthy.

[@Gottenhimfella]

I noticed that too. I had not hitherto seen any clips from this period. No wonder Tarkus was the high water mark of his performing career. He must have realised it was all downhill for his right hand.

[@microsherpa]

two geniuses face to face... how great! 💙💙💙

[@patrickcrowther9195]

I saw Oscar Peterson at the Royal Festival Hall in 1986. Great show but his piano didn’t turn upside down.

[@massimilianocontato248]

...both very impressive and unforgettable!

[@gmartin474]

WOW, SIMPLY WOW!!! THIS IS GREAT!!!

[@dougdrazga4461]

Wow, this is great. Different styles and backgrounds, but the respect is there. The clarinetist was damn good too.

[@RobKandell]

Interesting that when you see Kieth and Carl in the same shot, their involuntary motions (that all us musicians use to feel the time) are in near perfect sync.

[@memory-nownow-anticipation7087]

Yep- your point illustrates that the piano is also a percussive instrument.

[@johntomasik1555]

Carl Palmer with the glasses got me going. Had me scratching my head thinking, well he sounds like Palmer....and he looks like Palmer, but never knew or heard Palmer wears glasses. Then I read the video info. Really sad Emerson's gone. Hate to say I can kinda understand why....he was so amazing, and to have that taken from you, that'd be devastating. There's no doubt how much of an influence ELPs music was to the music world.

[@DavidJohnson-mc1yu]

Damn that man plays well!! and Keith also.

[@joemachunda]

With Emersons antics he was a great showman on top of being a great pianist. That bass fiddle is superb!

[@s0undchaser1]

THANK YOU STEVE!!!!

[@rb891]

Saw ELP several times in late 60s/early 70s. The leaping about over the organ, and stabbing the keyboard was great showmanship, but the highlight was when the other two left the stage and he did a solo 30 minutes at the grand piano where he segued through a huge range of styles of keyboard music. Never seenanyone else do anything like it.

[@mjtgough]

Never seen the whole thing before, thank you! Store this in a safe in a vault in a vacuum so it'll last forever.

[@ytpremium7649]

Never knew Keith Emerson was this spectacular

[@Mach1Airspace]

Simply amazing talent. The whole band was superb. Thank you for the great upload.

[@deancarter9210]

The interesting thing to me is that Keith has obviously put the tacks on the hammers (on a grand piano!) to create a genuine reproduction of the Johnny Guanieri-Will Bradley recording of the tune, which is essentially what 'honky-tonk' piano means--so Peterson's inevitably going to sound much smoother!

[@garyji]

Fascinating bit of history. I got into Emerson's first band, The Nice, back in college in '69 or '70. Found them original and engaging. Very fulfilling to hear Keith's thoughtful responses, revealing a depth of musical roots and players. Blew my mind when he mentioned Cecil Taylor, who was about as out there, avant garde as you could get. Thanks for posting.

[@chrishenson4450]

"It's an original composition somewhat inspired by yourself."

[@zedcharlie]

I remember this being broadcast. Still at school and into elp but not yet jazz. Remember loving oscar playing on tv

[@dibber43]

RIP Keith Emerson🙏

[@martynpearson6900]

Plus Carl Palmer on drums. Fab fab fab.