Vocal Coach reacts to Emerson, Lake & Palmer - Greg Lake The Sage

[@robertpetre9378]

Beautiful Chord progression and singing from Greg Lake

[@franciscodiaz183]

The unforgettable Greg Lake. Magnificent composer, singer, guitarist and bassist.

[@damirhlobik6488]

God bless Greg

[@LoyalOpposition]

True, but most of those compositions were Keith's except for Greg's best song, "Take a Pebble", but Keith's playing is really innovative.

[@mattiadonolato349]

Only a great soul can create such a beautiful sound ❤️ RIP Greg ❤

[@StephenMarkTurner]

Majestic voice, no vibrato. The song "Take a Pebble" is maybe my favourite for demonstrating his voice. Also "Epitaph" when he was with King Crimson.

[@willieboy3011]

King Crimson. Oh yes. "In the Court of the Crimson King," "In the Wake of Poseiden," "Moon Child" and so many others.

[@Beringtunes]

Glad to see more King Crimson references! Absolutely! He brought elements into rock music not heard before, nor since. And yes, he is greatly missed. One of too many gone far too soon. Thanks again for this, Beth, & for all the great comments it's generated!! Great music does carry on, doesn't it?

[@ronnyskaar3737]

Yes. You are right. No vibrato is so pleasing!

[@nfrick1]

And on Pete Sinfield's Still

[@Kaptain13Gonzo]

Dang, forgot that. I have both ELP and King Crimson on this week and forgot the connection. Damn I'm getting old. His vocals are fantastic.

[@DESERTCYCLI5T]

Every time I watch a Greg Lake performance I have to wipe away tears. I love playing (working on) his music. RIP

[@MarioMelançon-o5s]

The greatest, purest vocal of rock, prog rock....R.I.P. Greg Lake...

[@tonypeake467]

100%

[@jlkoenig4377]

tears and chills. One of the all time great and unique voices. RIP Greg

[@johnhmaloney]

Greg Lake is one of my all time favorite vocalists. His tone was just perfect.

[@ruthylopez]

His acoustic guitar work is also perfect.

[@johnhmaloney]

@@ruthylopez He was a grreat guitarist and I think an even better bassist. They way he kept up with Emerson on Karn Evil 9 is mindblowing.

[@tonypeake467]

Supreme in the Prog Rock genre IMHO

[@jonmccormick602]

Greg Lake was not just a phenomenal vocalist and musician, he was a lovely human being. His autobiography “Lucky Man” (of course!!) is well worth a read. Thanks for the appreciation of a truly missed musical giant.

[@JurgenStrauss-ow2ge]

Lucky Man is not an autobiography - He wrote this , when he was 12 years old !!!

[@jonmccormick602]

@@JurgenStrauss-ow2ge You have misunderstood me. Lucky Man (the song) was indeed written when Greg was 12. However, his autobiography, published in June 2017, was similarly titled and I was making reference to the fact that it was apt that he should use the song title as the title for his autobiography.

[@lizschneider3195]

​@@jonmccormick602the book was a very good read.

[@pedroV2003]

Greg did have a wonderful voice. It seems to me that he always paid a lot of attention to the dynamics and that creates interest.

[@lifelover515]

I've loved Greg's voice ever since his days with King Crimson, singing Pete Sinfield's eloquent lyrics. Very little vibrato, and he has such unique tone, you always know it's him. No slouch on guitar either, needless to say, with a fine sense of sound dynamics. RIP Greg, you are missed, and thanks for a fine choice once again, Beth.

[@kratino]

I don't understand why people say "he's no slouch. . ." on whatever. He played guitar for 8 years before he played bass with The Gods, not even knowing how. When he went to King Crimson, Michael Giles, the incredible drummer, stopped him and said, "What are you doing?" Greg knew how to play the bass, but he didn't really know how to PLAY THE BASS until Giles taught him how to work with a drummer. From then on, he was off to the races. He was a fabulous acoustic and lead guitar player. I know it's a figure of speech, but can't we just say he excelled as a vocalist, instrumentalist, songwriter, lyricist, and producer?

[@lifelover515]

@@kratino Fair comment and informative too - I wasn't aware of Greg's instrumental development. I share your opinion of Michael Giles's drumming, especially on 'Court', not to mention Ian McDonald's exquisite reed work. I guess we all have our pet peeves when it comes to figures of speech. A couple of mine are 'legendary' and 'iconic', applicable in some cases but much overused. How can someone be legendary if their whole career is well documented? Cheers and thanks.

[@kratino]

@@lifelover515 I never thought about the use of "legendary"! Great point! Here's another one: I guarantee somewhere in the comments someone said Greg was "underrated." That is the word I see all the time in comments sections. I think people mean not enough people are aware of the artist's skill, but when you've sold 48 million records as a band and more as a solo artist (at a time in history when there was no such thing as MTV or Spotify or a "viral" video to get heard), how can you be underrated? When ELP were in their prime, they were traveling the world, selling out stadiums, Madison Square Garden for multiple nights, and the like. I love that reactors are bringing this band's work to the attention of the 40-and-under population and helping those of us who know and love their work relive our own initial reactions.

[@dickschlitz1360]

I tell u what …the guy…say what u will…was no slouch on the guitar…by any means

[@ericanderson8886]

For me top three male prog voices are Greg Lake, Justin Hayward and Jon Anderson. For the females Annie Haslam is in a catagory of her own.

[@spmccord]

Amen on Annie.

[@allensaunders449]

Depends on what you mean by prog. Steve Walsh from Kansas. There are more then 3 for sure

[@michaelhogan6770]

Beth needs to do an Annie song.

[@wallacecallow2255]

@@michaelhogan6770 I suggested some Renaissance to her a while back. She undoubtably has a ton of stuff to go through. She did react to Loreena Mckennitt.

Also Peter Hammill from Van Der Graaf Generator and Richard Sinclair from Caravan / Camel / Hatfield and the North

[@edteller5821]

Greg Lake was phenomenal. He could literally sing and chew gum at the same time. I saw ELP perform back in 1973 or 74 and they were amazing (and loud…my ears rang for a week afterwards).

[@tonypeake467]

So jealous that you have seen them live.

[@JessGulbranson]

He could also dodge knives while continuing to play. One of the best concerts I've ever seen.

[@gregoryeverett9811]

I saw them in Atlanta on their Works tour in 1978.They played for about 3 1/2 hours with a break in the middle. Phnominal! And my ears rang for a while asd well.

[@jonmccormick602]

@@tonypeake467 there’s not much going for you if you’re closer to 70 than 60…..but seeing ELP live at their very best (1973 for me) makes up for that😁

[@wardka]

Yes, I saw them on their Brain Salad Surgery tour. I'm pretty sure it was the loudest concert I ever attended -- and I've been to Black Sabbath and The Who!

[@zacamanny]

The inimitable Greg Lake. Beautiful piece masterfully performed.

[@steve83333]

If you don't love Greg Lake, you don't love pure music.

[@rael2099]

Greg had the most powerful voice in prog, distinctive. A real troubadour. You need to listen more of him, if not everything he sang on, and specially his King Crimson debut. He was a portentous balladeer, he could've made a huge career out of that wonderful sense of romance he had but strangely, he didnt. You wont be disappointed!

[@felipecampos3045]

There is something magical about this song

[@johnprice6066]

Greg Lake is so criminally underrated...

[@MrDino1953]

Bullshit cliché statement made on almost every KZbin video about bands or singers. Greg Lake is very well-known, highly rated.

[@wombocosmic]

Yes, you have right, but he is (was) as a singer one of the best too

[@Kooky_Duzzfutz]

What was his rating?

[@davidp.5598]

Not by me!

[@javierg7118]

The answer is very simple John , because ELP music is not for anybody, is only for FINE HEARING SENSITIVITY PEOPLE. This song could transport you to another dimension , like when watching your woman before kissing her. That's more than I can say about this gem.

[@darkaether2798]

“From the Beginning” is another amazing demonstration of Greg’s vocals and acoustic guitar skills. Also, more as a group thing, “Pirates” is another fantastic track.

[@jonathanroberts8981]

Heard a request on New York radio from a ship heading out on a Transatlantic voyage to hear “Pirates” before they were out of range.

[@sandyboudreaux-barber9586]

This performance highlights the magnificent voice and guitar work by Greg Lake. He was amazing.

[@thefacultyoffunk]

Beautiful song. Very underrated and underrepresented.

[@gliebzeit]

"The feeling of royalty and medieval times." Oh, you hit the nail on the head as to how this performance hits me. Thanks, Beth, for your wonderful reaction video! For yourself, have a go at another of Greg Lake's songs 'Take A Pebble'. It is a wild ride - with a great show of his vocal talent!

[@psimonchess]

A Masterpiece

[@paulewhite]

Incredible song. Just a great artist, his voice and his guitar and a masterpiece.

[@timhiker5512]

One of my favorite voices for 40 years.

[@MellowWind]

Greg. Devastatingly beautiful musician.

[@2ndHandSoul91]

His virtuoso guitar playing, rich vocals, and thoughtful songwriting... Greg Lake was a master who deserved more accolades

[@erickvermeulen9734]

Greg Lake is really a bard here. I played the vinyl album of Pictures at an Exhibition many times in the day, and this was a highlight. The voice and the beautiful arpeggios. Love it

[@CuzKatieSaysSo]

And he was so gorgeous too. I've been in love with his voice since the 70's. ❤

[@davidmckenzie420]

Best voice...in the best group...

[@keepgrindingup7661]

What a tremendous choice and what a showcase for that great voice and phenomenal guitar work

[@steeleye2112]

That voice and the playing. Then you remember his main role in ELP was as a bassist. Bloody hell.

[@paulm749]

Indeed. But then you listen to his bass playing on Karn Evil 9 and you can understand why he got that assignment. Just a fantastic musician.

[@rossbrowning5201]

Tarkus is also a great example of his great bass playing..unheralded bass virtuoso..​@@paulm749

[@yabby6550]

Thanks for reminding how touching and beautiful this is. Pictures at Exhibition is one of my all time favourites regardless of the performance's music style.

[@kratino]

What you're saying about the flute-like quality is why Lake is said to have had a choirboy's voice. He did. He could. But he was a musician of great versatility, as were his bandmates. The range of genres and styles this band covered was unmatched. They could be upbeat, frenetic, dark, dirty, tender, romantic, silly, scandalous, traditional, or cutting-edge. They did instrumental adaptations of many classical and modern pieces. The rabbit hole is deep and winding and full of thrills and shocks. If you keep listening, you'll find that reference.

[@edljnehan2811]

Awesome and extremely well put baby cakers❤ as a 53-year fan of this group I don't think I have ever heard it better put😊 you speak intelligently knowledgeable and from the heart when you describe ELP. That's why I enjoy reading your comments about my favorite group. So many people that don't understand them seemed to take pleasure in putting them down or comparing them and inferior to yes and Genesis which is really the other way around. The Only singer that comes close to Greg Lake is a female by the name of Annie Haslam😊 peace salutation love and respect❤ from Ed the e l p head😅

[@mauriciosimoesdealmeidabot5641]

Proof that ELP was the greatest concentration of talents since the Beatles: the biggest keyboard player, the biggest drummer and the best singer in rock

[@timhalley6987]

I really don't understand why they are so underappreciated. Long my favorite prog rock band. Thank you!

[@brianrussell6570]

they are underappreciated now...not when they were touring and releasing albums

[@nectarinedreams7208]

The music press hated them at the time and has (largely successfully) tried to erase them from history. It's sad because all they were trying to do is entertain people, and made some pretty good music doing it. They weren't nearly as pretentious or self-serious as critics made out, imo.

[@sergiobrunetti2072]

because they stopped considering the guitar as the main instrument in rock music

[@rossbrowning5201]

​@Tessmage_Tesserablew Deep Purple off the stage and I love Deep Purple. .

[@randytellez2451]

Greg was an exponentially under heralded music artist for his all around talent through the years. His performances are treasures.

[@quentinmichel7581]

Greg is the reason ELP became my #1 band from 1970 through to today. I loved his voice and bass playing from the first time I heard it when my then 15yr old self bought the first King Crimson album in 1968. When I heard he was leaving KC and forming an unusual keyboard-centric power trio I followed him and have never regretted it since. Thanks to ELP I also developed an appreciation for jazz, and especially Classical.. due to their adaptations of Bartok, Ginestera, Mussorgsky, and others. Though not entirely exclusively, they were the music of my life.

[@tonypeake467]

You never disappoint Beth. I'm so glad you've elected to react to Greg Lake. In fact I was going to request you look at his singing of "Pirates" in the last few days. Obviously I don't understand voice like you do, but to my ears Greg has the purest ever voice in the prog rock genre. Unashamed fan of Lake and ELP from Australia. I wish I had seen them live. Thanks again Beth.

[@Ajonr]

Greg Lake - what a voice, so unappreciated.

[@thomask0043]

Why unappreciated? This song was played about 50 years ago and ELP filled huge concert halls back then. No worries! His voice still sends shivers down our spines 50 yrs later ;-)

[@MsLamotta]

Greg Lake had to be one of the best singers ever!!! For me anyway! I adored his voice. I was a huge fan of ELP. I hv most of their records. They were all brilliant. I was crushed when Greg died. I’m glad she appreciates his voice. Younger ppl today hv no idea what they r missing not listening to him.

[@alyneorleans5018]

My heart. Gone seven years today. Rest in peace, sweet minstrel. 🖤

[@chadbennett7873]

If you are wise enough to try King Crimson (Greg's earlier band) - Epitath & In the Court of the Crimson King are two beautifully sung pieces which you would appreciate.

[@TimGibson-qp8tn]

Totally agree. His vocals on those two songs are among his best - and the entire album is must listening for any exploration of prog roots.

[@stefanomaccheo]

I would love it if she did Epitaph or In The Wake of Poseidon (weighs balanced on the scaaaaaaleessssssss), but I think it will never happen as unfortunately King Crimson are notorious blockers.

[@chadbennett7873]

@@stefanomaccheo Well, Robert is. He's just a disagreeable pr*ck.

[@chadbennett7873]

@@TimGibson-qp8tn Absolutely ... iis considered, by many or most, as the first progressive rock album. I consider it the dawn of Prog.

[@shunnache]

The vocal isolated version of Epitaph is amazing.

[@dianaspy6733]

Incredible! Try him singing Still You Turn Me On! He chews gum at the same time! 🎉❤. RIP Greg Lake!

[@sustayne]

Wow. I never , ever dreamed anyone would react to this piece. So well- done, so very unexpected. A million thanks.

[@nitrokid]

There's something about Greg Lake's acoustic guitar play. It's just...mwach! *chef's kiss*

[@bobkessler937]

If you want to fully explore Greg Lake's range, check out the studio track "Trilogy" from the album of the same name. He sings in great ballad style over Emersons wonderful piano work when it opens, then rocks out later in the track. When the holidays roll around check out "Father Christmas." Saw them quite a few times in the 70s when they were at the height of their power. Great shows by phenomenal musicians.

[@nikolajkrarup-os9gn]

This song touch my heart so deep. Amazing. I have listened to it hundred of times.

[@MDElam]

Greg Lake was the first rock vocalist that made me think singing mattered a lot in rock music. Don't get me wrong: I love singers like Roger Daltrey, Robert Plant, etc., but Greg Lake, to me, was a higher level. "Still, You turn Me On" and "From the Beginning" are other great examples of his ballad singing, while "Karn Evil 9" is probably the top of his conventional rock vocals. I'm so excited you reacted to this: Thank you so much!!!

[@winterlane2247]

Higher level Yes

[@JurgenStrauss-ow2ge]

For me he has the best male singing voice ever ! My 2nd live concert ever was ELP in 1971 ! And I love this voice since then .

[@carlfogelin1388]

Greg Lake has a great voice. Another ELP song with singing you might consider is "From the Beginning"

[@tonypeake467]

I would add 'Pirates' to that. Powerful vocal performance by Greg

[@surfpsych]

Or "Take a Pebble."

[@merlin5476]

From the beginning is a very special tune to me, i picked it for my brothers funeral in 2020, we were both E.L.P. fans.

[@MarkDavidBlack]

Beth, thank you so much for introducing me to this song. I love it.

[@MrMjp58]

I loved Greg’s vocals on the first KC album and all of ELP’s stuff. He had a rather deep, rich tone, but could do really good higher notes as well, back in the early 70’s. Keith’s autobiography suggests that Greg didn’t look after his wonderful voice all that well, do warm ups, exercises etc, to maintain its fine quality in later life.

[@charlesmarkley220]

To write this is one thing, to sing this another. To be the creator and the performer is profound.😊

[@patcow9999]

Beautiful reaction Beth, to a beautiful song. What a talent he was, an integral part of a genuine super group. I love his songs on his side of Works 1. Probably my favourite Greg Lake song apart from this is From the Beginning. Well worth a review!

[@zin5650]

Why can't we have this these days..so very missed

[@Tawny6702]

This is the very best of English musical talent….lost but impossibly not forgotten!

[@gregm6652]

It is *so* cute to watch someone discover what blew the rest of us away fifty years ago. Yeah, those three (ELP) were unique in their approach and sound. Great stuff, fun to watch someone young discover it. Lake and Jon Anderson, no one could touch either of those two for just pure stratospheric vocal command. Oh, and Lake and Chris Squire were roommates at one point, trivia fact.

[@willieboy3011]

I was a teenager then. I turned on ELP and King Crimson before I turned on to other popular substances then. "Lucky Man," "Take a Pebble," and "From the Beginning" all showcase his voice. So glad you did ELP.

[@catzkeet4860]

A beautiful performance from a beautiful man with a beautiful voice..... perfection

[@jonrichardson8461]

Good to get a sense of how Lake sang with the group as well. Eg longer numbers like Take a Pebble, Karn Evil, Pirates. Lucky Man.

[@Felipe_dcj]

This song is so special. I imagine it touches our souls with that pureness Beth says.

[@Letha-AnnCooper]

Absolutely love Greg Lake!!!

[@joelcampbell1491]

Great voice

[@richards2920]

Greg Lake also has the annual Christmas Song "I Believe in Father Christmas" in his repertoire

[@bigrobbie1843]

+1

[@LANPartyAnimal]

You can get more of his vocal in King Crimson "Court of the Crimson King". Also more of his 'folk' vocals with ELP doing "Still You Turn Me On" and "From The Beginning". Also, also, "I Believe in Father Christmas".

[@flogginga_dead_horse4022]

His voice is also immediately recognizable.

[@armandofente8774]

Greg Lake had the most beautiful voice in rock.

[@stephaniethurmer5370]

Try Jon Anderson of Yes and Annie Haslam from Renaissance. You will appreciate both of them and Annie was classically trained.

[@robbdopke8670]

Celestine by Annie ❤️

[@Beachgirl1]

Annie is criminally underrated.

[@stephaniethurmer5370]

@@Beachgirl1 I think the whole band is, especially the late Jon Camp on bass and vocals.

[@Beachgirl1]

@@stephaniethurmer5370 Spot on.

[@robbdopke8670]

Check Greg out as he aged and became more baritone. Affairs of the Heart is one you’d like. Check his solo performance of Lucky Man live with the story behind it. His video on the J-200 not only talks about his love of the guitar but some history of the sound of ELP and King Crimson.

[@dannyboy366]

RIP Greg.

[@manwithumbrella]

Brilliant songwriter, vocalist, AND guitarist, overlooked and under appreciated to be sure.

[@tonypeake467]

Was Lake under appreciated as a vocalist. Who by ?

[@manwithumbrella]

@@tonypeake467 By people who weren't/aren't fans. Whenever there is talk of great singers, Lake is never mentioned.

[@Beringtunes]

Unfortunately there's truth to that. But we're talking & appreciating now, aren't we? Spread the word! This music isn't outmoded or "old," any more than any classical music is. But it ISN'T promoted much any more. That IS a shame. Beth, THANK YOU for doing just that! This very discussion that YOU'VE started... IS Important. Kudos to you & your excellent taste in music! Cheers!❤😊

[@Ds74-pmrq]

"Sitting in a royal court." That's a very good analogy ! Court of the Crimson King . Take a Peddle and Still You Turn Me On also have that quality

[@robbuckley4923]

Listen to “Pirates”. Wonderful soaring vocals that tell a fantastic story.

[@andrea-v2s]

great singer and imo best voice in rock ever

[@birgitrehse2133]

Not to mention that Greg played this song in different versions while live-performances, especially the classic part. And he also was a great composer and important member of ELP.

[@sandyboudreaux-barber9586]

If you were ever lucky enough to see ELP live, you would always love Greg Lake

[@lvlooper5768]

Finally, someone reacting to Greg Lakes vocals!

[@Joe-wo7rg]

Greg had a very smooth and rich voice.

[@TimGibson-qp8tn]

Greg Lake was a great musician and vocalist and ELP was a great band. Don't know if it's true but some folks claim that El Paso (Texas) saw increased traffic in those years because ELP fans wanted to get the luggage tags with the "ELP" airport designation on it. Wouldn't surprise me a bit.

[@tsw5746]

Thanks Beth for listening to Greg Lake - one of rock's greatest vocalists. Singing and playing guitar quite beautifully here, with nowhere to hide in this gorgeous solo spot. Might I suggest you try ELP's live version of Pirates at the Montreal Olympic Stadium - his best vocal performance, imo. I was lucky enough to see them as long ago as 1972, again in '74, 1992 and their final performance in 2010. All three were among the very best on their respective instruments (sadly, only Palmer is still with us, still playing with undiminished skill and enthusiasm). Emerson was the greatest rock keyboard player ever, and remains unsurpassed - and Lake was not only an outstanding singer, but an excellent bassist and guitarist as well. Still my favourite band.

[@penelopehornswaggle102]

TAKE A PEBBLE IS AWESOME. The live version from zurich 1970 is awesome.

[@torccchaser6712]

Great review....................More ELP reviews

[@rodneygriffin7666]

Thank you 🇬🇧 for giving us so much beautiful music! ♥️ From 🇺🇸. You are Legends!

[@stpnwlf9]

The flamenco element really stands out in the bridge between verses. It is very reminiscent of Rodrigo's pieces, which ELP would later adapt for one of their albums.

[@chrissilverhand1]

For me the greatest voice in the history of progressive rock. R.I.P. Greg.

[@edljnehan2811]

Pretty much even with Annie Haslam from Renaissance😊

[@adamelliott18]

Great reaction to a great singer! ❤

[@NelsonMontana1234]

A magical performance. Perfect in every way. And people actually listening. Imagine that.

[@claudioruffinicastiglione4434]

Greg Lake irraggiungibile poeta e cantante, la migliore voce prog insieme a quella di Jon Anderson

[@tonybaker55]

We all wanted to play and sing like Greg.

[@richardtaylor6187]

Beautiful voice, great band!!!

[@moonrich3492]

I love how mortals offer opinions of gods.

[@BobSiefken]

Side 2 of ELP - Works Volume 1 is one my favorite things in the world.

[@CatDaddySteve]

For a guy with no vibrato ,and a modest range he has so much soul & depth. His lyrics are otherworldly

[@les6186]

Beth i stumbled across this clip and can't thank you emough!!!! I listened to this album, karn evil 9 and welcome back relentlessly and id forgotten the strength and beauty of this particular song. It blows the dust off one's soul, and did me a lot of good this heavy day. I'd recommend you listen to In the Court of the Crimson King, as others have in these comments. Arriving on the scene in 1969 it was certainly a catalyst for everything prog that followed. i would also say check out Keith Emersons solo piano piece Prelude to a Hope as almost a companion piece to the Sage in its beauty, restraint and sheer musical talent.

[@GraveFireflys]

Thanks Beth, another favorite band from my youth. I was hoping someone would react to them, cheers.

[@michaelvaladez6570]

I saw ELP..on their second American tour and i was amazed by there musical virtuosity..stunningly performance, showmanship. When Greg Lake sang this piece his voice was crystal clear as well as his guitar so clear and precise. A concert i will not forget ! May him and Kieth Emerson rest in peace 🙏 !!!!

[@deniserb4754]

So much love in this piece. Thanks for your music, Greg Lake. RIP, Brother.

[@johanjarvinen]

I still hold his best work is from King Crimson's debut album, In The Court of the Crimson King. Epitaph is one of the greatest songs ever written.

[@ledorzejean-etienne3747]

To me what's perfect is that there s a lot of contrast and sincerity. Not like all the supposed "incredible" voices we are sold today