Sights and Sounds: Keith Emerson remembered; Paul McCartney to tour; George Harrison-minded Fender electric guitar

Keith Emerson, left and Greg Lake. Photo: Neal Preston

The music community continues to mourn another rock 'n' roll legend. Just days after everyone reflected on the life of producer-composer George Martin, we learned that Emerson, Lake and Palmer (ELP) keyboardist Keith Emerson had died. He was only 71.

"I am deeply saddened to learn of the passing of my good friend and brother-in-music, Keith Emerson. Keith was a gentle soul whose love for music and passion for his performance as a keyboard player will remain unmatched for many years to come. He was a pioneer and an innovator whose musical genius touched all of us in the worlds of rock, classical and jazz.  I  will always remember his warm smile, good sense of humor, compelling showmanship, and dedication to his musical craft. I am very lucky to have known him and to have made the music we did, together. Rest in peace, Keith."

Carl Palmer

March 11, 2016

"To all ELP friends and fans all over the world, I would like to express my deep sadness upon hearing this tragic news. As you know Keith and I spent many of the best years of our lives together and to witness his life coming to an end in the way that it has is painful, both to myself and to all who knew him. 

As sad and tragic as Keith’s death is, I would not want this to be the lasting memory people take away with them. What I will always remember about Keith Emerson was his remarkable talent as a musician and composer and his gift and passion to entertain. Music was his life and despite some of the difficulties he encountered I am sure that the music he created will live on forever.

My deepest condolences go to Keith’s family. 

May he now be at peace."

Greg Lake

London - March 12, 2016

Sir Paul McCartney has announced he is embarking on a new tour, titled One On One. Check out writer George A. Paul's post on his Music Minded site for all the details, including announced tour dates and more information. You can view the post here.

While we are on the subject of former members of the Fab Four, Fender has announced the production of the George Harrison Tribute Rosewood Telecaster. Here is the media release:

Fender Custom Shop Announces

The George Harrison Tribute Rosewood Telecaster®

2016

Preserving the Legacy of George Harrison Through One of the Most Famous Guitars in Music History

Fender pays homage to what is arguably the most famous Telecaster in musical history, George Harrison’s Rosewood Telecaster, with a limited-run series of 100 guitars. Created with and fully supported by the Harrison family, Master Builder Paul Waller was given access to George’s original guitar from 1968 to examine, disassemble and reverse engineer for a truly accurate recreation. 

This was a challenging process since the original guitar, given away by George to Delaney Bramlett, had gone through a series of modifications over the years.  Through a meticulous process, Fender was able to create the guitar as it was in its glory days, before any of these changes were made.

George Harrison performing on the Abbey Road
Studios rooftop.

Documenting every detail step by step, Master Builder Paul Waller was able to re-create this guitar the right way – even closely matching the tight grain of the rosewood that was in the original. Each of these tribute models is as close as humanly possible to the guitar that George Harrison recorded the album Let It Be with, and played during the band’s final performance on the Abbey Road Studios rooftop.

The George Harrison Tribute Rosewood Telecaster features a very light version of the Custom Shop’s “Closet Classic” finish, to approximate the condition it would be in if someone had used it for a single recording session, and to play a single concert. The Harrison family felt that this would be the most genuine way to honor George, his fans and collectors.