Through his work with The Nice, and Emerson, Lake & Palmer, as well as solo efforts, keyboardist Keith Emerson is considered one of the true legends of prog rock.
Now, his work is being celebrated with a career-spanning 20-CD box set. Titled, Variations, it was released on October 13, 2023, via Spirit of Unicorn Music.
Born on November 2, 1944, and considered one of the greatest keyboard players of all time, the deep dive into the creative life of Emerson is divided into five parts, beginning with his early years in The Nice, and Emerson, Lake & Palmer. The collection then moves on to Emerson’s solo albums, his soundtracks, and collaborations. Ultimately ending with a set of live performances that present his breathtaking keyboard skills to full effect. The collection contains a previously unreleased 2004 show by the Keith Emerson Trio from the New York City club B.B. King’s.
The collection has been curated with the full involvement and blessing of the Emerson family. Aaron Emerson, Keith’s son, said “It is with great excitement that we can share all of Dad’s great work, expanding throughout his long career. I hope it gives you as much joy as it has done for all of us.”
The 20 CDs are presented in a special 10 x 10-inch box, accompanied by sleeve notes written by Jerry Ewing, editor of Prog Magazine. Also included is a 48-page book containing many never-before-seen photos taken directly from the Emerson family archive. The complete tracklist is available here.
