Customer Reviews

Anthology: Do Ya Wanna Play, Carl?

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Although Carl Palmer and his progressive rock contemporaries are regularly derided by critics, very few people would question their technical ability and passion for the music. Passion is what comes across most on this 2 cd set covering the 35 year career of one of the rock era's greatest drummers. Whether you are an Emerson, Lake and Palmer fan, or simply a student of great drumming, this anthology will have something for you. From the diverse, richly textured strains of the 22 minute "Concerto for Percussion" to the exhuberant, kinetic fun of his performance of "Shawnee" with the Buddy Rich Orchestra, Carl delivers excitement, professionalism and passion. The collection features each era of Palmer's career - early recordings, Atomic Rooster, ELP, PM, Asia, and various collaborations with other great musicians. Only the PM cuts fall woefully flat, although Asia has also dated very poorly. All in all, however, an outstanding representation of almost 4 decades of dedication, hard work and quality. Heck, if he's good enough to play with Buddy Rich, who are we to argue?

For the past 30 years Carl Palmer has proven himself to be one of the most versatile drummers in rock history.Throughout his career,particularly his tenure in ELP,he has demonstrated his extraordinary ability to play jazz, classical or mainstream rock.This collection exemplifies this even further.It is a nice historical overview of Palmer's recordings with artists such as Asia,PM,Mike Oldfield and of couse ELP and solo recordings.Also included are his earliest efforts with The Craig and The Chants,groups he recorded with during his teenage years.The first disc is comprised of ELP instrumentals such as "Fanfare...","Toccatta" and solo works recorded during the group's "Works" sessions.Amongst these are "The Enemy God","Bullfrog","Tank" and the "Concerto for Percussion",which is released for the first time.The second disc contains his work with the others listed above along with Atomic Rooster,3 and the highlight of the anthology,"Shawnee" with the Buddy Rich Orchestra.The anthology's title comes from when Buddy called him to the bandstand.The humorous banter that takes place before the song starts is priceless.The accompanying booklet has informative liner notes, comments from Carl and some great photos.This is a fabulous collection to have .

The first CD of this anthology with the title "Do ya wanna play, Carl?" includes intrumental tracks of ELP from the seventies - especially the Concerto for percussion. It should be published on the legendary '77 ELP Album "Works Volume 1". A concert for percussion intruments and orchestra in 4 movements (23 minutes long). Really good stuff - similar to the style of Emerson's Piano Concerto No. 1.

The 2nd CD of the Anthology includes further tracks of Palmer's carriere. A lot of different styles - from Mod Rock (The Craig, 1966), Pop (PM), Progressiv Rock (Mike Oldfield, Three, Qango) to Jazz (Buddy Rich Orchestra).

The Carl Palmer Anthology includes many rare tracks - tracks with a lot of power and a lot of fun - performed by one of the best drummers Rock Music has ever seen.

Any true ELP fan will have to have this AWESOME CD to add to their collection. Carl shows why he is the world's greatest percussionist today. His Concerto is truly magnificent. His playing with the Buddy Rich band is a highlight of the CD. Yes, you've heard alot of the material already, but it is well worth the money. Enjoy the CD-- Carl's diversity is incredible!!!!

Well I can not give the maximum rate, despite of the splendid concert for percussion and orchestra, plus - at the end of the 2nd disc - a very pretty session with Buddy Rich as well, because unfortunately this anthology contains some commercial material you can skip: besides the old recordings are very weak (They are not remastered) and moreover the presence of some classic tracks by Asia isn't useful here. But finally this historical document gives the perfect idea of the character Carl Palmer, as a musician (one of the finest british drummers and percussionists off all time),but also the description of Carl as a common man, with a great sense of humour (listen to his splendid performance with B. Rich). As for these reasons this double CD, apart from a few stupid tracks, is recommended (not for the ELP Fans only)

This is utter utter utter. Brilliant, entertaining, pick an adjective, it's about time the world had a collection of master percussionist's performances in one set. The title says it all for my initial reaction, and then, I discover he's been touring with his own band..! I guess having kids makes you a little single-minded.

The disc has a superior survey of his music, and I agree with its organization on the whole. I might have preferred deeper cuts on his non-ELP projects, but it's understandable. His live performances deserve a follow-up CD, if only to bring his improvisational talents to a wider audience in the new millennium.

I suppose the ultimate endorsement of the disc and drummer is made by Buddy Rich himself. Putting it in perspective, if Charlie Parker or Miles Davis or Dave Brubeck were to step aside to let someone else sit in, that's the highest validation of your talent and accomplishments possible. Thoroughly recommended for ELP fans, percussion fans, and anyone who is into Rich, Blakely, Roach, or other percussion-oriented jazz bands.

-C