The Best (K.Emerson, J. Walsh, J. Entwhistle, J.Baxter, S.Phillips) - 1990-09-26 - Yokahama, Japan

The Best
(Keith Emerson, John Entwhistle, Joe Walsh, Jeff "Skunk" Baxter, and Simon Phillips)
September 26, 1990
Yokohama Arena,
Yokohama, Japan
Soundboard (from TV broadcast), Very Good Quality
mp3 @ 320 kbps

OK, here is a really intriguing oddity. Now, I know that most of the so-called 'supergoup' incarnations don't last very long, or don't live up to expectations, but here is one that came and went and I never even heard anything about them. This show was a shock to me when I came across it recently, as I had no idea such a union ever occurred. This was of interest because it was such an unusual mixture of talent and styles, Keith Emerson and Joe Walsh in the same band, with Skunk Baxter and John Entwhistle? A musical clash fusing early Steely Dan with ELP, The Who, and the Eagles? Wow, all bands I really like, so this looked very intriguing, but a seemingly odd combination of talent. A look at the setlist indicates that they basically played a selection of greatest hits from the bands of each of the members. I read that these were songs selected as the favorites by the rest of the band. And actually, the results are surprisingly good, and well-worth a download and listen.  Fortunately, these are not just mindless covers trying to duplicate the originals, rather the band really seems to take their roles seriously, and contribute some very different and unique versions of the songs, incorporating all the members musical expertise, and stretching out on extended jams. As far as I know, Emerson has never been in a band where his keyboards were not the primary and dominant component. Thus, it is very interesting to hear him in this band with 2 great guitarists, and his contributions on the other's songs (that aren't keyboard-oriented songs). Although on some songs, like 'Life in the Fast Lane' and 'My Wife', it is a bit disconcerting to hear Emerson's constantly moving keyboards in the background, some of his additions are positively breathtaking, such as his skillful piano licks in 'Bodhisattva' and 'Reeling in the Years', or putting everything from the 'Jaws Theme' to classical pieces like 'Night on Bald Mountain' into 'Boris the Spider'. And it is very interesting and exciting to hear Skunk and Walsh combine guitar forces (and different styles) on several songs, like 'My Wife', 'Life in the Fast Lane', 'Too Late the Hero', Reeling in the Years', and especially 'Bodhisattva' (which is probably Steely Dan's best song ever, and this version is truly unique and amazing). We also get other unique offerings throughout, such as epic versions of Emerson's 'Fanfare for the Common Man' and 'America' (complete with extended Entwhistle bass and Walsh guitar solos). It is a bit odd, though, that with all the musical talent here, they didn't bring in anyone who could sing, as they went with an unknown vocalist (Rick Livingstone), who actually does a pretty good job handling the different vocal styles of the various original songs. All in all, this is a very unique and entertaining show for anyone who is a fan of these varied musicians and bands. This was obviously a very short-lived collaboration. I don't know if there was ever any intent for them to do original songs as a band or not, but I'm sure that would have been quite unique, also. In actuality, I don't know if this band ever played anything more than these few shows in Japan. It would appear that this show, recorded for broadcast on Japanese TV is the only musical document that exists for this strange and unique 'supergroup'. But, I am so glad that I did get to hear these unique song versions by 'The Best'. And I hope you like them, too. I got this from TonyR over at the G101 forum, so thanks for making this unique show available Tony! If anyone knows anything more about this band, please let me know. Did they ever do any shows in the U.S. or Europe? or did they just implode after these Japan shows? Regardless, check 'em out, the once-and-only assemblage of monster talent, The Best. 

Tracklist
01. Seven Bridges Road / Life In the Fast Lane
02. My Wife
03. Bodhisattva
04. Fanfare For the Common Man
05. Rikki Don't Lose My Number
06. Simon drum solo
07. Rocky Mountain Way
08. Too Late the Hero
09. America / Look At Us Now
10. Boris the Spider
11. Reelin' In the Years
12. Takin' It To the Streets

John Entwistle - bass
Jeff "Skunk" Baxter - guitar
Joe Walsh - guitar
Keith Emerson - keyboardss
Simon Phillips - drums
with:
Rick Livingstone - vocals
Hamish Richardson - backing vocals
Angus Richardson - backing vocals
Fergus Richardson - backing vocals

New Link! (Updated 02/06/24)
The_Best_-_1990-09-26_-_Yokohama.rar

Lossless version also available here