Steel Guitar 'Epitaph' - in memory of Greg Lake

Jim Cohen · Post by **Jim Cohen** » 8 Dec 2016 8:22 pm

As mentioned in another thread, Greg Lake passed away today. He was very well-known for his massive contributions to Emerson, Lake & Palmer and, before that, to King Crimson.

I knew his work mainly from King Crimson, one of the very first 'Prog Rock' bands to emerge. I recall seeing them one time, when they opened for Joe Cocker in New York. (I'd never heard of them before but they were very impressive indeed.)

When I recorded my British Rock album, "Home, James" in 2006, I wanted to include one track from Crimson, and selected the ultra-moody "Epitaph" to close out the album.

Here is my version of "Epitaph", offered in memory of Greg Lake, on the day of his untimely passing at age 69, with thanks and appreciation:

https://soundcloud.com/jim-cohen/epitaph-king-crimson

Lee Warren · Post by **Lee Warren** » 8 Dec 2016 8:35 pm

Nicely done, Jim, and a fitting tribute.
I was a big fan of KC and ELP too.
Was that ebow during the section at around 4:00?
Lee

Jim Cohen · Post by **Jim Cohen** » 8 Dec 2016 8:37 pm

Thanks, Lee. Yes, it's an ebow.

Rich Upright · Post by **Rich Upright** » 8 Dec 2016 8:38 pm

Jim; That was AWESOME! I have a 6 way surround with sub & EQ on my PC, and I just loosened a little plaster in my house listening to that! I thought i was the only steel player that is an ELP & Greg lake freak, but your version of Epitaph was just unbelieveable! Greg used to do "Epitaph" accapella right after "Battlefield" when they did "Tarkus" live. Have seen them 17 times. He was a world-class talent.

Jim Cohen · Post by **Jim Cohen** » 8 Dec 2016 8:52 pm

Thank you, Rich. You have the perfect equipment for listening to this track (not to mention to ELP and KC!)

You're right, Lake was a huge talent. He will be missed.

Mike Perlowin RIP · Post by **Mike Perlowin RIP** » 8 Dec 2016 9:57 pm

Jim, that's absolutely gorgeous. You've shown once again, both what a great player you are, and just how beautiful and versatile the steel can be when played by a master.

Donna Dodd · Post by **Donna Dodd** » 9 Dec 2016 6:24 pm

That's beautiful, Jim! I also listened to Just Walk Away Renee/As Tears Go By. Also, very, very nice!!! You know Tommy and I are BIG FANS of yours!!!

Jim Cohen · Post by **Jim Cohen** » 9 Dec 2016 8:06 pm

Thank you Mike, and Donna. I enjoyed catching up with Tommy by phone earlier today. Hope you are doing well.

Skip Edwards · Post by **Skip Edwards** » 11 Dec 2016 1:24 pm

Very, very nice, Jim...

Chris Boyd · Post by **Chris Boyd** » 11 Dec 2016 1:40 pm

Wow...gorgeous playing and a great arrangement... always loved KC and ELP.. thanks Jim !

Godfrey Arthur · Post by **Godfrey Arthur** » 12 Dec 2016 2:47 pm

Dang.. Godspeed Greg. Back to the beginning...

Nice emotion on the tribute track Jim..I like the high pitched cry towards the end..

Rich Peterson · Post by **Rich Peterson** » 15 Dec 2016 9:52 am

A great tribute to Greg Lake. The steel guitar is so powerful for conveying a melody. Especially in your hands. Beautiful.

Rick Bernauer · Post by **Rick Bernauer** » 15 Dec 2016 5:06 pm

That was fantastic! Great job and a fine tribute to Greg Lake. King Crimson forever. I liked it so much I bought your album. I'm really impressed by the production and playing.

Carl Williams · Post by **Carl Williams** » 17 Dec 2016 3:39 am

Hauntingly beautiful Jim...a very thoughtful tribute to a very talented musician. Carl

Joel Martin · Post by **Joel Martin** » 19 Dec 2016 11:24 am

JIM!!!!!!! That's SO AWESOME!!!! I'm sad it took his passing for me to hear this.
What a beautiful version and tribute. I had no idea you were a Crimson fan!!

Jim Cohen · Post by **Jim Cohen** » 19 Dec 2016 7:59 pm

Thank you all for your kind remarks. Much of the credit goes to my late collaborator, Dan Kleiman, who played everything that wasn't a steel guitar on that track. He was a musical genius and he set the stage so beautifully for me to lay down the steel part. The whole Philadelphia music community misses Dan.