The twelve-inch single (often written as 12-inch or 12″) is a type of vinyl record with wider groove spacing and shorter playing time with a “single” or a few related sound tracks on each surface. This allows for louder levels to be cut on the disc, which in turn gives a wider dynamic range, better sound quality, commonly used in disco and dance music for DJs in clubs.
Emerson, Lake & Powell was a short-lived but significant iteration of the legendary progressive rock group Emerson, Lake & Palmer (ELP). Formed in 1985, this spin-off band consisted of Keith Emerson (keyboards), Greg Lake (bass, guitar, vocals), and Cozy Powell[1] (drums), replacing Carl Palmer from the original ELP lineup.
Their eponymous album, “Emerson, Lake & Powell,” was released in 1986, marking their sole studio album. The album showcased the virtuosic talents of its members, blending elements of rock, classical, and jazz into a cohesive sound that echoed the signature style of ELP. Tracks like “Touch and Go” and “The Score” exemplify the band’s intricate compositions
and intricate instrumental interplay. Greg Lake’s distinctive vocals, Keith Emerson’s dazzling keyboard wizardry, and Cozy Powell’s powerhouse drumming combined to create a dynamic and compelling musical experience. Despite the album’s critical acclaim and commercial success, Emerson, Lake & Powell’s tenure was short-lived.
Internal conflicts and scheduling conflicts with Emerson and Palmer’s commitments to their respective projects ultimately led to the dissolution of the band after a brief tour in 1986. The British 12″ single for “Touch and Go” included “Learning to Fly”, both taken from their album. Also in included is the unreleased instrumental version of
“The Locomotion” (4:40) written by Gerry Goffin and Carole King. Lake composed the lyrics on both “Touch and Go” and “Learning to Fly” while Emerson provided the music. The main synthesizer part of “Touch and Go” is based on the English folk tune “Lovely Joan” and adapted by Emerson. The 12″ was released in Britian on Polydor Records, catalog number POSPX 804 in 1986.
Touch and Go written by Greg Lake and Keith Emerson
Man in the street, no time to sleep
No time for nothing no Patek Phillippe
Pedal to the metal Blow by Blow
You're runnin' with the devil it's touch and go
They're leaving you nothing nowhere to go
Just put you in the corner like an old banjo
The strings are breaking but you can't say no
You're runnin' with the devil it's touch and go
Systematic one man show
You're caught up in the middle where the four winds blow
No salvation 20 below
You're runnin' with the devil it's touch and go
All systems go friend of foe
It's all dependin' on the dice you throw
Come without a warning like a U.F.O.
You're runnin' with the devil it's touch and go
You see this woman on a TV show
She's drippin' in diamonds from head to toe
They make you believe it's the status quo
You're runnin' with the devil it's touch and go
All systems go friend or foe
It's all dependin' on the dice you throw
Come without a warning like a U.F.O.
You're runnin' with the devil it's touch and go
Footnotes
- Cozy Powell (1947-1998) was a highly acclaimed drummer known for his versatile style and powerful performances across various musical genres. Born Colin Trevor Flooks in England, Powell began his professional career in the late 1960s, playing with bands like The Sorcerers and Big Bertha before gaining widespread recognition as the drummer for Jeff Beck in the mid-1970s. He further solidified his reputation through collaborations with artists such as Rainbow, Whitesnake, and Black Sabbath, contributing to iconic albums like Rainbow’s “Rising” and Whitesnake’s “Slide It In.” Powell’s distinctive drumming style, characterized by precision, speed, and a thunderous sound, made him a sought-after session musician and earned him a devoted following among fans of hard rock and heavy metal. Tragically, Powell’s life was cut short in a car accident in 1998, leaving behind a legacy of influential recordings and a lasting impact on the world of rock music. [Back]
Further Reading
Sources
- “Emerson, Lake & Palmer Biography.” AllMusic, accessed April 2024, http://www.allmusic.com/artist/emerson-lake-palmer-mn0000144263/biography.
- Wikipedia “Emerson, Lake & Powell (album)” https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Emerson,_Lake_&_Powell_(album)
- “Cozy Powell Biography.” AllMusic, accessed April 2024, http://www.allmusic.com/artist/cozy-powell-mn0000771907/biography.
- “Cozy Powell.” Classic Rock Drummers, accessed April 2024, http://www.classicrockdrummers.com/cozy-powell.html.
