When you’re a supremely talented multi-instrumentalist, writer and producer the legends seek you out. That’s been the case with Robert Berry. Whether it is Steve Howe in GTR or Keith Emerson and Carl Palmer in 3, Berry has been in demand by the best in the business for more than 30 years. Now, three decades after the release of …To The Power of Three, Berry is revisiting that classic band and sharing the last work of the great Keith Emerson with his new project 3.2 The Rules Have Changed.
Please enjoy the Misplaced Straws Conversation with Robert Berry below:
Leading up to 3: Carl & I tried with a few people, Joe Lynn Turner from Rainbow, Don Airey from Ozzy’s band, a bunch of guys to try and start a band and nothing clicked as well as Carl & I did. 3:00
On working with Steve Howe in GTR – He said “Nobody has worked with my material like this since Jon Anderson in Yes, this is fantastic”. 5:30
On Keith’s vision for 3 – He wanted some of that Asia success. Now is the time to get more into songs, AOR meets progressive rock. 6:20
On the impact of 3’s success on his studio business – People said “Oh you worked with Keith Emerson, you must be good!” 6:50
On the reception of 3 – Keith was heavily criticized by the die hard ELP fans. They wanted Keith to only play hard stuff and he took that to heart.8:00
On the single “Talkin’ Bout” – I brought it to Steve Howe, it was actually done by Steve Howe in GTR first. 11:05
On the beginning of 3.2 – Keith listened to the 3 Live in Boston cd…He called me and said “we were really good! it’s like ELP with less structure”. 14:00
Keith said “no one cares anymore” I said “Frontiers cares, you’re Keith Emerson”. 16:00
On Carl Palmer returning – I talked to Carl about it a few times but he is always so busy, he’s playing all the time. Keith & I wanted Simon Philips. 17:30
On continuing the project without Keith – My focus was on doing the best I could to honor what Keith and I had made out in an outline form. 21:10
There is going to be a tour, I’m planning that right now. I’m looking for an insane keyboard player. 23:15
You never know when Carl might say “You did one with Keith why don’t you do one with me!” 24:20
“Powerful Man” video
“Talkin’ Bout” video
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