As two-thirds of the pioneer progressive rock trio Emerson, Lake And Palmer, keyboardist Emerson and guitarist / singer Lake have seen all the special effects the genre was known for. Heck, they even came up with a few of their own, as demonstrated when the group played the first Cal Jam in 1974. Airing on ABC, Emerson seated at his piano while floating above the stage was one of the highlights of the event.

Emerson and Lake are going on tour in April, but don’t expect all the flash and sizzle of past ELP shows. Instead, the musicians will present an intimate “unplugged” show, where they will talk about their music, reveal the stories behind the songs and even present new arrangements of their classic tunes.

Now, don’t get us wrong. We love all the flash, sizzle and pomp prog rock was known for and we’re looking forward to Emerson, Lake and Palmer’s reunion gig at the High Voltage Festival this summer in the United Kingdom. But it’s not every day you get to see two ELP members up close and personal.

The tour, called “An Intimate Evening With Keith Emerson and Greg Lake featuring the music of Emerson Lake And Palmer, King Crimson and The Nice,” begins April 1 in Cleveland at the Lakewood Civic Auditorium. The duo also plays Glenside, Pa., at the Keswick Theatre April 2; Ridgefield, Conn., at the Ridefield Play House April 3; Alexandria, Va., at The Birchmere April 6; New York City at the Nokia Theatre Times Square April 8 and Westbury, N.Y., at the Capital One Bank Theatre at Westbury April 9.

More dates are expected to be announced shortly. For more information, click here for Greg Lake’s Web site and here for Keith Emerson’s Web home.