Soaring, joyful progressive rock

Yes, this is easily the most uplifting, joyful prog rock concert I have had the privilege to watch on DVD. Here are a group of mature, brilliant musicians enjoying what they do in the intimate venue of Shepherd's Bush Empire, London. And the packed crowd laps up every moment that lasts for over three hours. This is no cold, clinical performance but rather a warm evening of smiles of musos and interaction of the crowd. 

Neal Morse sings with his usual passion with nods and shouts of encouragement as Mike Portnoy flays away with a flurry of cross sticking. Watching the interaction between Transatlantic is worth the price of DVD alone. Pete Trewavas on fat bass (plus harmony vocals), stands next to the drums, and not only feels the pulse of the bass drum, but throughout the show turns to face Portnoy during intricate passages. Listen to Trewavas's full, rich bass tone particularly on "All of Above". Guest, David Gildenlow, sings, fills in on keyboards, jumps and power chords his way adding to the enthusiasm, while Roine Stolt, seems serene on the most intricate guitar riff. The great camera work catches all these interesting glances, action and band spontaneity. (No artistic flourishes, intrusive fades or flash camera work - but rather good, clear, crisp footage.) 


The concerts begins with the 78 minute opus 'The Whirlwind". From soaring melodic guitar lines to full throttle band with organ, keyboards, overdriven guitar and harmony vocals, this contains both light more acoustic sections to dark almost prog metal interludes. Overall this is accessible music with everything from styles of Yes, Kansas to Grateful Dead jamming and Crosby, Stills and Young harmonising by everyone in the band. 


Although everyone contributes to the composition, Morse seems to have had the biggest influence and certainly the lyrics are his. From the excellent 'interview' and 'Behind the scenes' extras on the second disc, Morse explains how it was Portnoy who saw all the separate compositions and gave musical direction for them to be moulded into one piece. Likewise Portnoy is enthusiastic about the emotion and general message of the Whirlwind and says he doesn't think they are explicit 'Christian' lyrics in his answer to the reporter. They may not be explicit yet they are a resounding declaration that points to seeking the giver of life. As a taster read the following key sentences from the lengthy 12 part Whirlwind lyrics.


"And I know that we are more than dust and ashes
And one day we will know what we have known"


"There's a reason you're here, this is not by chance
When the giver of life is asking you to DANCE!"


We're on trip in a foreign land
Reach for home, where the kingdom stands
There is the key he has given you, search it out
All who seek will find the truth!


Certainly this amalgam of soaring prog rock is a stirring and appropriate vehicle for these words. Ironically Neal Morse and material like this is not known in the Christian market. Irrespective of your spiritual perspective, this DVD is primarily a body of great music. If you already listen to the likes of Dream Theater, Spocks Beard, Pink Floyd and Kansas - you'll love this. But this is as accessible to those who don't normally listen to prog rock. If you like light rock or watching musicians play, this will be a fascinating experience that will grow on you and introduce you to a new genre.


It is worth mentioning that if you are not familiar with the guitaring of Roine Stolt, then you are in for a treat (his singing is also beautifully distinctive). The melodic lead lines are more in keeping with a David Gilmour, Kerry Livgren or Brian May approach than of the Satriani or Petrucci intensity. Although this is no ways as heavy as a Dream Theater concert, this is still a Portnoy extravaganza as he shouts and conducts the crowd while completing the drum fill with his right hand (you won't be disappointed)! This concert happily seems to go on forever, which for lovers of this music is a good thing. This is simply Epic, with a capital 'E'. 


PS: I really like the transparent hard plastic packaging of the DVD case. Definitely watch the behind the scenes of the tour as there are great excerpts from most of their concerts including many surprises. Look out for what they do and sing on Mike Portnoy's birthday. I'll try not give away too many surprises but from surfing to singing 'Smoke on the water' these guys were having fun!

A musical triumph - a rock opera Christian testimony

Testimony is a complex, powerful rock opera of violin, viola, saxophone and pedal steel guitar, intermingled with fiery Fender guitar rock, Latin-tinged acoustic guitar, classical flute, tight vocal harmonies over no-holds bar drumming. I try in words to capture just the first 45 minutes of Neal Morse's Testimony live concert. This is heartfelt, passionate rock - with every genre from progressive to pop intermingled in this amazing 2003 live performance - the testimony of Morse's journey into the light. 

It has been 5 years since I bought this DVD. This is a concert to behold and each time I go back and listen my spirit is lifted - there is something deeply attractive about this rock opera - it's a combination of the powerful music motifs and the emotionally rendered personal message of spiritual revelation sung by the multi-talented, composer, singer, keyboardist guitarist - Neal Morse. 

Actual running time is 255 minutes of a riveting performance of eight musicians. Most of them, other than Morse and Portnoy, I had never heard before - but that just indicates how many multi-talented unknown professional musicians are out there. Eric Brenton was particularly impressive and takes a pivotal role as lead guitarist, violinist, flautist, pedal steel guitarist and then throw in some mandolin as well! 

All the musicians seem engrossed with the music and the fun element is palpable - these guys enjoyed themselves. It is infectious watching, so much so that we have a break out of dancing during the hoe-down with an incredible Morse acoustic chicken-picking guitar battle with Breton on violin. Yes, I forgot, in "Sing it high" there is even a blue-grass section like a Dixie Dregs workout except Morse also intertwines country tight vocal harmonies as well. Yes, the Christian message is strong, and Neal's life story comes across very clearly with his unaffected, annunciated vocal style that is influenced more by the Beatles, Beach Boy approach than anything from this century. For some the lyrics will attract and I realise from reading reviews on Amazon that also repels some. An observation is that Mike Portnoy (Dream Theater), the monster drummer that sets the stage alight and drives much of the musical excitement in this concert, is obviously attracted enough to the music to play with his usual enthusiasm and intensity - irrespective of the message.

I think all Christians who have a bent towards contemporary music will find this DVD strongly resonates with them. It's a powerful musical message that tells all our stories in a way - even if this is Neal's personal story. You are missing out if you haven't heard Neal Morse's work. Clearly he has taken over the mantle of Kerry Livgren in keeping the message of the eternal alive in progressive rock .

Some of this strangely reminds me of the musical `Les Miserables'(a rock version perhaps) in that there is a story over repeating musical motifs that echo through this entire concert. Indeed there are three Overtures that begin the five parts. The wonderful variety means that when the story and quieter interludes just begin to lengthen you are jolted into the next part with intense instrumental pieces - this is never impromptu jamming but tightly structured. The breaks and accapella vocal harmonies that cut through frenzied playing is spine tingling - and when they move into "The storm before the calm" with the repeat prog motif from Overture No.1 you feel like cheering yourself. It is during this central prog motif that Portnoy is finally unleashed to play some of his most memorable ensemble playing. Even Neal is visibly excited as he bends over his keyboard to allow an unobstructed view of Portnoy's tom-tom theatrics that propels this repeating prog motif to a crescendo. Wow! 

Stylistically there are echoes of Kansas, Dregs, Pink Floyd, Yes, Beatles and Beach boys! A real musical blend but with an unmistakable melodic Morse stamp. The concert begins and closes with Morse singing alone just with acoustic guitar and then finally piano - his connection with the audience direct and engaging. This is a powerful and moving concert. 

Some DVD comments - unfortunately this is only available in stereo. I'd love to have heard this in DTS! Fortunately this is still a rich, well recorded concert; drums and percussion subtleties all coming through so you can still differentiate between the multi-keyboard, strings and guitars and splash cymbal. Camera work is above average and the overhead camera on the drums is something I wish we saw more often. There are no intrusive artistic fades instead an appropriate mix of wide shots of the entire stage cutting to close ups of musicians as they play key breaks or to visually highlight aspects of the performance. 

PS: And then there is disc two - where they come back on stage for a three track lengthy heavier 54 minute encore with Transatlantic tracks "We all need some light", "The light" and "Stranger in your soul". 


5 stars for great value, 5 stars as a musical statement and for excitement. The lack of 5.1 or DTS sound unfortunately prevents a 5 out of 5. It is still in my top 5 favourite concert DVDs.

"Crossroads" 20 year anniversary

I heard Eric Marienthal play live in Auckland in September 2009. I was expecting to hear a professional, experienced saxophonist - what I heard was so much more. His playing was both articulate and fluid with a range that I couldn't quite believe for an alto sax...and moreover what a humble, personable musician. Backed by the Rodger Fox big band, the evening was my big musical surprise of the year. Riveting big band charts - I think at least two from the Gordon Goodwin's Big Phat Band. An amazing evening and exemplary display of sax mastery.

What's this got to do with a review of Crossroads some 20 years before? Well quite honestly for many years I had dismissed Eric Marienthal as the smooth jazz influence that had weakened Chick's Elektric Band offerings. The disastrous "Light years" album was such a disappointment after their debut album that I gave up on Chick for a while. 

The first inklings that I had that Eric was far more than the musician on many commercial smooth jazz recordings was when first watching him on the Chick Corea Elektric Band Live in Montreux 2004 DVD. Wow, no soprano noodling at all but hard bebop lines to support the tracks 'C.T.A', 'Got a match', 'Spain' and 'Blue Miles'. This time it was the noodling of Gambale's guitar that seemed to interfere and Eric was masterful.

So there is a dilemma - who is the real Eric? I like to think after hearing Eric live that it's when he is playing live that the real Eric is heard. Yes, he always has a sweet tone, but live he rips it up and is adventurous. On the 20th anniversary of 'Crossroads' I can happily say that this album still sounds fresh and impeccably well-recorded...and that Eric blows away the cobwebs of most of his other solo albums. Why then does this studio album sound live? Simply because the musos played it live in front of each other when recording and the spontaneity shines though.

It does help that the best musicians in the world were there to play along with Eric. What an incredible lineup. John Patitucci is producer and the bassist through out. This is a drummers album of note - as has been pointed out by other reviewers; if you are partial to flat-out fusion drumming - then try and get a copy of 'Crossroads'. Terri Lyne Carrington is monstrous on the first track and plays like I'd imagine Weckl might have on a good day! Six of the ten tracks are played by the drum master Vinnie Colaiuta, who gets many opportunities to play out and even solo. Weckl plays on a track and Terri closes out. Keyboardists are the prolific Russell Ferrante and Chick Corea on three tracks. With three Ferrante compositions and one from Chick himself, no wonder this sounds like a mixture of an aggressive Yellowjackets and Elektric band album.

Yes, there are ballads and some pretty melodies but all eventually romping away to inventive, exciting compositions with wonderful playing by all. If you haven't heard Eric hit the high notes, the big notes and the adventurous lines, then this is the album to get.

Infectious Kiwi funk "Lt Funk"

The vibey, retro funkalicious debut album, 'The Neon Groove' has finally been released from 'Lt Funk', a young 8-piece Auckland band. Take a bit of James Brown, sprinkle with some sassy horns, stir up with some South Auckland hot contemporary vocals plus the biggest shot of the most infectious guitar groove and you'll know what to expect.

The music is grounded and organic - 'Lt Funk' play all their stuff and use little studio gimmickry. From the opening Afro-Kiwi horn lines and tight vocal harmonies over a bed of chunky rhythm guitar you know this is going to be good. Have a listen to the Amazon preview of Contagious.The lyrics says, 'Your smile is so contagious' but I reckon this is a description of these addictive 9 tunes which certainly puts a smile on my face. This is party weekend, holiday, ride down the motorway on the way to Raglan music!

I rate Kandy as the most infectious pop-funk tune I've heard in a long time. I just wonder when TVNZ is going to come 'pick me up'? This flows into the laid back chill-out groove of 'Frequency' which probably is the most radio friendly although give me the first two tracks any day to party down.

"Feelings" has a well recorded punchy bass over a spacey organ and horn backdrop and of course the relentless beat which never fades as "Kick it" takes over with some hilarious (or sad?) lyrics talking of the old school RSA crowd. This segues into the final 'Neon Groove' and the beat goes on into the night...

Why does this click as an album? Simple - strong melodies, great strong vocals, a tight horn trio throughout, a rock solid rhythm section plus some of the funkiest tasteful guitaring and that neon groove!

A lively production and independent recording - well done guys on a great Kiwi debut that is indeed infectious.



Available for download on itunes and Amazon, the CD disc package can be ordered from their functional but funky cool website where you can checkout their videos and photos.

Happy birthday, Mr Keaggy

Happy Birthday, Mr Keaggy! Today I won a competition because of you. There was a question on New Zealand's Radio Rhema and  I guessed who the guitar legend was who was turning 59. Radio Rhema wished you Happy Birthday - we're a day ahead of you in the USA. (Pity they didn't send me "Mystery Highway").

Phil Keaggy's "Sergeant Pepper" album

Sixteen years have passed since I first published a version of this review. Listening to it again (for the umpteenth time) I am still convinced that "Crimson and Blue" is Keaggy's tour de force, his "Sergeant Pepper" album. If you are a musician and particularly a classic rock guitarist who has heard about this talented muso, this album is a great place to start.




Yes, there are other great instrumental albums of his, both electric and acoustic, that are worth listening to, but all fall short of this album. It's here you hear him interact with a great band, hear him sing covers, play long engaging solos and most of all, show unbridled joy. Phil plays with bravado. Much credit must go to producer, Lynn Nichols, Phil's friend and fellow musician of years past. From what I have read, Phil said that Lynn pushed him to the limit of his singing and playing ability. The production is superb, the recording bright and detailed and for 70 minutes plus, one is caught up in the joy and vitality of a band in full flight.

Indeed, this captures a band playing with the fervour of a garage jam or live concert. (How I wish I could have seen the tour supporting this!) In many ways this album, like one of the song titles, is a "Reunion of friends". Drummer John Sferra met Phil in the 8th grade. They played together in Glass Harp. Now Sferra holds all together magnificently. His drumming is probably more responsible for the cohesiveness and consistency of the 60s and 70s rock style than anything else. Wade Janes locks solid on bass while Phil Madeira, another friend of long standing, fills the soundstage with his Hammond B-3 organ. Against this bluesy backdrop we come to the maestro. Whether he is deftly playing Beatlesque licks that would make Harrison smile, or whether he is rocking the house down, this is exciting stuff!

From the opening strident rock anthem, when Phil shouts, "All creation shows the glory of the Lord", this album slowly builds with intensity. One hears many musical influences, with three Beatle-like tracks ("Everywhere I look", "Love divine" and "Reunion of friends") which are almost too close to Beatle originals for comfort, to tones that remind one of Clapton in his Cream days. Yet Phil adds his own flavour as again and again his honest lyrics reflect his heart. You cannot separate his musicianship from his faith. The final four tracks continue to lift to the crescendo that breaks loose in the penultimate track, "Doin' Nothin'". This eight minute rock boogie always satisfies my longing to hear Phil rip up the fretboard. Together with the Clapton inflected "Don't pass me by", these are about the heaviest you'll hear Keaggy play on a studio album of his. ("Doin' Nothin" is available as an MP3 single from Amazon - have a listen!) Doin' Nothin' (Album Version)


The final track is a masterful blues ballad as Jimi may have played. Phil focuses the album on the source of his joy and wholeness, his saviour. With this track there is an emotional depth that communicates lyrically and musically; the notes shimmer and echo the redemptive message. Listening again after all these years, this is still his "tour de force" album.  


PS: For a recent studio album, read one of the most enjoyable and exuberant PK reviews I've read, by blogger Kirk Jordan on "Mystery Highway", Phil and Randy Stonehill's collaborative effort.

Jeff Beck, guitar maestro - DVD review

Finally I have my own copy of this DVD and I was pleasantly surprised that this historic performance at the intimate Ronnie Scotts easily beats their amazing concert in Auckland. (I saw Jeff Beck (Link to excellent video on Drummerworld which shows an excerpt from this DVD), Vinnie Colaiuta , Tal Wilkenfeld and Dave Sancious rip through one of the most amazing one and half hours of spell-binding music when they played in Auckland at the end of their Australasian tour (3 February 2009). They pretty much covered all the songs on the Ronnie Scott set list although omitting `Space Boogie' and including I think a Tony Williams "Lifetime" track, that Tal seemed to lead.) Yet the DVD is even better because of three reasons:

1. The DVD allows you so close that you can see every action of Beck's playing (which even with binoculars I couldn't quite see at the concert)
2. There is greater variety in this concert in comparison with their tour as here there is the addition of soulful singing of guest artists. Joss Stone with 'People get ready', Imogen Heap with 'Blanket' and the driving 'Rollin'and Tumblin'' which provides opportunity for Becko to show his support and bluesy side.
3. This DVD records the historic magic of two blues songs sung and played by Eric Clapton and Becko...with Jimmy Page watching in the audience. Wow!

If you have only heard Jeff Beck then a live performance or this DVD, is a must. I had never seen Jeff Beck play before so was astounded to watch his unique style of brushing the strings with his thumb, caressing the whammy and combined with volume swells producing those tones that only he can do. As you'll see, he doesn't use a pick at all.

This is unique in that as far as I am aware this is the first full DVD concert of the drumming maestro, Vinnie Colaiuta (other than specialized Drumming festival DVDs). This intense rock fusion catalogue of Beck's is brilliant with its varied time signatures from reggae to poly-rhythm frenzy to showcase Vinnie's talents - but always within the context of the song and the music. Next to the diminutive figure of Jeff and Tal, Vinnie is a tall man and his enthusiasm, smiles and outright mastery capture and add to all the Richard Bailey, Simon Phillips and Terry Bozzio fills that we know from albums like `Blow by Blow', `Wired', 'Guitar shop' and the rest of the Beck catalogue. To hear Vinnie live is great - watching is an overwhelming marvel.

My only criticism of this DVD is that in the first few songs including 'Stratus', the camera work misses most of Vinnie's great fills. This is most frustrating and often the camera panned onto a watching Jeff or the face of a smiling Tal while missing sublime drumming. Fortunately this concert has a enough opportunity to see Vinnie at other times but generally the small venue meant that there are never great views of the drum kit. Fortunately this does not apply to the clear camera work on Jeff's fretboard.

Seeing the young Tal on bass melodically groove with these musos all at least 30 years older than her is a salute to the longevity of the music that we have come to know as rock fusion. There is a sense of togetherness and fun as they all interact and watch each other. Jason Rebello is literally out of the picture for the first quarter of the concert but later takes a more prominent role and takes a number of great solos.

As usual Eagle Vision have exemplary production qualities and the sound, 5.1 and DTS, is magnificent.

Jeff, doesn't speak much other than to thank guest artists and the audience at the end. He just plays his heart out. Hammering, tapping, wrenching and bending strings, Jeff shows how far he has explored where his contemporaries of that generation have never ventured. This best value DVD is an historic showcase that salutes the master guitarist in top form still playing as if there are no tomorrows. 

"Twelve Thousand Miles" Brilliant Pipes and Drums from New Zealand

Listening to this CD gave me chills that I remember experiencing when back in the early 70’s as a boy I first heard my father’s Invergordon Distillery’s Pipe Band record and again much later when listening to Simon Fraser University Pipe Band “Live at Carnegie Hall”. Those were benchmark recordings in a completely different league to your standard regimental pipes and drum material. Well so is this new album.

What sets “Twelve Thousand Miles” apart is that there is something so musical and fresh about this listening experience, yet in no way moving away from the long tradition of strathspeys, reels and jigs. So many aspects of this musical creation exude excellence. There are many striking and exciting new compositions, like the moving “Poyntzfield” with its majestic harmonies written by Pipe Major Stewart McKenzie to the experimental yet spiritual, ”Yesus” pipe arrangement by Timothy Cummings based on an Ethiopian folk hymn. Indeed Cummings, a Vermont based Celtic composer musician, seems to have his creative stamp all over this album with multiple arrangements being his.

Another aspect that significantly adds to a listener’s appreciation is the dark, evocative CD cover artwork and detailed booklet with notes and music explanations for each of the album’s 16 tracks. The booklet also tells the story of twelve thousand miles and the way the band plays tribute to the legacy of family and the Scottish heritage in New Zealand. Indeed the whole album resonates with this story.

Within the scope of contemporary pipes and drums this album has superb variety that includes the beautiful “Breton”, stunning solo piping from Easton, the small pipes of Omundsen and a haunting air by Roach, juxtaposed with the band in full flight on intense tracks like ”The Bandit” and “Full Spectrum”. Like their previous album, “The Calling” this also features the careful use of additional subtle instrumentation on three tracks that adds without distracting from the precise classical pipe tradition.

No doubt having Murray Blair again as producer has helped this rich, strong recording. Blair’s extensive experience recording bagpipes in Scotland, including Field Marshal Montgomery Pipe Band, shows abundantly on this CD. You turn up the volume high in your lounge and the balance of crisp snares, tenor drums and bass have the realistic tonal reverberance but never encroaching on the powerful sound force of the pipes. This is an exemplary pipe band studio recording and deserves wider recognition. In music circles, New Zealanders talk about Neil Finn, Hayley Westernra, John Psathas, Nathan Haines and Alan Broadbent. Manawatu Scottish Society Pipe Band deserve to be recognized for their unique contribution to the broad spectrum of music from these islands. They have recorded a stunning and most musical pipes and drums album that stands with the best in the world.

Remedy Club Tour Edition (CD+DVD): A remedy for worship stagnation

Catchy melodies, simple yet profound lyrics, edgy pop- rock worship. The David Crowder Band is so like the UK band delirious? in that their songs are intrinsically who they are. These are not songs for the studio but are fresh anthems for today. These songs slip in undetected and in the morning you awake declaring that the King is here.
The 5.1 and DTS sound on the DVD is arguably a more engaging listening experience than the studio version as most of the material is written for crowd participation. When the crowd exuberantly sings the refrain `La, la, la, la,` that excitement that this is more than just a concert is sensed each time you watch. New York (where this was filmed) is singing for the great King. There are a number of times where this occurs and you are drawn into that experience either singing along with the lyric subtitles (chords included!) or just being undone as you cry out with the violin interlude of `You are my joy'.

This is a perfect hits package of most of the DCB's music. Music that repeats phrases followed by lyrics that too are deliberately repetitive but always for effect with a delightful twist that is poetic in style (unlike the repetition of a 90s church chorus not knowing where to end!)

What great value to have the experience of seeing DCB play live in your living room and then to take the CD with you for car play. Having seen this band live at the Parachute Festival (January '09 New Zealand) I was hungry for more. This package was just what I needed. If you have woken up a little late to this fresh wave of raw worship that is shouted out with Texan artistic flair - get this DVD and laugh with David and his honest, endearing and unbelievably melodic ways.

Brecker Big Band magic "Some Skunk Funk" DVD review

I have always had a weakness for powerful rock and fusion concerts - I'm talking everything from Dream Theater, Tribal Tech to Chick Corea and Mike Stern. Big bands have never really featured as my favourite cup of tea. Yes, I have a few big band albums but generally wouldn't go out of my way to purchase new albums. This hopefully puts into context my next statement: "Some Skunk Funk" Live at Leverkusener Jazztage is the best live DVD I have in my 50 plus DVD concert collection. I know why I play this DVD again and again. The musicianship is outstanding, the compositions stirring and exciting, the recording brilliant - both visuals and audio.


Wow, this is better than what I'd ever have imagined. This kicks serious DTS system butt. Play this loudly and experience the glory of a big band in full flight. The all enveloping sound of the WDR Big Band (Cologne - Germany) conducted by Vince Mendoza has a world class reputation but when combined with the legends, Randy and Michael Brecker - then you know you are in for a joyous ride.


This concert won the Grammy Award 2007 for Best Large Jazz ensemble album and Best Instrumental solo. The concert was an 11 November 2003 celebration for Randy Brecker's music (although he uses mainly compositions from the Brecker Brothers songbook both early and reunion years). Randy has longtime friends Will Lee on bass, Jim Beard on piano and Peter Erskine on drums.


At first I was disappointed that dear brother Michael didn't play on every track - but this allows for an anticipation when he does join in. I must admit that I still get emotional when I see the brothers play with such synchronicity. Michael's passing has left a huge vaccuum so to hear him here playing at the peak of his career ripping into "Some Skunk Funk" and the finale "Song for Barry" is breath taking. I can only hope that there are still other stellar recordings of Michael playing live that are still to be released. If not, then this is also an historic recording.


There is so much to like about this DVD. The film editing is superb as the camera pans perfectly to catch an Erskine fill, or to see Mr Long thumb Lee popping and jumping on bass. These guys were sure energetic and enthusiastic that night! Randy commands on trumpet and grows stronger as the night progresses. I loved his exploratory solos that showed an edginess inspite of the pressure of the occasion. He humbly allows his brother to join in the limelight and the result is an incredible perfomance that finishes much too soon (70 precious minutes of sublime concert power).


My highest recommendation.

"Kansas" My first live album that got me excited about music in the 70's

"Two for the Show" remastered is now the definitive Kansas album to get. Yes, it's live but this is the essence of the band. Six great musicians who were so much more together live on stage. What passion, musicality, power and emotion. This has everything from the hits like "Dust in the wind" and "Carry on wayward son" to progressive epics that show what six people interchanging from double keyboards to double guitar attack with soaring violin and harmony vocals can do. Their emotional epics are more melodically classical than any of their European prog counterparts of that time, and they certainly knew how to rock harder.


In 1978 this was an outstanding live record and 30 plus years later it not only has stood the test of time but is MUCH better. This edition has another 11 live remastered tracks added on a second CD. These are no fillers - these are phenomenal tracks that I can't believe were excluded initially.


Have a look at my customer image that shows the inner sleeve of the new cool digipak plus a picture from the great booklet. This is no rerelease just to increase income - no, this is part of their legacy, an extended creative effort that offers so much more than the double LP and single CD version of the 90s.


Wow, the 11 new tracks - a whole added album of 75 minutes. These tracks seem to breathe more than the first CD. By that I mean there seems more spacious musical introductions and exploration. Clearly this is why they couldn't be included initially on an already double LP record.


The opening track of the 'new' material, "Hopelessly human" contains all the elements that instantly let you know this is the mighty Kansas in full flight. Long orchestrations of interwoven musical motifs and changing tempos - from ballad gentle vocals over piano to full pipe organ, monstrous drum fills with melodic lead guitar all finally culminating with anthem like bells. This is hair raising stuff!


The fresh stereo mix makes it easy to hear how wonderfully Rich Williams and Kerry interwined their guitar leads as well as showing the contrasting keyboard sounds from pipe organ to piano of Walsh and Livgren. Listen to the crunch surprise opening start of "Child of innocence" - makes ZZ Top seem tame. Indeed this track is a wonderful example of displaying the strengths of this band as the dual vocals of Steinhardt and Steve Walsh create the tight harmony which includes a falsetto harmony from Walsh,I think, that I've never heard before.


There are many other outstanding tracks including, "Closet Chronicles" and "Miracles out of nowhere". Indeed there is not one filler track here. I bought this album from Amazon last week and have been playing it ever since. (That means my other new purchases - new Dream Theater, SACD Pink Floyd Dark Side of the moon and Yellowjackets have been ejected for a while)


This double live CD will take you on an exciting journey through their first and greatest five albums with more passion and interaction than the studio versions. For faithful Kansas rockers I trust you purchased this long ago, unlike me. If not don't hesitate.