Kansas (With Special Guests Ambrosia)
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Syria Mosque, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
PRRP018 - MAYHEM SYMPHONY
Remastered Pre-FM Broadcast Recording, Excellent quality
Available in both Lossless (FLAC) and Mp3 (320 kbps) versions
Here is a classic '70's band that I have not featured yet, the American progressive rock band Kansas. Kansas got its initial start around 1970 when two rival bands from Topeka, Kansas (Saratoga and White Clover) joined forces to become Kansas. But after much upheaval, turnover, and lack of success in those first couple years, the Kansas we came to know really got going in 1972, with the lineup of Kerry Livgren (guitars, keyboards, synthesizers), Steve Walsh (vocals, keyboards), Robby Steinhardt (vocals, violin, viola, cello), Rich Williams (guitars), Dave Hope (bass), and Phil Ehart (drums, percussion). They received a recording contract from Don Kirschner in 1973 and released their first album (self-titled) in 1974. Their signature sound was a blend of American boogie rock with complex, symphonic arrangements, time changes, and progressive rock flourishes, and marked by the distinctive use of Steinhardt's violin as a rockin' instrument. With extensive touring and their progressive style, they built a strong cult following, that grew with each subsequent album (Song For America and Masque, both 1975). But it was with their 4th album, Leftoverture (1976), and the hit single 'Carry On Wayward Son', that they would achieve mainstream commercial success, with the album going multi-platinum and reaching the top 5 on the US albums chart. They would follow with another even bigger success with Point of Know Return (1977) the following year. These successes were well-deserved, but for many of us (and especially the more prog-oriented fans), it was those early albums and years that were most interesting. Here is a show from when they were right on the cusp of that greater success period. This was in 1976, right after the release of Leftoverture, but before it had achieved its breakthrough status. Thus, they play most of Leftoverture, but also many songs from their previous three albums (some which would not get played very often after this tour). So, this show was at a very critical point for the band, highlighting all their previous songs, but also looking ahead to their future as an in-demand headlining act. This recording, which comes from a Pre-FM broadcast source and has been remastered by the PRRP (Progressive Rock Remasters Project) group also includes an interview with th band, as well as the opening set from another fine US progressive rock band from that time, Ambrosia (included at end of show instead of at beginning on this recording), who had just released their first (very good) album. So that is an additional treat here.
Tracklist:
1.1. Intro (3:46)
1.2. Carry On Wayward Son (5:22)
1.3. Icarus-Borne On Wings Of Steel (5:44)
1.4. Down The Road (3:29)
1.5. Good Evening Introduction (1:28)
1.6. Mysteries And Mayhem/ (4:12)
1.7. Lamplight Symphony/ (2:30)
1.8. The Wall (4:49)
1.9. Introduction (1:38)
1.10. Lonely Wind (6:55)
1.11. What's On My Mind (3:33)
1.12. Miracles Out Of Nowhere (6:44)
1.13. Guitar Solo (3:24)
1.14. Child Of Innocence (4:30)
1.15. Introduction (1:07)
1.16. Keyboard Improv/ Drum Solo/Magnum Opus (13:44)
2.1. Song For America (9:45)
2.2. Violin Solo (4:07)
2.3. Cheyenne Anthem (Ending) (3:32)
2.4. Belexes (4:45)
Bonus Track
2.5. Interview with Band Members (7:21)
The Opening Act: Ambrosia
2.6 Make Us All Aware (6:30)
2.7. Can't Let A Women (6:38)
2.8. Holdin' On To Yesterday (6:12)
2.9 I Wanna Know (7:45)
2.10. World Leave Me Alone (4:33)
KANSAS
Steve Walsh –Lead Vocals, Keyboards
Kerry Livgren – Guitars, Keyboards
Rich Williams –Lead Guitars
Dave Hope –Bass Guitars
Phil Ehart–Drums & Percussion
