SCHEMER DREAMER

Phew .! How lucky I am. finally I got the CD version of this memorable album by Steve Walsh. I have been in so far got the cassette format of this album and I want the CD format that I could not get until I found in local CD store. I was very happy purchasing this CD not because of the album is really a masterpiece - not even excellent - but I respect the value of old days music where I purchased this cassette during Idul Fitri holiday (Muslim holiday) in Tulungagung, East Java. I knew when I spun the cassette at the first time that this album was good especially with the unique Steve Walsh voice. Of course it's not a masterpiece album but almost all songs are good ones. The melodic and mellow one "So Many Nights" is a memorable song.

Those who have been familiar with the music of Kansas may find some similarities in style as one of key characteristics of Kansas music is the vocal part and Steve Walsh is the lead vocal of Kansas. It's not very similar with Kansas as it has less progressive movements in its songs in this album. "Schemer-Dream / That's All Right" (5:26) is a straight forward rock music with piano serves as main rhythm section as the vocal unfolds. There is a bit of southern music demonstrated here in upbeat mode. "Get Too Far" (4:32) flows in similar vein as the opening track. The interesting part of this second track is the flute solo and guitar solo. It's stunning and would make a new experience as you might taste something like "Kansas with flute, instead of violin".

"So Many Nights" (4:24) is a nice melodic song with great ambient that comprises soft piano touches overlaid by flute accompanying Steve Walsh mellow vocal line. It moves beautifully with good structure and smooth transition pieces. "You Think You Got It Made" (4:22) brings the music back to upbeat style with nice guitar solo, dynamic transition pieces with piano maneuvers. "Every Step of the Way" (8:36) is the longest in terms of duration and it starts nicely with stunning guitar work followed with piano based vocal line. Again, the guitar solo is stunning. The ending part demonstrates sax work. "Just How It Feels" (3:43) reminds me to mellow side of Kansas music like "Lamplight Symphony" etc. It's nice and cool. "Wait Until Tomorrow" (6:02) is to me the best track for this album as it has solid structure, great melody and distinctive accentuation in terms of music as well as singing style. Piano helps enrich the textures of the music. Steve Morse' guitar work is really inspiring and stunning especially when he maneuvers with great fills in fast tempo during breaks. The beauty of this song lies on its abilities to create music accentuation throughout the song. The guitar solo by Steve Morse is really stunning and it's hard to duplicate.

Overall, this is a very good album by Kansas Lead Vocalist that you should not miss. Keep on proggin' ..!

Peace on earth and mercy mild - GW