ERIK NORLANDER AND FRIENDS LIVE IN ST. PETERSBURG

As a fan of Erik Norlander his outstanding keyboard work, I was very curious to this DVD featuring a live gig in St. Petersburg in 2004 (my version has also a bonus CD with a similar tracking list) and a documentary entitled The Road To Russia. You can divide the live concert into three sections.

Section 1: This one contains the first and final part with Erik Norlander & Friends as a trio (bas, drums, keyboards). We can enjoy tasteful and varied symphonic prog, from fluent and bombastic with fat synthesizer flights and a propulsive rhythm-section (Neurosaur) to virtuosic, often sparkling classic piano (Dreamcurrents). The song One Of The Machines delivers spectacular work on the synthesizer, fiery electric guitar and powerful vocals by the bass player in a pleasant slow rhythm.

Section 2: A guitarist enters who makes impression with sensitive play and lots of howling runs. I enjoyed the strong version of Procol Harum their composition A Salty Dog with emotional vocals, great dynamics and subtle synthesizer play as an extra dimension. The track Sky Full Of Stars contains a spacey intro, then howling guitar, wonderful piano and sensational synthesizer sounds. But my highlight is the compelling Mariner, a kind of 'symphonic blues': a slow rhythm with sensitive electric guitar, marvellous violin-Mellotron waves, a bit raw vocals and slow synthesizer runs, GREAT!

Section 3: It's time for Erik Norlander his wife singer Lana Lane who has a warm and inspired presentation and a powerful voice. The music turns into more harder-edged and polished (towards early Rainbow) but I was delighted about Alexandria (excellent, a bit sultry violin-Mellotron waves, propulsive guitar riffs an da biting wah-wah guitar solo) and Beware The Vampires (wonderful church-organ arpeggio's).

This DVD also contains a documentary entitled The Road To Russia featuring interviews with Erik Norlander, some humorous off stage scenes and 3 live songs: In The Court Of The Crimson King from the Cal Prog 2004 (majestic choir- Mellotron samples and captivating classical pieces on the huge 3-part modular Moog synthesizer through a keyboard) and the two songs from the European tour 2004 Sky Full Of Stars (Erik Norlander freaks out on his Moog with spectacular use of the pitchbend button) and my favorite composition Mariner (even better rendition than the St. Petersburg version!). A nice extra is From Russia With Love, a new studio recording with video montage.

I am impressed by Erik Norlander & Friends, what a great band and how enthousiastic they preform! At some moments the music is a bit polished for me (like the Lana Lane section) but in general I enjoyed this DVD with Erik Norlander delivering excellent keyboard work!