LIVE IN THE USA

I got to learn Karnataka by means of two compilation Classic Rock DVD´s. The band grasped my attention because of their original sound that was quite difficult to get into and because of the more than attractive female singer, Rachel Jones. A stunning beautiful lady with a low but expressive voice.

Just by coincidence I succeeded to lay my hands on this DVD, Live in the USA. And it proved far better than I could anticipate, simply because the band is augmented by the presence of Anne-Marie Helder. Both ladies seem to enjoy the gig intensively, dancing, jumping, seducing the guys in the band and flirting with them and among themselves (?). Great to watch, especially since their singing is extremely good and because the guys in the band are surprisingly static. Both ladies take the vocals, Rachel the lead and Anne- Marie the backing vocals, also playing flutes on several tracks. Her voice and her instrument make a hell of difference for this original band: they now sound really good, original, sometimes a bit weird because of the odd combination in the chords. The listener has to grow into their music because of the strange melodies and harmonies. The singing is extremely melodic though, mellow, romantic and sometimes hard- edged, reminiscing of Mostly Autumn and, sometimes, even Annie Haslam. The tracks in which the flute plays an important role, like 'Delicate flame of desire', 'The storm' and 'Heart of stone' rank among the best of this dvd. All other tracks are very, very nice but somewhat predictable: a vocal line, some choruses, an outburst on guitar (great playing in the vein of Brian Josh, David Gilmour and the likes) and then a closing section. So in the song writing some improvements can be applied. Too bad the band split up shortly after this dvd was made. With all talents combined in this line-up of the band it would have been possible to gain as much success as, for instance, Mostly Autumn.

It's hard to get but it is certainly worth to try to, this really is an excellent additon to your collection!