LIVE IN THE UNDERWORLD

The master and his disciples, or would it be classic prog meets neo prog? Or just Wetton and his solo band? Well, a little bit of all the above. I was very surprised when I found this DVD. When I looked at the cover I could never have guessed the backing band and the track. Instead of pop songs of his solo albums we are greated with many classics, starting with the instrumental Red (wow!). It also includes another King Crimson track (Starless) and many classics from Asia and UK, besides some of the best songs from his solo career. Prog pop most of the time like Asia? Hell, yes, but sophisticated and convincing, and I like it! It´s all very well done!

And the band? Would you ever figure him being backed by such neo prog experts like Martin Orford (IQ, keyboards), John Mitchell (Arena, guitar) and Steve Christey (Jadis, drums)? the result is absoltutely gorgeous! John is in excellent form and the band mebers give their best to every tune. Clearly they all are very reverent to Wetton and play as they were having the time of their lives. And the ambience in a small club make things look even more cozy and informal. I could not belive that I found such DVD lost in a sales section! It cost me only about $4.50.

The production is adequate and the sound is very good for such a small place. If you´re a fan of John Wetton, this is a must have. This DVD should be given more attention than it got. Simple and well crafted. No big lights or arenas. Just plain good prog rock music delivered by some of its biggest names in a humble manner. Four stars.