CONCERT CLASSICS VOL. 4

I was so lucky having this album as what I understood later that it was then withdrawn from the market due to some disputes between the label and one of the musicians involved in this concert. So, this CD is now becoming a rare collection. It�??s a joy listening to this record as it features the original line-up of UK with Allan Holdsworth (guitar), Eddie Jobson (keyboards, e-violin & electronics), John Wetton (bass & vocals), Bill Bruford (kit drums & percussion) performing tracks from their two albums: UK and Danger Money. As you know, Bill Bruford and Allan Holdsworth were absent for the Danger Money album. So, basically their second album was guitar-less and that what has made this live set is interesting because Allan fills his guitar playing for songs from Danger Money.

As I am a big fan of live record even though I have to trade it off, sometime, with poor sonic quality of the CD, I consider this record as a masterpiece of progressive rock live concert. You may discount my rating here but the spirit is that I want express my honest statement that prog rock bands should have this kind of live record. It does not really matter at all if you totally disagree with me and I fully respect your opinion. If you like live record you might be with me. The audio quality is not really bad, it�??s acceptable. The album cover is terrible. But, the music that counts really. And it�??s not just the music, it has the soul of true prog rock concert.

The record starts off with and ambient and soaring keyboard work of Eddie Jobson that projects an overture of great rock concert through �??Alaska�?� (1:33), continued wonderfully with �??Time To Kill�?� (7:16) in relatively fast tempo. With this live record the band�??s music is much improvisational in nature, especially with the stunning guitar work by Allan Holdsworth combined with Jobson�??s keyboard and violin. As usual Bruford plays his drum with his unique time signature and unique snare sound. He seems to enjoy playing the concert as most of the improvisation tend to be jazzy. Put it right, this live set is more Canterbury than the original studio version. The show goes on with a song from Danger Money album: �??The Only Thing She Needs�?� (7:21) which clearly shows the powerful voice of John Wetton.

The musical improvisation goes crazy when the band performs �??Carrying No Cross�?� (9:58) from Danger Money album and �??Thirty Years�?� (10:03) from debut album. The appearance of Allan Holdsworth has brought the music into jazz Canterbury style. I personally enjoy the improvisation of guitar, keyboard and violin. The band performs songs from their debut album creatively by putting reversely �??Presto Vivace�?� before �??In The Dead Of Night�?� (7:49). It�??s a nice shot, really! The live set concludes with a song from Danger Money album: �??Caesar's Palace Blues�?� (4:29) .

Overall, enjoying this live set is really rewarding and makes my adrenalin running rapidly. If you love a live record, this is definitely one of the best prog rock concert. If you are lucky seeing this CD at record store, just grab it man! It�??s OOP now, at least you have a rare collection in your CD shelf. Keep on proggin�?? ..!

Peace on earth and mercy mild �?" GW