DEVICE - VOICE - DRUM (DVD)

If we had some good video of the Two For The Show period that would probably be deserving the 5 stars and by comparison this one might get 4, but in it's absence this 2002 video is the closest you can get to the classic Kansas at their best (the 35th anniversary 'There's Know Place Like Home' is outstanding and better produced but we see an older band without Robby Steinhardt). After the turbulent period of the 80's and 90's (both in terms of line-up and musically), Kansas were back to please their old prog fans. Unfortunately Kerry Livgren did not join and this takes some depth away from the music and makes for a busy Steve Walsh. Dave Hope was already long gone but Billy Greer was an excellent replacement providing good support on backing vocals as well. Walsh voice is a bit harsh on the high notes but better than in previous years and one can only admire his dedication and commitment.

Performed in an intimate atmosphere at the Earthlink Center Stage Theater in Atlanta, I really envy the fortunate people who attended this gig. The track list includes many of the proggiest songs of the band, with only two of their more AOR tracks 'Fight Fire With Fire' and 'Play The Game Tonight', both played in the encore. The concert starts with an impressive row: 'Belexes', 'Icarus II', 'Icarus', 'Song For America', the short intro 'Howling At The Moon' (no, unfortunately we don't get the full 'Magnum Opus') and 'The Wall', all of them performed with impressive musicianship and tightness.

'The Preacher' from the Steve Morse era is performed with the support of a large gospel choir and although not a particularly proggy song it offers a pleasing and uplifting interlude in the show.

Back to the proggiest material with the exceptional 'Journey From Mariabronn'. Seeing one of my favourite drummers Phil Ehart is one of the big incentives of this video, his use of the bass drums and snare was one of the best around.

'Dust In The Wind' although already heard ad nauseam is here nicely performed with the support of a strings quartet, Billy Greer supports Rich Williams with an acoustic guitar, and Robby Steinhardt confirms how good a rock violinist he was.

Another energetic prog row with 'Cheyenne Anthem', 'Child Of Innocence' and 'Miracles Out Of Nowhere' with great vocal interplays between Walsh and Steinhardt. During 'Miracles' we have the funny Animusic computer animation driven by MIDI data of the actual music.

The main set ends with the classics 'Point Of Know Return' and 'Portrait' (with the outro of 'The Pinnacle') with yet another drumming masterclass by Phil Ehart and excellent interplays of guitar and violin.

The band returns for the encores, the more AOR-ish Elefante-era 'Fight Fire With Fire' and 'Play The Game Tonight', and finally the obligatory 'Carry On Wayward Son'.

The filming quality and takes direction are good and all the band members get enough coverage. Overall an excellent concert by an excellent band.