LIVE IN BOSTON

Released in late 2007 by a Japanese label, this cd is available stateside through Abstract Logix. This appears to be the same as an earlier release titled Concert Classics 4. It has been packaged in a mini-LP-Sleeve, including a slip cover and insert. The insert is written in Japanese, except for track titles.

The sound quality is good. It sounds as though no studio overdubs were punched in later. Each musician has his share of clams (mistakes) that are very apparent, especially Allan Holdsworth's guitar. Some notes are not fingered properly or just missing.

The tracks, a mix of those from the s/t U.K. release and the follow up, Danger Money. Hearing Bruford and Holdsworth's playing Carrying No Cross, The Only Thing She Needs and Caesar's Palace Blues offers a slight variation from the DM studio project. Be aware, there is some improvisation, contrary to complaints made in print over the disputes within the band. Obviously these takes offer a bit more air and spontaneity than on the future Bozzio propelled album. Wetton's voice is good, cracking and a bit off here and there, but nothing to ruin the moment. I do enjoy Holdsworth's jazzy underpinning in the softer lyrical opening to Carrying No Cross. Allan's is not simply laying out during the chordal segue before the blowing begins, as is oft referrenced. He plays fills and lightning runs throughout. Wetton's live bass action harkens back to King Crimsons glory days, even taking a solo 6 minutes in. Jobson sounds compelled to give Holdsworth a run at center stage as the piece moves forward, swelling and evolving with full band interplay. Holdsworth pulls off a stunning solo before breaking back into the vocal theme.

The Thirty Years intro is a beautiful clean picked guitar over synthesized sweet violin washes. Wetton attempts to be soft but struggles a bit with a few notes. The audio is very clear, narry any crowd noise, with Bruford's cymbals filling space before the band leaps into a tight instrumental sections. Wetton fuzzes up his bass lines and Holdsy chords along before Jobson's keys take control. Another smoking AH solo before coming back down to another verse. Holdsworth solo out to Jobson's Presto Vivace synth intro to In the Dead of Night. Holdsworth rips it up again. Getting outside into a improv showcase. No shortage of fireworks here. Even little stumbles get you into the moment, rather than detracting.

The final track, Caesar's Palace Blues is interestingly contrasted from the studio take with some fun trade-offs from EJ and AH, sounding like they are totally digging the play. EJ saws the hell out of his violin. This one appears to be fun and spontaneous, even when Wetton completely blows the lyrics.

At $30.00 this is expensive and probably only for completionists like myself, but it is a great moment in time for this short-lived band. 3.75 stars. Prog On!

In my opinion, UK was one of the greatest band in late 70-s, when punk was all around. They released just two studio albums, but both are excellent examples of symphonic jazz-rock of highest quality.

This live relesase existed for years as bootleg, and was released as official CD in Japan in 2007 only. It contains really "live" recordings from 1978 Boston show. No too much overdubs or cleaning. Songs are all wellknown and come from both studio albums.

Sound is clear but quite raw, it gave you a possibility to listen some really unusual for regular recordings things: vocals is in front, but not always synchronised with music, keyboards sound differently from studio recording, some guitar moments are really heavy.etc. But all these nuances don't destroy recording, they just give some "documentary" feeling to it.

In fact, there are not too many different moments from both studio albums, so I believe for many listeners it is more than enough. But any real fan of UK, Allan Holdsworth or any other band's member will find plenty of enjoyng moments listening to this real live evidence from bands great time.

For sure, this release is not only collectrors wet dream. Anyone, who's interested to know UK better, will easily listen it with pleasure as well.

This record was previously released under Concert Classics vol. 4 without the band's consent. It seems this release is a legally correct one.

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. Keep on proggin' ..!

Peace on earth and mercy mild - GW

Absolutely A1 and, as one of a precious few albums from arguably the finest prog band that ever existed, it is a "must have".

As you'd expect, all musicians are on fire. Jobson is a terribly underrated musician. His prowess on keyboard and violin is extraordinary. Wetton and Bruford are as brilliant as expected. Holdsworth, of course, brings his usual stylishness and skill.

All tracks are incredible, though I prefer Terry Bozzio's drumwork to Caesar's Palace Blues on Danger Money's to Bill's effort on here, but that is a small criticism.

Thirty Years is perhaps the highlight for me, but all tracks are quality. The band is missed.