LIVE IN COLOMBIA

This relatively recent DVD is the only one listed under The Alan Parsons Project (the word 'Project' hasn't been used on the releases after the end of the Woolfson/Parsons partnership; So, how to act with the moniker "The Alan Parsons Symphonic Project"? Since the CD version of this concert was already here instead of ALAN PARSONS, I placed the DVD here, too). Compared to the 2010 DVD "Eye 2 Eye - Live in Madrid" (found on the ALAN PARSONS artist page), this release is notably more luxurious and more grandiose in performance, dating from 2013. Not only because there's a symphony orchestra + choir involved, but also because the set is approximately 40 minutes longer. From the visual point of view, neither of the concerts feature lavish screen visualisations à la Pink Floyd or other theatrics. That's not anything to be missed actually; the camera work and the lights are pretty well done. The excellent performance of the music itself, as well as the warm response from the Colombian audience, are captured vividly.

The 104-minute / 21-track set list is pretty good, featuring the obvious hits along the less predictable, strong material from each Project album (except the weakest one, Stereotomy, 1985). No, it's not a dream set of the most prog-minded fans though. For example the superb and highly ambitious Poe-themed debut, best loved by us progheads, is represented only by 'The Raven' - which is abridged and tied together with 'Breakdown'. From the second album I Robot come also the title instrumental as the opening number and 'I Wouldn't Want to Be Like You'. Sadly the Pyramid album (1978) is represented by 'What Goes Up...' only. The entire second side of The Turn of a Friendly Card ("you remember the vinyl?") is played on one continuity.

The band is on top form. Alistair Greene shines on guitar solos and Guy Erez on bass. Most vocals are sung faultlessly by P. J. Olsson (as in "Eye 2 Eye") but quite a many band member, Parsons himself included, shares vocal duties. The original APP vocalists are not heard, but I have no complaints about the vocals either. The Medellin Philharmonic perhaps could have been a bit more audible on some tracks, but on songs such as 'La Sagrada Familia' and 'Silence And I' the orchestra is essential. All in all, this is a strong four-star release that easily stands multiple viewings.