SCHEMER DREAMER

I was kind of thrilled to listen to this album when I saw all the good musicians who were playing here. A good chunk of Kansas "friends" (Livgren, Ehart, Williams) and future Kansas member Steve Morse.

Walsh's voice is still great of course, but in terms of compositions, there won't be any outstanding tracks here. Simple, basic US rock music. Here and there some nice guitar breaks, some flute and scarce violin. There isn't much else to expect from this album.

The worse being "Every Step of the Way". Unfortunately, it lasts for about nine minutes. Still, it will be some sort of hit. Several bearable to good songs: "Schemer-Dream" which is a good rocking number a la "Down The Road" but which ends in a poor "That's All right". This rocking mood is also present in the next two songs "Get Too Far" and "You Think You Got It Made".

If you fancy some rock ballads, "So Many Nights" is there to please you. Nice piano and sweet flute but nothing to write home about. Another attempt (but weaker and mellowish) "Just How It Feels".

The most elaborate song of this album is the closing number "Wait Until Tomorrow". Could be compared to a good "Kansas" one. Theme changes, wild rhythm, great instrumental parts. The only highlight IMO.

This is a big disappointment. But I was maybe expecting too much from this. The best of "Kansas" was already behind and the relation Walsh / Livgren to an almost all time low since Walsh will soon leave the band.

This is only a curiosity for "Kansas" fans. Two stars.