DEVICE, VOICE, DRUM

This album was recorded in Atlanta, Georgia with a relatively small crowd; I remember living in Georgia at the time and that I was wanting to go (it was around the time of my birthday), but I couldn't afford to do so. I consider it a lost opportunity. The music is clear and loud (especially on the low end, which I appreciate). Everyone who has heard any recent Kansas knows the deal with Steve Walsh's voice, and while this album is no exception, he still sounds great, albeit a bit muddy. The set list is indicative of the fact that many in the audience were diehard fans willing to shell out the cash to attend such a monumental event- the concert kicks off with "Belexis," a treasure from the very first album. It is a crisp rendition, full of new instrumental breaks and an exciting arrangement. The band goes from the first album all the way to most recent studio release with the breathtaking masterpiece "Icarus II." Quite naturally, the original "Icarus" comes in on the tail end of its successor, and is a heavier and energized performance. "Song for America," one of Kansas's best works, follows, and it's a solid rendition (if perhaps a tad slower in some parts), and of course I miss the synthesizer solo that begins the middle instrumental section, but this progressive rock greatness either way. Some say it's too bad "Magnum Opus" isn't played in its entirety anymore, but I really don't mind- if one wishes to hear a live version of it, there is one on Kansas's first live album. "The Wall" is a song that really can't be done wrong by this band, and this is no exception- the execution is full of its drama and power. "The Preacher," the first non-Livgren composition, is infused with power from Richard Williams's heavy guitar and grace from the New Advent choir. "Journey from Mariabronn" gets a facelift here, beginning with the instrumental section instead (I almost wish Robby Steinhardt hadn't introduced it), and Billy Greer is fantastic keeping it down on bass. Instead of a synthesizer following the violin solo, there's a heated guitar solo from the powerful Williams. One can understand Walsh's toying around with the vocal melody of a song like "Dust in the Wind," having played it show after show, and fortunately, he keeps those deviations to a minimum here. Also, there's a small orchestra to play the second violin part (instead of a silly synthesizer), and to my ears, that gives it a slight Spanish flavor. "Cheyenne Anthem," a song Steve Walsh has commented on as goofy (for the instrumental middle section) gets a fantastic heavier arrangement. Steinhardt's voice sounds warm and aged, like a grandfather speaking of the old ways to his descendants. The music overall (particularly the ending) is full of grandeur, and I feel blessed having been able to hear this piece live. Every Kansas live album features songs that don't get to go on the road often (if ever), and here we get a hard-hitting rendition of "Child of Innocence." Steinhardt is no longer sensitive and gentle; his vocals are gritty and appropriate for a song about the ravages of death. No Kansas live album would be complete without what is undoubtedly one of their greatest songs ever, "Miracles Out of Nowhere." Each version of this mesmerizing song takes on a life of its own, as various subtleties and nuances are introduced. This time, the organ solo is replaced by a dark, but ever-brightening synthesizer pad. The guitar solo is, as always, amazing. "Point of Know Return" is rushed through, perhaps because it's another of those obligatory tracks, but it's still very good. "Portrait" is also faster, particularly toward the end, and not much is changed from the original, except that it jumps right into the end of "The Pinnacle." While the entirety of "The Pinnacle" would have been perfect for this event, I really cannot complain- this two-disc set is a fantastic offering to true fans who have long since tired of seeing the seemingly endless string of "greatest hits" compilations. Despite Steinhardt's "good night," fans know that the show isn't over- "Carry on Wayward Son" hasn't been played yet! So of course there is an encore, but what's that? Is that music from Drastic Measure and Vinyl Confessions? Walsh sounds unbelievably good singing "Fight Fire with Fire" (Greer really helps out in the vocal department), and there's an exciting new instrumental arrangement that bridges right into "Play the Game Tonight," which itself is nothing special, but it's still great to know that the Walsh wasn't so prideful as to swear off any songs he didn't have a part in originally. The final song is "Carry on Wayward Son," and the acoustic introduction is an interesting way to begin it, if a bit indulgent. Walsh at this point doesn't even bother with the high notes in the chorus, wisely leaving those to Greer (Walsh sounds great on the low end anyway). One riff is played over and over at the end, increasing in speed until Phil Ehart can hit every drum on his kit at least a hundred times it seems, and with that, a phenomenal live set comes to an end. In the words of Robby, "Who says you can't rock when you're fifty-two-years-old?"