DEVICE, VOICE, DRUM

Since about 6 months ago I'm searching for this DVD because Kansas is not a popular band in Perú so nobody takes the risk, a few weeks ago a cousin came from USA but instead of the DVD he brought me the double CD, I was very disappointed. BIG MISTAKE, the album is very good. The guys are older, Walsh loses the high notes and Kerry Livegren isn't anymore with them but the band sounds great. Steve Walsh's best day as vocalist is over, he almost doesn't reach the higher notes, but with his keyboards is better than ever.Billy Greer is always accurate with the bass, maybe some times too loud, but that's a minor problem. Rich Williams is impeccable as always. Phil Ehart is simply amazing especially for a band like KANSAS that needs a drummer capable of very complex interpretations and abrupt changes. Robby Steinhardt is the highest point of the band, perfect with his violin, and excellent in vocals when leading some songs and also covers Walsh weakness when doing backing vocals.

The CD doesn't start as strong as it could be, the intro is good but nothing else, "Belexes" is an almost unknown song, not the best choice to start a concert and warm the audience. "Icarus II" is a good song but the band could help Walsh lowering the tone so he was able to reach the higher notes without almost losing his neck veins because of the effort. At this point they choose better, "Icarus" is a classic and Steinhardt's violin is perfect with Walsh keyboards, "Song for America" is a great song that always sounds well, again the duo Walsh - Steinhardt is perfect.

Howling to the moon is a good filler, nothing else, but the next song "The Wall" is outstanding even Walsh's voice is perfect for this one. "The Preacher" (which I never heard before) is surprising, they even use a Gospel Chorus that fits perfectly, then comes Journey To Mariabronn which is a classic that always sounds well, followed by a good version of "Dust in the Wind", specially because Robby's violin is enhanced by a string quartet, great version of one of their weakest songs. "Cheyenne Anthem" is mainly sung by Steinhardt, whose voice is perfect for the song, followed by "Child of Innocence", which IMO is only another filler. Then comes the best track from the concert Miracles Out of Nowhere, simply incredible, al the members are absolutely perfect, not a weak moment in the song, Rich's guitar is better than ever and Robby's vocals help a lot, this song alone could make the CD worth to be bought.

Of course no KANSAS concert is complete without "Point of Know Return", but this version is not as good as others, sounds a bit too simple. Portrait again is a high point where Greer and Walsh are perfect. The two next songs "(Fight Fire with Fire" and "Play the Game Tonight") from Vinyl Confessions never were my favorites (as everything from the Elephante lineup) but surprisingly are good enough. The concert ends with another classic, Carry on my Wayward Son where the almost the entire band except Ehart collaborate with the vocals, a great closing track.

I believe this CD is a must have for every KANSAS fan and for any person who likes good music and if you can also get the DVD, you'll have a perfect set.