BEFORE BECAME AFTER

Wow, for a bunch of old buggers, these guys put together one hell of a good disc. It rocks, it lays in some great horns, swirling keyboards and Kerry Livgren plays like a man with something to prove. Lynn Meredith has a great voice, easy on the ears and solid on the higher notes. It's hard to believe it's taken 30 years for these guys to come together. The Early Recordings were strong enough to prove that the chemistry was right for this combination.

With the exception of, "Greenburg, Glickstien......." (lyrically, too silly for me) there is not a weak tune. Some of the lyrics are slightly hokey, but the delivery more then makes up for that issue. The outstanding track for me is Quantum Leapfrog (notice each reviewer has a different fav) with it's fusionesque sax and guitar tradeoffs. Much too short though. Tunes like Leaven, Alt.More Worlds Than Known and Theophany are satisfying to the classic prog lover in between my ears.

This line-up of musicians really has it down. There are no obvious mismatches in the level of musicianship, each player gives their all. The keyboard work of Dan Wright is outstanding, playing tastefully for the tune and not trying to showboat. Livgren sounds so fresh and vital. John Bolton is adept at flute and sax, adding the right fill at the proper moment, never overplaying. Craig Kew on bass and Brad Schulz lock in tight on rhythm.

I'd recommend this to anyone who enjoys classic rock, not just prog. These grey beards get it done properly.