NEW LIGHT LIVE IN CONCERT

Recorded at The Met in Bury on their 'New Light' Tour in 2012, I have only just come across this release, which was put out not long afterwards. I did actually see Karnataka in their early days at a very small gig, but to be honest I had only attended to see support act Sleeping Giant as it was an excuse to catch up with Dave Foster and I also knew Steve Rothery would be joining them onstage. Consequently, I do not think I actually saw more than a few minutes of the gig as I was outside with Mr & Mrs Foster, and certainly not enough to form a real opinion about them. After the first three albums the band broke up, but bassist Ian Jones later formed a new version of the band with himself being the only original member, since when they have released some highly acclaimed albums. They have continued to have line-up issues, and I note from visiting their website there have been further changes even since their last album, but on this tour Ian had been joined by guitarist Enrico Pinna along with new singer Hayley Griffiths and new keyboard player Çağrı Tozluoğlu (neither of whom were involved with the previous studio album, 'The Gathering Light'), along with Colin Mold on guitars and violin, and session drummer Matt McDonough.

I felt that 'The Gathering Light' was a major release (I cannot believe it is ten years ago now), and here the band were touring with only Ian and Enrico left from the line-up which had recorded it. One would not have guessed that though, as here is a band in full confidence, knowing they have both the material and ability to win over any crowd. This is solid neo prog, with a strong rhythm section which allows the keyboards to often provide a backing for some sterling guitar work with both guys more than happy to provide some excellent soloing and harmonies. Then at the front is Hayley Griffiths. Karnataka was the first band she had been involved with, but prior to this Hayley had gained acclaim as lead singer in both 'Riverdance' and 'Michael Flatley's Lord of the Dance' as well as releasing some solo albums. She may well be used to singing in front of much larger audiences than were there that night, but her knowledge of theatre and performing leads to confidence and she is in total control. Her voice is incredible, and the band provide both the perfect accompaniment and also take control themselves in the instrumental passages.

This double CD set contains fifteen songs, and the only problem I have with it is that it is too short! Amazing vocals combined with great musicians and wonderful songs, who could really wish for more? When I listen to this I am transported into a place and where time and reality no longer matters, as it is all about the music and the voice, and nothing else exists. Sublime.

Review Nº 730

"New Light Live In Concert" is the second live album of Karnataka and that was released in 2012. The live performance has been recorded at the start of their New Light Tour at the Met Theatre in Bury, England on 23 February 2012. At the beginning of 2012, the Welsh progressive rock band embarked on a fifteen date live tour across the UK. Under the name of New Light Tour 2012, the band reached as many areas of the country as possible, in particular those towns and villages they missed on many of their previous tours. The band performed in some traditional theatres and art centres. It was released as a double live CD and it was also released in video as DVD and Blue-ray formats in the same year.

"New Light Live In Concert" marked the second biggest change in the line up of Karnataka. In May 2010, Lisa Fury, Ian Harris and Gonzalo Carrera announced that due to personal reasons they would be leaving the band. In 2010 was revealed that multi-instrumentalist Colin Mold as having joined the band. In 2011, it was announced that Hayley Griffiths was the new lead vocalist for the band. Hayley was previously the lead vocalist with global phenomena Riverdance and Michael Flatley's Lord Of The Dance. In 2011 it was said that the band's new keyboardist was Cagri Tozluoglu. The band's new line up was completed when was joined to the band the session player Matt McDonough on drums.

So, the line up on "New Light Live In Concert" is Hayley Griffiths (lead vocals), Enrico Pinna (backing vocals and guitars), Cagri Tozluoglu (keyboards), Colin Mold (backing vocals, violin and lead, rhythm and acoustic guitars), Ian Jones (bass and bass pedals) and Matt McDonough (drums and percussion).

"New Light Live In Concert" has fifteen tracks. The first track "Karnataka" was released on their third studio album "Delicate Flame Of Desire". The second track "Serpent And The Sea" was released on their fourth studio album "The Gathering Light". The third track "Delicate Flame Of Desire" was released on "Delicate Flame Of Desire". The fourth track "Heaven Can Wait" was released on their second studio album "The Storm". The fifth track "Tide To Fall" was released on "The Gathering Light". The sixth track "Forsaken" was released on "The Gathering Light". The seventh track "After The Rain" was released on "Delicate Flame Of Desire". The eighth track "The Calling" was released on "The Gathering Light". The ninth track "Lagan Love" was released on Hayley's solo studio album "Celtic Rose". The tenth track "Our Love" was released on Hayley's solo studio album "Silver Screen". The eleventh track "State Of Grace" was released on "The Gathering Light". The twelfth track "The Journey" was released on "The Storm". The thirteenth track "Your World" was released on "The Gathering Light". The fourteenth track "Heart Of Stone" was released on "Delicate Flame Of Desire". The fifteenth track "The Gathering Light" was released on "The Gathering Light".

From the beginning of the album with the opening track "Karnataka", we can watch the striking, rough waves of their music. "Serpent And The Sea" is a track that in a great way tuned the audience to the atmosphere that will be created through the songs presented, the magic of the show and Hayley's vocals. "Delicate Flame Of Desire" is a return to the sentimental, melodic and instrumentally extensive sounds with captivating and wonderfully performed riffs by Pinna. "Heaven Can Wait" brings to us a delicate atmosphere very fleeting and romantic, a music that moves us with its arrangements. "Tide To Fall" has a great rhythm section and the sound of the guitars and keyboards are really catchy sounds. "Forsaken" begins with the accompaniment of keyboards and Hayley is vocally assisted by Colin and Enrico who plays a nice guitar solo. "The Calling" is a nice instrumental track that serves as an introduction to "Lagan Love" that shows Hayley's enormous vocal abilities. This set also included another instrumental recording, Hayley's "State Of Grace". You can see and hear how easily all these sounds come out of individual instruments, creating an excellent, progressive, harmonious work, giving us a lot of joy while listening this concert. This is another beautiful performance. "The Journey" is a very energetic rock track where vocals contrast with a heavier guitar feel. "Your World" is as close to a good old fashioned rocker that you will get from the band. "Heart Of The Stone" is very romantic and atmospheric, creating a true unique atmosphere. "The Gathering Light" closes the album summing up the entire show wonderfully.

Conclusion: When you listen to "New Light Live In Concert" you'll soon notice they perform their songs differ from the original studio versions. This is mainly due that Hayley' vocals differ from Karnataka's prior singers Rachel Jones and Lisa Fury. Her soprano voice provides to the music a new sound. Also the addition of twin guitar parts throughout the all concert is excellent. The combination of Enrico Pinna and Colin Mold playing both the same guitar parts makes the music sounds greater. However, it's mostly Pinna who steals the show with his great electric guitar playing. Karnataka is a great band and "New Light Live In Concert" is a real must especially for fans of Iona, Mostly Autumn and Clannad.

Prog is my Ferrari. Jem Godfrey (Frost*)