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Ok, here we go  :
ANGE - Live Tour 2003-2004 Par Les Fils De Mandrin (****)
— A few years ago I attended a gig from this Ange world-tour near my hometown The Hague in Holland. It was the first time I saw them on stage, what an impressive performance and what a powerful and exciting, modern sound Ange delivered that memorable night! Their legendary frontman Christian Decamps has a great, very expressive voice and his stage antics are humorous and often dramatic. He is accompanied by female singer Caroline Crozat who often joins Christian on vocals and with his theatrical acts. The lightshow is wonderful and the band sounds outstanding: the ryhthm-section plays creative and dynamic, the keyboards by Christian his son Tristan sound varied and tasteful (moving solo spot in Le Bal Des Laze on keyboards and vocals, he's obvious a son of his father!) and guitarist Hassan Hadji does an excellent job delivering lots of fiery and distorted soli, what a killer guitarplayer this is! The track list contains early and new work: the climates on the 17 songs are very alternating, from emotional ballads or bluesy to rock and heavy bombastic. My highlights on this DVD are the jazzy flamenco guitar improvisation and the dancing from Caroline in Autour Du Feu, Caroline with a white sheet around her, accompanied by howling electric guitar and soaring strings in Atlantis - Les Géants De La Troisième Lune, a Middle Eastern inspired atmosphere with a duel between theatrical vocals from Tristan and rocking electric guitar in Quasimodo and a catchy rhythm with powerful duo-vocals and biting electric guitar in the final track Docteur Man. If you like Ange, Christian Decamps solo or adventurous progrock, this DVD is a must!
NICK BARRETT & CLIVE NOLAN - The Rush Of Adrenalin (***)
- Writing the biography in order to add this duo to this site, I discovered that Clive Nolan his parents were both music teachers, he started to learn piano at the age of 3, tp play viloin on the age of 8 and Clive even got a muscial degree, impressive! And I have always loved to listen to Nick Barrett because of his wonderful, often moving guitar play so I was very curious to this DVD from these two neo-progrock veterans. Nick Barrett & Clive Nolan play 15 compositions from the several bands they were or are involved with: Pendragon (10), Arena (1), Shadowland (2), Strangers On A Train (1) and the own song intitled Shadows Of Fate. From the very first moment on this DVD I was delighted about the chemistry between the wonderful acoustic guitar from Barrett and the keyboard piano from Nolan and they are so enthousiastic and driven, a big hand for this duo! I have to admit that I am not really into the music from Arena, Shadowland and Strangers On A Train, to me it sounds a bit too polished. But I love to listen to Pendragon, on this DVD I was carried away by outstanding renditions of Alaska and The Black Night featuring splendid, sometimes Spanish inpsired acoustic guitar runs and sparkling piano work, very compelling and musicially well arranged and performed! I wonder how many progheads will be pleased with the acoustic guitar - and piano music from Barrett and Nolan for the whole 85 minutes, for me it was sometimes a bit too much but this duo has delivered a pleasant DVD with some amazing work, interesting to check out.
RUSH-R30
- The thing I like the most from this 2-DVD set is … that you can switch the volume button by yourself, how loud the Rush concert in Rotterdam was! But that was the only negative experience that evening, what a mindblowing and memorable gig, perhaps the best I ever saw and I have seen many times Rush on stage (almost every Rush concert in Holland, from Pinkpop 79 to Hold Your Fire 88).
DVD1 contains a concert in Germany (Frankfurt) during the R30 tour. The visuals are overwhelming: a wonderful, spaceship-like lightshow (especially the red and green in Red Barchetta and the blue in Between The Wheels), beautiful lasers (Dreamline), alternating screen projections (the band members in action, historical pictures, cartoons) and sophisticated computer-animations like the concert-intro (all covers with a humorous touch), Geddy, Neil and Alex as The Thunderbirds against a dragon (Darn That Dragon) and swinging skelettons in Roll The Bones.
The music is also very impressive, what an enthousiastic, energetic and crafted musicians and so professional, GREAT! I was stunned by all members but in my opinion Neil delivers his best performance ever, it seems that he has sublimated his anger about the lost of his wife (cancer) and daughter (traffic accident) into very high standard drumming, so powerful, dynamic and inventive! The interaction between the humorous Alex Lifeson (cascades of splendid soli) and enthousiastic Geddy Lee (imitating Chuck Berry his ‘duck-step’ during Force Ten) is also worth to watch, they use to give 100 percent to entertain the audience. Rush played for 3 hours during the R30 but unfortunately this is cut to 2 hours and 13 minutes by deleting songs like YYZ, The Trees and La Villa Strangiato. That’s a pity but probably due to commercial reasons because otherwise Rush Live In Rio would be superfluous very soon..! I was very impressed by the prog and roll tracks like Red Barchetta, The Spirit Of The Radio and Tom Sawyer and the Feedback EP covers The Seeker (beautiful psychedelic images), Summertime Blues and Crossroads and the outstanding medley 2112/Xanadu/Working Man, this is Rush at their best!
DVD2 contains five interesting interviews between 1979 and 2002 and ten songs from the vaults like Xanadu featuring Alex and Geddy on Gibson and Rickenbacker twin-neck guitars (magical!) and A Farewell To Kings with wonderful images from the landscape of Wales and scenes from the three band members with very long hair! DVD2 also contains again two Easter Eggs and a fine booklet with many pictures.
THIS 2-DVD BOX SET HAS ALREADY ENTERED MY DVD TOP 3 OF ALL TIMES, WHAT A
BREATHTAKING PROGROCK DOCUMENT FOR ALL SENSES!!
MAGENTA-The Gathering
- A concert in The Pop factory in South Wales on the 14th of May in 2005 has been recorded with 6 cameras and in 5.1 Surround Sound in order to put in on DVD. This is good news for the in general rather demanding symphomaniacs!
Since their first 2-CD Evolutions the six-piece formation Magenta has grown into one of the most popular and best selling current progrock bands, this DVD will be no other story!
Their sound is rooted in the Seventies (Genesis and Yes are their main sources) but Magenta offers a more melodic and accessible progrock sound, perfect to reach a wide audience.
This DVD showcases a very professional band that sounds pleasant and varied: hot rocking in King Of The Skies, polished in Demons and Broken and compelling in the 24-carat symphonic rock epics Children Of The Sun and The White Witch. The focus is on guitar player Chris Fry (“He is a God ... “ as female singer Christina says during this DVD), in almost every song he treats the audience on great and varied soli, often with fiery and heavy overtones. In Call Me he uses a bottle-neck and in I’m Alive and The White Witch a wah-wah pedal, this man colours the sound of Magenta is my opinion. ‘Second best’ is Christina, what a wonderful voice, what a beautiful woman and what a warm presentation! We can use more of these women in our man-dominated progrock world! The keyboards sound tasteful but often functional, only in some tracks Rob Reed delivers soli on his keyboards. The visuals are OK but not really stunning: a nice lightshow and some screen projections (a bit psychedelic in Children Of The Sun). And I miss a bit the interaction with the crowd, only in Genetesis (Christina begs for handclapping) and at the end of the concert (a warm end enthousiastic applause) we can witness some live experience.
Nonetheless, this DVD showcases a strong and inspired Magenta that plays most of their best material.
RECOMMENDED!!
MALIBRAN - 10 anni in concerto-1988-1998
— In the early Nineties I bought the LP “A wood of tales” (from 1991) after I had read a positive review. I was delighted about the long track “A pyrimid’s street” featuring hints from Jethro Tull and an ethnic touch. Since then I follow this fine Italian band that showed a more early Marillion influence on their next albums. This DVD (running time 150 minutes) is a very comprehensive musical view on their progrock carreer spanning the period between 1988 and 1999. You can divide “Malibran 10 anni in concerto” into three parts. The first part contains live recordings from the second half of the Ninities. Remarkable is the powerful, tight and enthousiastic approach by the band, live Malibran is on its best: great shifting moods (from dreamy with flute, twanging guitars and mellow organ to a propulsive rhythm with Eastern inspired flute work) in “Pyramid’s street” and classical interplay between flute and guitar and a Ritchie Blackmore-like guitar solo (between classic and heavy metal) in “Prelude”. Most of the other live tracks delivers powerful and sensitive guitar soli from the two guitar players (mainly the splendid Jerry Litricio), some nice work on the keyboards from Benny Torrisi, a dynamic and adventurous rhythm-section (especially bass player Angelo Messina) and swirling flute play by Giancarlo Cutuli (often Thijs van Leer inspired). The second parts features Malibran on tv specials, mainly playback, on one moment the flute player starts its solo too early! The final part contains amateur live video shots, a bit bootleg but very worth to watch because it showcases the enthousisastic performances from Malibran on stage featuring the funny stage antics from the fluteplayer with his ‘air-playing’ on his flute during several guitar soli and at one moment he takes one of the guitarists on his shoulders! One of the highlights is “Le porte del silenzio” (the great titletrack from their second CD), a very compelling but short rendition in the vein of the early Marillion. You can argue about the value of the tv specials and the (bootleg) amateur shots but in my opinion this DVD is worth buying because of the first part (almost an hour) featuring the EXCITING SOUND OF MALIBRAN ON STAGE!
EMERSON LAKE & PALMER (ELP) - Beyond The Beginning
— INCREDIBLE, AMAZING, OUTSTANDING, ETC. ETC. .....WHAT A SPLENDID 2-DVD BOX SET!!! All the wild, bombastic, virtuosic and megalomanic stage antics from Keith Emerson can be seen, from the abusing of his Hammond organ and the 'flying piano' to the sensational play on his Yamaha GX-1 synthesizer (in the empty and snowy Olympic Stadium of Montreal) and boogie woogie piano play in a tv show, what a trhill to watch Keith Emerson, the 'Jimi Hendrix from the progrock'! Palmer got a hot spot in "Toccata" during a drum solo in a tv show and in "Lucky man" and "I believe in Father Christmas" we can enjoy Greg Lake on his acoustic guitar. There are lots of bonus features, including 17 minute rehearsal, an hour long histroy of the band and a Bob Moog (unfortunately very ill, I read on this site) interview. THIS IS ESSENTIAL PROGROCK HISTORY, NOT TO BE MISSED IN ANY SERIOUS COLLECTION!!!!!
COLLAGE - Living In The Moonlight (DVD)
— You can divide this DVD (the running time 240 minutes!) in diferent parts. The first contains a concert from April 1996, recorded in the Polish city Szczecin. It’s a very energetic and enthousiastic performance and Collage plays so wonderfully melodic and harmonic with a full symphonic rock sound. The eye-catcher is singer Robert Amirian, he looks like the archetypical hippie and has a fine voice and a convincing stage-act. But second best is guitarplayer Krysiek Palczewski with his pleasant guitarsound, very flowing and harmonic, evoking Steve Rothery. The keyboardwork is beautiful and alternating, from tender pianoplay and sparkling runs to warm strings and a lush orchestral keyboard sound. The concert contains 12 songs, all very tasteful and professionally performed featuring fiery guitar and lush keyboards in “The blues”, great vocals, guitar and keyboards in the compelling “In your eyes”, howling guitar licks in “Basnie” (from the wonderful debut-album) and a heavy guitar-intro, bombastic keyboards and an excellent, very moving guitarsolo in “God”. Then again the song “God”, this time from a concert in Warschau from March 1995 and 7 tracks from the legendary concert in The Dutch Pul in Uden (june 1995), both are acceptable bootleg recordings. Next are 4 video-clips: “Living in the moonlight”, “Lovely day”, “Heroes cry” and “Midnight flyer”. The first two deliver beautiful live-scenes. The final part consists of a menu featuring interviews, a biography, discography and a photo- gallery. IF YOU LIKE INSPIRED NEO-PROGRESSIVE ROCK WITH EMOTION , THIS ONE IS YOURS!!
MEDINA AZAHARA - En Gira (Live 2000)
— This is the second DVD release by Medina Azahara, the popular 'heavy progressive' rockband from Spain. It's an official video release (1991) from a concert in 2000 and has been put on DVD in 2003. If I compare it to the other DVD entitled "En concierto" this DVD will appeal more to progheads although most songs are tasteful mainstream rock featuring strong harder-edged guitarwork (with echoes from Blackmore and Vai) and functional keyboardplay (some soli on organ and synthesizers). The rhythm-section sound very tight and propulsive, the hugh blond lead singer has a very warm and often emotional stage peformance. The lightshow is beautiful (including pyrotechnics) and the crowd reacts enthousiastic to the music, often due to singer Manuel who runs around and search for contact with the fans in the vein of David Byron and Mick Jagger but less theatrical and self-indulgent. The best moments on this DVD are the harder-edged renditions from the Triana songs "Abre la puerta" (great vocals) and "El lago" (emotional community singing), the exciting guitar/keyboard solo-duel, the wonderful ballad "Otono", the flamenco- inspired "Paseando por la mezquita" and the final track "A toda ese gente", a warm goodbey from a very tight and enthousiastic band that is still alive and kicking after 25 years! VERY DRIVEN PROG AND ROLL!!
YES-Keys to Ascension
— Unlike most progrock legends, Yes has provided their fans with many live DVD's and from all era's. Although most fans praise Live Symphonic" as their best work, I prefer this one because it contains splendid renditions of their best compositions, ranging from "Close to the edge" and Going for the one" to "Turn of the century" and "Roundabout". My highlights are the beautifully build-up "Awaken" and the grand finale of "Starship trooper" featuring a captivating duel between Wakeman his Minimoog synthesizer and Howe's electric guitar, goose bumps! The lightshow is very tasteful, it gives an intimate atmosphere. To me this is one of the best progrock dvd's that has been released until now! YES!!
YES - Songs from Tsongas Yes 35th Anniversary Concert
— I have seen Yes two times live. The first time was during the “Going for the one” tour in 1977, a very fresh and inspired Yes played their new album and all their ‘classics’. The second time was in 2003, again with Rick Wakeman (he has a kind of Richard Burton-Liz Taylor-like relationship with Yes), this gig was good but I missed a spark and the magic. After seeing this stunning 2-DVD I have to conclude that one year after I had witnessed them in 2003, Yes sound much better and more enthousiastic! The first song “Going for the one” reveals that Anderson can reach no more that high voice from the past but in general he sounds more powerful and stable. Most compositions are slightly re-arranged and especially Steve Howe delivers many new versions of his known soli, awesome! One of the most exciting moments is during the unplugged version of “Roundabout” when Rick Wakeman starts to play jazzy piano, so relaxed and all members seem to enjoy this gig (remember the awful “Tales ..” tour!). Another surprising ‘unplugged’ version is from “Owner of a lonely heart”, nice to see Steve Howe during this song. On this 2-DVD Rick Wakeman is a bit on the background (he delivers some splendid work on the Minimoog, Hammond organ and acoustic piano), Chris Squire showscases his skills and a lot of pleasure, Alan White still does his job very decent, Anderson (‘the hippie with the iron fist’) is smiling as never before but this evening the focus is on Steve Howe: watch his play on the Portuguese 12-string guitar in “I’ve seen all good people” and “Wonderous stories” and the varied soli in “Sweet dreams” (fresh rendition from the band), “Yours is no disgrace” and “Starship trooper”, absolutely BRILLIANT! Despite the
flood of live Yes DVD releases, this DVD is a MUST!
WAKEMAN, RICK - Live in Buenos Aires / with The English Rock Ensemble (DVD/CD)
— Last week I watched the DVD from this set and decided to write a review for Progwalhalla.
The band sounds inspired and dynamic and the compositions often contain fresh and surprising re-arrangements. Mr. Rick Wakeman is surrounded by a huge pile of keyboards, in the first part of the set he is wearing an odd bathing wrap, halfway he changes into the 'caped crusader' with a beautiful coloured, glittering cape. The whole gig Rick makes a very relaxed and happy impression and delivers great work on his Minimoog, organ and clavinet (swinging break in "1984"). An extra dimension is added by guitarplayer Ant Glynne with his powerful and harder-edged style (slide guitar in "Journey to the centre of the earth" and some great soli in other tracks). The absolute highlight on this DVD is the composition "Starship trooper" (And now ... some YES, Rick revealed to the crowd). Halfway it is solo time and his son Adam steps into the spotlight with a 'key-tar' (a special shaped keyboard that is played like a guitar), he delivers a stunning, very spectacular solo. This is watched by a proud and smiling Wamekan senior, knowing that this is the perfect father and son identification (after all the misery in the past with the Yes troubles, the women, the divorces, the alcohol and the removals to foreign countries). This emotional scene evoked wet eyes and goose bumpes! Then a killer heavy guitar solo and finally the Rick Wakeman Minimoog solo, again goose bumps, 6 STAR CATEGORY! This is a very entertaining DVD, my only negative remark goes to singer Damian Wilson: he has a pleasant and distinctive voice but lacks power in the more bombastic parts.
Nonethless, NOT A MASTERPIECE BUT THIS IS AN ESSENTIAL RICK WAKEMAN DOCUMENT!!
STEVE HOWE-Remedy Live
— Early 2004 I wrote his biography for Prog Archives as a tribute to my first guitar hero. On this DVD you can witness Steve Howe's incredible virtuosity and versatiliy. On the first part he plays with his own band featuring his two sons Virgil on keyboards (he looks very similar to the young Steve Howe) and Dylan on drums. You can enjoy his play in a wide variety of styles: cheerful country in "Country viper", Ventures-inspired guitar rock in "Diary of a man who vanished" and bluesrock in "Pennants. Not everybody will be pleased with the way Steve turned the bombastic archetypical progrock composition "Close to the edge" into a mellow camp-fire song but I love the warm atmosphere. One of the higlights is the track "Raga" (the most popular ethnic music from India) in which Steve delivers a splendid sitar-like sound, very compelling! It is followed by the Tomorrow (Howe's early steps to success) song "My white bicycle" (strong rendition) and "Wurm" (strong guitarwork but I miss the synthesizer duel). To me Steve Howe plays very well with his band, I enjoyed their music. The second part features Stve Howe solo on the acoustic guitar, what a stunning performance, from "Excerpt from The ancient" and "Mood for a day" to "Intersection blues" (exciting blend of blues and ragtime) and the inevitable but amazing "Clap". GREAT! The final part includes a "Tour story", a nice bonus. I award this DVD with 3 stars for the average proghead and 4 stars for the guitar freaks!
VARIOUS ARTISTS - Un Biglietto Per L'inferno-Concerto Tributo
— This DVD is a 'tribute concert' to the legendary Italian progrock band BIGLIETTO PER L'INFERNO, this sold out concert was given in Lecco (Italy), early 2005. It was a memorable day for the Italian progrock fans that day because some line-ups featured musicians from other legendary Italian progrock bands like Rodolfo Maltese from BANCO, Tony Pagliuca from LE ORME and Patrizio Faresseli and Paolo Tofani from AREA.
The first band on this concert was Ubi Maior, they played tight and dynamic with a humorous and very energetic singer. Their keyboard sound sounded modern, only the Hammond organ took us back to the typical progrock sound of the Seventies.
Next the band Greenwall, they presented a female singer with a very distinctive voice, not always my cup of tea. Greenwall played mainly acoustic but on "Abbiamo ragione" the band members took a key-tar and a twin-neck, always nice to see those instruments!
The next two musicains (both from AREA) performed solo: first Paolo Tofani on a sitar-like acoustic guitar and then Patrizio Fariselli on the acoustic piano, both delivered a great performance.
The band Fonderia started to play "Dubbio II", when this song was finished guitar/trumpet-player Rodolfo Maltese from BANCO entered the stage, he surprised the audience with the BANCO songs like "RIP" and "Non mi rompete". Especially the flamenco inspired acoustic guitar duet is great!
Between the band Destabanda and musicians from Claudio Rocchi, keyboard player Tony Pagliuca from LE ORME joined the band Gas for two Le Orme songs entitled "Era inverno" and "Uno sguardo verso il cielo". In both songs a violin player has been added, he gives the music an even more classical touch, along the powerful Hammond organ sound.
Don't excpect on this DVD a perfect dive into the Italian progrock sound from the Seventies, just enjoy the pleasant and inspired appearances from some members from that era, they delivered a good performance so we could taste a few moments from that wonderful era! If you are an Italian Seventies aficionado, this DVD is essential. Otherwise this DVD deserves 3 stars. But it's my review so 4 stars! FORZA ITALIA!!
DEEP PURPLE-Live in concert 1972/73
— Deep Purple has been added to this site, this is JUSTICE, PURE JUSTICE!! The very first album I ever bought was "24-carat Purple", soon followed by "Made in Japan" so full circle with this review! This brandnew DVD is a very exciting view on the powerhouse Deep Purple on stage although it's funny to witness that the crowd existed of many very young people, most of them I estimate not older than 12 or 13 years! But Deep Purple performed very well, the exciting chemistry from "Made in Japan" is also on this DVD featuring splendid performances by all members. The track list from the legendary Denmark concert contains all the 'classics' delivering excellent work on the Hammond organ by Jon Lord, lots of fiery and biting guitar soli from an inspired Ritchie Blackmore, an enthousiastic and powerful performance by Ian Gillan and very dynamic support from Glover and Paice as the rhythm-section. In my opinion this Deep Purple was an innovative and pivotal blend of rock, classic and symphonic, they spearheaded the 'heavy progressive rock movement' in the early Seventies. This DVD also includes 3 tracks from the New York 1973 concert and 1 track from the legendary "California jam" concert in 1974 along lots of other extras.
AN ESSENTIAL MASTERPIECE OF PROGRESSIVE ROCK!!
PONTY,JEAN-LUC-Jean-Luc Ponty In Concert
— This DVD is a registration from a concert on the Jazz Jamboree 1999 in the Polish capital Warsaw with Jean Luc Ponty on electric violin, supported by William Lecomte on keyboards, Guy Nsangué on bass, Thierry Arpino on drums and Moustapha Cissé on percussion. During the concert you will be delighted about these musicians, what an incredible skillful and creative band!
1. Rhythms of Hope (7:57) : Enjoy JL Ponty his flowing and dynamic jazzy-inspired style. The long violin solo has a great build-up and an exciting finale, supported by splendid play on the piano, drums, bass and percussion, very rhythmic!
2. Jig (8:07) : A very swinging track featuring propulsive bass work, a Latin- American percussive undertone, swirling violinplay and an outstanding piano solo, virtuosic and varied (from jazz to Caribbean).
3. No Absolute Time (10:38) : This long composition is mainly based upon strong soli from violin and piano, the atmosphere is mellow.
4. Pastoral Harmony (8:25) : First a dreamy climate with sensitive violin and tender piano, then the piano culminates into swinging. The violin solo is very intense with those typical fast runs from monsieur Ponty.
5. Caracas (8:36) : The intro contains a swinging and pleasant bass and percussion, then a cheerful sounding violin. Halfway an exciting percussion solo on conga’s and bongo’s which goes into a duet with the drummer, the big smiling faces reveal the pleasure from the musicians, including JL Ponty himself!
6. Memories of California (5:41) : This is an electronic inspired piece delivering synthesizer sounds from Ponty his electric violin and soaring keyboards. Halfway a wonderful, very sensitive violin solo with a classical undertone.
7. Mouna Bowa (8:59) : A catchy rhythm and swinging violin work, then a strong and enthousiastic bass solo, supported by South-American-oriented piano play. Again lots of joy on stage, goose bumps from me while watching this!
8. Enigmatic Ocean, Pt. 2 (7:16) : A splendid rendition from one of his best compositions featuring swirling and dynamic violin work, including an exciting duel between the piano and violin. The rhythm- section is great delivering a short but propulsive drum solo.
9. Open Mind (5:14)1 Rhythms of Hope (7:57) : The final song contains a catchy rhythm with swinging piano and magnificent interplay between all the musicians, a perfect grand finale!
IF YOU ARE UP TO JAZZY/FUSION/JAZZROCK INSPIRED PROG, THIS EXCELLENT DVD IS YOURS!!
ROXY MUSIC Musikladen / BeatClub: Live 74-75 (DVD)
- This stunning DVD ( recordings from the famous German rock shows Musikladen and Beatclub) showcases a band that looked like glamrockers but for sure their sound was progressive rock in that era. The focal point was the handsome and versatile (vocals, keyboards, mouth-organ) singer Bryan Ferry but some members were mighty close like a spacey dressed Brian Eno (great to see him on that odd Synthi-A synthesizer during “Virginia plain”), the underrated guitarplayer Phil Manzanera (loads of powerful and moving soli) and the androgyn young genius Eddie Jobson (monumental duel on his transparant violin with bassplayer John Wetton on “Out of the blue”). And don’t forget Andrew MacKay (strong and distinctive work on the sax and oboe) and a magnificent rhythm-section featuring the very dynamic drummer Paul Thompson. Roxy Music plays most of their best material, enjoy splendid renditions from “Do the strand”, “Remake re- model”, “Mother of pearl” and my highlight, the classic composition “Out of the blue”. Either you call it progrock or art-rock, this music is a unique experience for progheads, despite their later commercial crap.
PINK FLOYD Live at Pompeii
- The original video (’71) was one of my favorite’s although I was not particularly pleased with the video re-release (’73) that contained interviews and studio-scenes from the “Dark Side of the Moon” era. In my opinion this distracted from the compelling ‘Pompeii-climate’. Well, this DVD gives me the opportunity to zap and to choose (track selection) my ultimate experience. In comparison with the video some beautiful and exciting ‘visual effects’ are integrated (the original city, the vulcanic eruption, waves of lava, atmospheric space shots). And on the main menu you wil find: a documentary with an interesting interview with director and mastermind ADRIAN MABEN (about the worse start of the project, no electricity in Pompeii and his wish to re-release the film with extra interviews and scenes from "Dark Side of the Moon" rehearsals in the Abbey Road Studios), the original concert, track selection, miscellanea (posters/press/illegal copies), Pompeii map and history, lyrics, photo gallery and album graphics.
The music from PINK FLOYD has been recorded in the empty amphi-theater of Pompeii, only the roadies, film-crew and the band were present. The combination of the impressive surroundings, the extraordinary light, the silence (according to ADRIAN MABEN “a kind of anti-Woodstock with no audience and applause”) and the compelling music is perfect and turnes this DVD into a mindblowing experience! My favorite moments are the second part of “A saucerful of Secrets” (great build up with Gilmour’s guitar, Mason’s propulsive drumming and Wright’s Farfisa organ and splendid climax with Gilmour’s howling vocals), “One of these Days” (night-shots with furious drums and great slide guitar by the almost invisible Gilmour), “Set the controls for the heart of the sun” (a fierce climate with lots of spotlights, perfectly blended with expressive Pompeii mosaics and the aerie combination of the psychedelic keyboard solo and images from the dead Roman bodies, surprised by the waves of lava) and of course many parts of the epic “Echoes”. This DVD belongs to my Top 3 of best DVD’s of all time!
ROGER WATERS In The Flesh - Live
— I have always felt conflicting feelings about Roger Waters. He send Syd Barrett away, I hated him for that but later it turned out to be a brave and unevitable decision. He wrote and arranged the splendid The Wall story but his complains about non-communication and psychopatic behaviour seemed projection because in those days he acted almost like a frustrated dictator! When Roger Waters left Pink Floyd and the post-Waters Pink Floyd reached an acclaimed status Roger Waters made a fool out of himself by demanding that Pink Floyd had to call it a day because there should not be a Pink Floyd without Roger Waters. Fortunately Roger Waters went to a shrink and a few years of psycho-therapy did him very well. One of the results is this excellent DVD, featuring a relaxed, inspired and crafty Roger Waters, supported by wonderful musicians, from the Syd Barrett-lookalike Doyle Bramhall II and the versatile Andy Fairweather Low to the great guitarplayer Snowy White and the gorguous singer Katie Kissoon! The best momenbts on this captivating and compelling DVD are "Dogs" (impressive key-role from multi-instrumentalist Jon Carin), "Set The Controls For The Heart Of The Sun" (mindblowing distorted guitarsolo by Snowy White and great psychedelic projections) and "Comfortably Numb" (moving build-up from the duo- guitar-solo by Snowy White and Doyle Bramhall II on a kind of catwalk, goose bumps!!). If you want to enjoy the best from Pink Floyd and Roger Waters solo, this DVD is yours! MORE THAN ESSENTIAL!!!!
STRAWBS Strawbs Live In Tokyo '75 / Grave New World The Movie
— In the Seventies The STRAWBS were an interesting progressive band. Their music was a blend of folk, rock and symphonic (in the vein of THE MOODY BLUES and BARCLAY JAMES HARVEST), topped by the distinctive vocals from Dave Cousins. Rick WAKEMAN was in the early line-up but he had a minor role. After he left to join YES the band, how ironically, blossemed and made some captivating progrock albums. The driving force behind the band was (and is, recently they re-united and even made a live-DVD) singer/guitarist Dave Cousins, a kind of progrock answer to DONOVAN or Bob DYLAN. This DVD showcases their unique progrock in their artistic and commercial heyday (the albums “Hero and Heroine” and “Ghosts” sold well). The first part of this DVD is a concert in Tokyo from 1975 (running time 40 minutes). It shows an inspired band that plays songs like “Lemon Pie”, “You and I, when we were young”, “New World”, “Hero and Heroine”, “Just Love” (straight rock with fiery guitarwork from Dave Lambert) and the highlight “Down By The Sea” (compelling twanging electric and majestic choir-Mellotron waves). The bass player was Chas Cronk, later he joined The STEVE HACKETT BAND.
The second part includes the movie “Grave New World” (from 1972, almost 30 minutes), featuring the songs from that album, all visually embellished by a ‘video-clip’. The result ranges from impressive (the gospel-like “Benedictus” and the bombastic “Tomorrow”) to funny (“The Flower And The Young Man” and “Ah Me, Ah My”). I my opinion this movie has an undertone of typical British humor, not everybody’s cup of tea! The last part is a special bonus (10 minutes): Rick WAKEMAN’s television debut in the song “Til The Sun Comes Shining Through” (he already shows his sparkling piano-play), an interview with Dave Cousins on a lifeboat and a preview from the album “Wakeman and Cousins” with the song “The Young Pretender” (wonderful violinplay).
A good and comprehensive DVD that shows THE STRAWBS at their best.
LOS JAIVAS Alturas de Macchu Picchu
— Have you ever seen a Minimoog that conquered Peru? Did you ever witness a progrock band on a height of 6000 kilometers? Well, watch this video featuring the splendid and very unique blend of folk, rock, classic and symphonic that Los Jaivas made on their album "Alturas the Macchu Picchu"! I have nothing to add to the other two reviews on this site so, I can only say: DISCOVER THIS BAND THAT MIXES SKILLS AND EMOTIONS IN A SUPERIOR WAY!! By the way, did National Geographic sponsored this DVD?
STEVE HACKETT-The Tokyo Tapes Live In Japan
— This review is about the DVD release from this tour, it includes all the tracks on the 2-CD except the final two studio songs. On the back cover I read the retorical question from the record company: "What would it sound like if occasional members of Genesis, King Crimson, Asia, Yes, Zappa & Weather Report, all got together to form a unique team just for one night?". Well, The Steve Hackett Band included that night Mr. Hackett himself, John Wetton, Ian McDonald, Chester Thompson and Julian Colbeck, can anybody reveal to me who played in Yes? But let's focus on the performance from Hackett & Co., he delivers a great set with classics like "Watcher of the skies" (beautiful Mellotron samples and a good Gabriel imitation by John Wetton), "Firth of fifth" (surprising jam, splendid rhythm-section and an awesome rendition of the #1 progrock guitar-solo!), "The court of the crimson king" (after 35 years it still evokes goose bumps, what a moving Mellotron sound and voice from John Wetton!) and "I know what I like" (surprising bass/organ intro). Ian McDonald plays a very fresh role with his flute an saxophone. But the focal point is Stephen Hackett with his unique, alternating and seminal guitarplay: sensitive, howling and biting or warm and soaring, it's always moving and about the right notes instead of showing speed or other scale-acrobatics! His skills on the acoustic guitar are also very worth listening (and watching on this DVD), he was one of the first who did an 'unplugged version', on this DVD it includes "Horizons" and "The black light" and a blend of pieces from "The lamb.." and "Wind and wuthering". Other fine moments are "Vampyre with a healthy apetite (horroprog with fiery guitar soli and screaming mouth-organ), "Los endos" (a very spectacular version) and "The steppes" (Hackett at his best featuring his distinctive use of sustain and the volume pedal). The lightshow is amazing and very tasteful so my conclusion is: A MUST FOR EVERY SERIOUS PROGHEAD!!!
STEVE HACKETT Once Above A Time
— Due to many different reasons I never witnessed a GENESIS gig in the Seventies. When HACKETT left GENESIS he became my guitar-hero because I was fed up with the poppy prog from ‘Collins-GENESIS’. I’ve seen many concerts from HACKETT, I enjoyed every gig very much but it lasted until a few years ago that HACKETT started to perform more early – and mid-GENESIS footage. So finally I could enjoy some of the ‘mid-GENESIS-magic’! From all the HACKETT DVD’s that has been released until now, this is the most exciting and varied one. His band is outstanding with lots of fine instrumental breaks and musical surprises and HACKETT’s guitar play has become so mature and distinctive after all those years: his volume-pedal play in “Fly on a windshield”, the spectacular sound in “Slogans” and “Air conditioned nightmare”, his moving solo in “Everyday” and of course the wonderful, progrock #1 guitarsolo in “Firth of fifth”! And don’t forget the acoustic “Blood on the rooftops” and the splendid GENESIS cover “Los Endos” and .. and ... and ... essential for any progrock fan!!!
EMERSON LAKE & PALMER (ELP) Live at Montreux 1997
— Unfortunately I’ve never seen ELP ‘live’ so I have to ease this pain with live footage, for example this great registration from the famous Montreux Jazz Jamboree in ’97. The vocals from Greg Lake sound a bit less warm and powerful but in general ELP is still very impressive on stage: solid bass play and fine acoustic guitar from Greg Lake, dynamic drums from Carl Palmer and Keith Emerson with his sensational ‘stage antics’ on his Hammond organ (“Rondo”), the use of the hugh Modular Moog synthesizer (“Tarkus/Pictures..”) and the impressive piano solo on “Creole Dance”. Fun and skills during the catchy song “Honky Tonk Train Blues” and a splendid final medley including “Fanfare For The Common Man”, “Rondo”, “Carmina Burana”, Carl Palmer’s Drum Solo” and “Toccaca In D Minor”. This DVD shows a more enthusiastic sounding band than the ’92 concert in The Royal Albert Hall. Another great ELP DVD release but I want more, like the full Pictures At An Exhibition Concert from the Japanese laser-disc concert!
EMERSON LAKE & PALMER (ELP) Masters From The Vaults
— One of my ‘prog rock frustrations’ is that I’ve never visited an ELP gig, so I try to ease this pain with lots of video – and DVD live footage. This DVD has done a great job, what a thrilling experience: an inspired band, a warm interaction with the public and lots of great images from the band and the members (only a few non-live images in the beginning of “The Barbarian” spoils a bit pleasure). The footage is from the era just after their debut- album and contains strong and dynamic versions from “The Barbarian”, “Rondo/Bach improvisations”, “Drum Solo”, “Nut Rocker”, “Take a Pebble” and “Knife Edge”. Of course the focus is on his splendid piano - and exciting Hammond organ play, what a wizard! More remarkable is the fact that Keith Emerson uses his Hohner clavinet a lot and his Moog synthesizer only during “Knife Edge”. Greg Lake plays an intermezzo on his acoustic guitar (with some funny moments) and Carl Palmer has a virtuosic solo moment. The strong point from this DVD is that ELP plays very pure, later the extravagant shows and Emerson’s spectacular stage antics distracted from their captivating music.
KING CRIMSON-Deja VROOOM
— You can say a lot about Robert Fripp (I use to call hem the 'passive-agressive genius') and you can read a lot about him (I recommend the book from Sid Smith), fact is that in the early Eighties Mr. Fripp stunned the progrock world with a very innovative King Crimson sound. In my opinion King Crimson is the only progrock dinosaur that succeeded to sound progressive after the Seventies. On this excellent DVD you can enjoy unique compositions that were on the new King Crimson album "Discipline": "Frame by frame" (splendid scale- acrobatics), "Matte kudasai", "Elephant talk" (exciting guitar sound by Adrian Belew) and "Indiscipline" (what a tension featuring howling guitar and bombastic eruptions). The renditions of the classic songs "Red" and "Larks' tongues in aspic Part II captures the spirit of the originals! Not every track on this DVD is my cup of tea (too fragmentic or experimental) but this bunch of virtuosic musicians delivers so many captivating songs, based upon dynamic interplay (duo-guitars and duo-drums work), inventive play on the distinctive Stick from Tony Levin and exciting soli on guitar from Fripp (chainsaw-like sound) and Belew (a unique sound-wizard on his guitar). A MUST!!
BANCO-Cio’Che Si ede E
- This is a concert from a Banco-reunion tour in ’92, the line-up includes four original members. The crowd is very enthousiastic, now wonder because Banco plays an inspired set, featuring lots of ‘classics’. This DVD is not a pure concert because at some moments black-and-white images are shown (from nature to short early Seventies live footage). On one hand hand this creates a special atmosphere, on the other hand it’s sometimes a bit disturbing. The first track “Il Volo” contains black-and-white images from the soundcheck. Then, in color, we can enjoy the song “R.I.P.”, singer Francesco Di Giacomo still has an impressive, very warm voice and the crowd goes wild. The second part evokes goose bumps when Francesco sings a bit melancholic, supported by compelling piano. The next composition “L’Evoluzione” starts with sumptuous keyboards, followed by a swinging rhythm, delivering swirling keyboards in the vein of KEITH EMERSON (“Works-era”). “Moby Dick” is a ultra-sweet ballad from the later, more commercial period. The long and alternating track “Il Giardino Del Mago” includes virtuosic interplay, vocal harmonies, a wonderful intermezzo with classical piano and often KEITH EMERSON-like keyboards, amazing! Next is “750.00 Anni Fa ... L’Amore, a captivating composition featuring sparkling keyboards, a warm piece with warm vocals and piano, again goose bumps. The final song is the catchy “Non Mi Rompete”, it contains virtuosic interplay, this time with acoustic guitar and electric piano. In the end all kinds of figures from the famous Venetian carnaval enters the stage, what a splendid and spectacular conclusion from a magnificent performance by these skillful veterans from Banco. A monumental DVD!!
CAMEL-Footage
- Camel has released a lot of live-DVD’s but never footage with complete recordings from the Seventies. So I was delighted with this DVD, containing material from ’73 (1 songs in Guilford Civic Hall, unfortunately the sound is a studio overdub), ’75 (BBC Old Grey Whistle Test with 3 songs), ’77 (BBS Sight And Sound with 5 songs), ’81 (Shepperton Studio for Old Grey Whistle Test with 1 song), ’84 (Hammersmith Odeon with 1 song), ’92 (Town And Country London Amateur Video with 1 song), ’97 (Billboard Live with 2 songs) and a Bonus tilted “Left Luggage” (Little Barn Studios). Camel is nog a very exciting live band, a bit too static, but their melodic and harmonic sound is a ‘warm bath’ with Andy Latimer his expressive ‘plastic face’ during his moving guitar soli and Peter Bardens delivering great sounds and soli from his vintage keyboards (Moog, Fender Rhodes, string-Ensemble, Hammond). Enjoy a beautiful travel through time with songs like “Never Let Go”, pieces from “The Snow Goose” album, “Uneven Song”, “Lunar Sea”, “Captured” and the perviously unreleased “Preparation” and “Dunkirk”.
TRIANA-SE DE UN LUGAR (2CD/1 DVD-double-fold-out-digipack version)
- This is the best progrock you can get from Spain ! Triana was the most pivotal band that blended symphonic rock and flamenco, the ethnic music from the Andalusian gypsies. Their first album “El Patio” is a classic, the second is good but from the third the albums gradually sounded less symphonic and more as polished rock. Nonetheless the Spanish people loved their music and Triana became the most popular rockband in the Spanish rock history, they often played for massive crowds and most their albums got the platinum status! Unfortunately in ‘83 band member Jesus De La Rosa died in a car accident and Triana was no longer. They released a lot of compilation albums, this one contains two discs with 24 tracks (many from their best three albums) and for the first time a DVD. That DVD is a 55 minute documentary with footage from several TV music programs like Mundo Pop, Ahora, Popgrama (beautiful scene in a Morish palace) and Aplauso (from ’74 until ’81). Most of the 13 songs are interrupted by commentary from the band members, people who worked with Triana and who are influenced by Triana, like a musician from Ketama, the known ‘new flamenco movement’. This DVD (13 songs, most are long excerps) gives a good impression from the innovative and exciting sound from Triana: propulsive flamenco solo – and rhythm guitar, howling electric guitar (great double-neck guitar), warm string-ensemble, distinctive Fender Rhodes piano, slow Moog synthesizer runs, lots of Banks-like organ play and great Andalusian vocals (expressive and a bit wailing). Some songs from the later period sound a bit polished (like “Corre”) but in general this DVD shows a stunning and very talented band that delivers music that has a perfect balance between emotions and skills and electric – and acoustic music. If you are up to discover the wonderful world of flamenco this historical document is a splendid Christmas gift. Feliz Navidad y un prospero ano nuevo para todos los aficionados de Triana, el grupo numero uno!
GENTLE GIANT-GIANT ON THE BOX (CD/DVD)
- It took a while before I discovered the unique progrock from Gentle Giant. I was heavenly into GENESIS, YES and ELP until there was that stunning tv-appearance from Gentle Giant on the Dutch television in the late Seventies, the next day I immediately bought the live 2-LP “Playing The Fool”. And what a pleasant surprise: that moment, originally a German tv recording in a Belgian studio with audience, has been released as a special CD/DVD box. The CD contains 8 tracks from the ‘Sunday Concert’ on the German television (’74) including songs like “Cogs In Cogs”, “Funny Ways”, “The Runaway” and “So Sincere”. The DVD contains the German Concert (same as the CD), a US TV Concert (’75) with 4 songs, Szene ’74 (3 minutes from the European tour) and some Extras: Baroque & Roll with 22 minutes live footage and interviews from Italian television and a Photo Gallery. Back to the music from Gentle Giant, that sounds far from mainstream or accessible. I used to call it ‘conservatory prog’: every member plays at least three instruments, the musicians are very skilled and the interplay is breathtaking, for instance an acoustic duet that for sure has inspired SPOCK’S BEARD! The music is very varied with strong vocals: from bombastic keyboards (lots of clavinet) and fiery electric guitar till a classical interlude with three members on flute or pieces with trumpet, violin or xylophone. Gentle Giant: a great discovery!
URIAH HEEP-Classic Heep Live From The Byron Era (Special Edition 2 DVD and book set)
- Since the invention of the DVD I was eagerly waiting for live footage from the early Uriah Heep line-up. Last year this 2-DVD/book set was released as “Classic Heep – Live from the Byron era”, what a treat! Mainly due to the efforts from fellow Dutchman Louis Rentrop (named by the band as the #1 UH fan on this globe!) here is an excellent 2-DVD (including a wonderful book) featuring live footage from Uriah Heep, recorded between 1972 and 1976 (and some footage from David Byron solo, five songs from “Rough diamond – 1977)
Their frontman was David Byron, an archetypical rock and roll singer: dynamic, dramatic, ego-centric, theatrical and extravert on stage and capricious, narcistic, emotional instabile and self-destructive (like Jimi Hendrix, Janis Joplin, Jim Morrison and Brian Jones) in his own life, no wonder he died as an alcohol-addict in 1985.
On this DVD you can perfectly witness his ego-centric and theatrical, a bit queery ‘stage antics’, like a ‘Freddy Mercury-avant-la-lettre’! DVD1 features concerts from Japan, the UK and the USA in the era 1973-76. Eventually we can enjoy Ken Hensley on his Hammond organ and with slide guitar play (like on “Tears in my eyes”), Mick Box with his fiery and enthousiastic guitarwork and from the propulsive ans solid rhythm-section Gary Thain/Lee Kerslake. But the focus is on David Byron, he gives most of the songs an extra dimension like “Sunrise”, “Love machine”, “The easy road” and “Shady lady” and especially in the R&R-medley, EXCELLENT! My highlight on DVD1 is the version of “July morning” (a compilation of live material 1973-76 like the Dutch rock festival Pinkpop 1976, my father didn’t allow me to go because of the ‘drugs abuse’ he explained later!).
DVD2 (named “Collectors Rarities”) features songs from Pinkpop 1976 with an extended guitar solo from Mick Box. Other strong tracks are “Look at yourself”, “The wizard” (acoustic guitars) and “July morning” (studio 1972, USA) delivering a great shot from above on his Hammond B3 organ and Minimoog synthesizer! And we can watch John Wetton (he had just left Roxy Music) during the USA tour and on Pinkpop 1976. The final part belongs to David Byron solo featuring five songs from his solo album “Rough Diamond”, nice for the UH die-hards! The included book offers lots of interesting information and fine pictures.
ABSOLUTELY BRILLIANT STUFF, REMASTERED VERY WELL!!
URIAH HEEP-INSIDE URIAH HEEP The Hensley Years 1970-1980 (2-DVD and book set)
- Once a female USA rock magazine reviewer quoted about Uriah Heep: “if this band makes it, I will commit suicide”! And Uriah Heep has often been named ‘a poor man’s DEEP PURPLE’. Nonetheless, Uriah Heep sold million copies of their albums and had many Top 10 hits. So what about the music from Uriah Heep? Well, to me they are very precious because Uriah Heep led me through a very turbulent emotional periode when I was between 13 and 16. On the two DVD’s you get an excellent impression from the typical Uriah Heep sound: a powerful heavy progressive sound, loaded with floods of the Hammond B3 organ and fiery electric guitar, a strong and tight rhythm-section, topped by the distinctive vocals from the late David Byron. Uriah Heep was often nailed by a very cynical and venomous rock press but if you listen to their songs, you will be impressed by the catchy rhythms, the pleasant and climates, the very harmonic and melodic structure and the strong soli and often swirling interplay between guitar and organ. And what a variety: heavy and sumptuous in “Gypsy”, dreamy with Mellotron in “Come away Melinda”, warm acoustic rhythm-guitar in “Lady in black”, a classical and alternating atmosphere in the epic “Salisbury”, propulsive in “Look at yourself” (featuring the OSIBISA percussion), catchy in “Easy livin’” and compelling and impressive in the excellent composition “July morning” (in my opinion on the level of ‘classic rock tracks’ like “Stairway to heaven” from Led Zeppelin and “Child in time” from DEEP PURPLE). The two DVD’s contain lots of live archive footage and many interesting interviews with the band members and people around the band, even fellow Dutchman Louis Rentrop (according to the band the #1 Uriah Heep fan!). The booklet describes every song on the albums “Very ‘eavy very ‘umble” until “Conquest” delivering lots of fine remarks. Discover the world of Uriah Heep and buy this essential box set in order to do justice to one of the most underrated heavy progressive rock bands!
PREMIATA FORNERIA MARCONI (PFM)-Live In Japan 2002
— This is a real treat, what an amazing music from Italian progrock legend PFM, featuring three original members. Some hair was lost or has become grey but the band sounds very inspired and so virtuosic! PFM plays 25 songs including strong and exciting renditions from ‘classics’ like La Carozza Di Hans”, Photos Of Ghosts”, “Dove .. Quando”, “Il Banchetto”, “Mr 9 Till 5”, “E Festa” (aka “Celebration”) and “La Luna Nuova” (aka “Four Holes In The Ground”). Lots of outstanding soli on piano, acoustic – and electric guitar, keyboards and violin (special guest Lucio Fabbri). Some tracks from the later, more commercial era sound a bit polished but in general this DVD delivers outstanding progrock (the Japanese fans go wild, what a perfect atmosphere) from the best Italian progrock band ever. GREAT!
PFM+PAGANI-PIAZZA DEL CAMPO (CD/DVD)
- Here’s another, even more exciting and captivating DVD (also including a CD) from PFM after their DVD entitled “Live in Japan 2002”. It’s from a concert in the beautiful Italian city Sienna so PFM played a homegame, you can feel it in the air, what a enthousiastic atmosphere on stage and what a warm interaction with the crowd (many 40+ fans!). On the DVD “Live in Japan 2002” PFM played almost in the original line-up and in Siena former violinplayer Mauro Pagani joined the band on stage, along other guest musicians Piero Pelu (vocals), Lucio Fabbri (violin, keyboards, rhythm-guitar), Roberto Gualdi (drums) and some classical musicians. After the short opener “Rain birth” PFM showcases their class with the composition “River of life”: a wonderful harmony of classical guitar, flute and piano, followed by sparkling and dynamic interplay by piano, flute, electric guitar, Minimoog and violin. What a lush and captivating sound and what a warm performance, these veterans love to play progrock, it comes straight from their hearts! The rest of the concert is a succession of ‘classics’: a splendid violin solo, accompanied by a propulsive rhythm-section in “Photos of ghosts”, exciting interplay from flute and electric guitar and lots of changing climates in “La carrozza di Hans”, fat Minimoog runs and cheerful violin in “Fourholes in the ground”, stunning interplay from sparkling piano, harder-edged guitar en sweeping drums in “Mr. 9 till 5” and the catchy rhythm from “Celebration” featuring the known Minimoog flights, flute and violin, everybody is cheering, clapping and dancing! The long live improvisation “Siena rock jam” delivers lots of soli (from a ‘western’ violin and sensational Minimoog with pitchbend to a short Blackmore/Gillan variation). Also worth mentioning is the duo-violin performance resulting in “Rossini’s William Tell Ouverture”, an excellent encounter from classical – and progressive rock music, very appreciated by the fans. The DVD contains 15 tracks and the CD 12 (slightly different) so you can enjoy this outstanding Italian progrock legend both on CD and DVD. HIGHLY RECOMENDED!
OSANNA LIVE-Osanna Live – Uomini e miti (CD + DVD)
- Osanna was one of those many captivating Italian progrock bands from the Seventies. They made some fine albums, perhaps “Palepoli” is their most acclaimed one. In the autumn of 2001 Osanna gave a reunion concert and the band even decided to make new songs. Two years later Osanna performed live in Napoli with contributions by members from other Italian progrock legends from the Seventies. This is all put on a CD and a DVD, beatifully packaged in a double fold out cover entitled “Osanna Live – Uomini e miti”.
The CD delivers a bit more polished and groovy sound than the more raw and agressive sound in the Seventies. But the performance from all the musicians is outstanding, these veterans love to play their music and they are so talented and experienced! Osanna plays material from their Seventies albums like “Ce vulesse – ce vulesse” (exciting ethnic sounding clarinet), “There will be time” (wonderful piano and warm vocals), “Mirror train” (propulsive guitar riffs, powerful clarinet and organ and strong vocals) and an abridged version from “Oro caldo” (swinging bass intro, catchy rhythm and great work on clarinet, fiery electric guitar and vocals). If you like the early Osanna I’m sure you will not be disappointed by this reunion band concert (featuring three members from the Seventies line-ups). The four studio tracks sound pleasant and varied with strong guitar, saxophone and clarinet but I wonder how many fans from the early Osanna will be pleased by this quite modern and more polished Osanna.
The DVD is very worth to check out, especially because of the contributions by members from Area, Il Balletto Di Bronzo, Area and Banco. The concert (12 songs) is recorded December 2nd 2003 in a theater in Napoli, the (in)famous city in the poor southern part of Italy. Osanna plays powerful and inspired, most of their songs can also be traced on the aforementioned CD. Very interesting are the tracks by the Italian progrock legends like Vittorio De Scalzi from New Trolls with “Signore, io sono Irish” (tender piano and expressive vocals) and “Ti ricordi Joe?” (strong acoustic rhythm guitar), Francesco Di Giacomo and Rodolfo Maltese from Banco with “R.I.P.” (very compelling ‘unplugged’ version with splendid work on a blue Ovation guitar and great moving vocals, goose bumps halfway!), Patrizio Fariselli from Area with “Luglio, agusto, settembre (Nero)” (sparkling piano and guitar with talkbox, it sounds a bit experimental) and Gianni Leone from Il Balletto Di Bronzo with “Love in the kitchen” (very distinctive with bombastic keyboards, classical orchestrations and theatrical vocals). The final 13th song entitled “Everybody’s gonna see you die” is recorded on a festival in 2003 and features Osanna with again Gianni Leone, it sounds swinging and it rocks featuring clarinet, saxophone and heavy electric guitar riffs.
NIACIN-LIVE! BLOOD, SWEAT & BEERS
- A few years ago I got a promo from Niacin and was stunned by the wonderful Hammond B3 organ sound from John Novello. His play reminds me of Greg Rolie (Santana) and Vincent Crane (Atomic Rooster): lots of organ floods and short soli. The title of the CD was “Time Crunch” and most of the songs delivered a very dynamic rhythm-section and exciting organplay. But I was most delighted about the two covers “Red” from King Crimson and “Blue Wind” from Jeff Beck’s excellent solo album “Wired”. The live DVD “Blood, Sweat & Beers” (recorded in Japan in 1997, running time 57 minutes) mostly contains songs from the eponymous debut-CD, all sound as a pleasant mix of blues, jazz, funk and rock with good interplay, some nice work from bass player Billy Sheehan and powerful support from drummer Dennis Chambers. But again my conclusion was that two covers were the best part, this time “Birdland” from Weather Report and “You Keep Me Hanging On” (great rendition) from Vanilla Fudge were the most mature compositions. In my opinion Niacin is a great band to witness during a concert but they have to work on their own compositions that sound more as a jam, this in order to keep my attention when listening to one of their studio albums.
EARTH & FIRE Greatest Hits - Clips, Interviews And TV-Specials
— This DVD features their 20 'greatest hits' as tv clips and an interview and live footage from the German television. The tv clips can be divided into three parts. The first part contains the rock/Sixties oriented sound: the clips “Seasons”, “Ruby is the one”, “Wild and exciting” and “Invitation” show windmills, typical Dutch landscapes (pine tree forests, dunes, sea) and a gorgeous, very sexy female singer Jerney Kaagman. The second part features the wonderful symphonic rock-era, based upon melodic and often moving compositions with wonderful violin- Mellotron work, sensitive electric guitar and warm vocals: “Storm and thunder” (what a splendid Mellotron sound!), “Memories” (on the German television), “Maybe tormorrow, maybe tonight” (on the most famous Dutch pop programm Toppop) and “Love of life”. The final part delivers the commercial period: Earth & Fire sounded very smooth with a blend of rock, pop and disco, very professional but to me awful! Most of the clips features ex-Focus bass player Bert Ruiter, he is living with Jerney for more than 20 years. And on “French word for love” ex-Kayak and Camel keyboardplayer Ton Scherpenzeel can be seen.
The most interesting part of this DVD is on The Extra’s/Bonus material (at about 25 minutes) that contains an interview (in German) with Jerney Kaagman and outstanding live footage from an inspired early Earth & Fire on the German television (Swing In and Musikladen): an excerpt from “Song of the marching children”, an extended version of “Storm and thunder” (including a compelling solo on the Mellotron) and “Maybe tomorrow, maybe tonight” (great interplay between guitar and keyboards from the twin- brothers Gerard and Chris Koerts). For me it was an emotional experience to look at these wonderful live scenes from this great Dutch symphonic rock band, EXCELLENT!
THIS IS ESSENTIAL DUTCH PROGROCK, NOW ON DVD!!
Good luck with your DVD quest!!
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erik neuteboom wrote:
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because of my huge money consuming recommendations ...
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