THE BEARD IS OUT THERE

In the Eighties we had a small but fanatic group of Dutch progheads who ordered every two months a bunch of CD's from Greg Walker his known mailorder service Syn-Phonic. One day he send us a message that he would like to add a brandnew CD from his own label, he was sure we would love it. WELL, WE STILL DO because that CD was "The light" (1995) from Spock's Beard, what a sensationel 24-carat symphonic rock sound, the best we had heard since Rush and Marillion! This live-CD contains a special version of "The light", keyboardist Ryo Okumoto has embellished the intro of the titletrack with Mellotron waves, that's why this CD is still my favorite one, wonderful! Spock's Beard showcases on "The light" their incredible power and skills: strong, very distinctive vocals featuring an emotional undertone from multi-instrumentalist Neal Morse, propulsive Squire-inspired bass from Dave Meros, dynamic drums from Nick D'Virgilio, bombastic keyboardplay from Japanese veteran Ryo Okumoto and excellent, often howling and biting guitarwork from Alan Morse. The interplay between these musicians is pure chemistry, especially the tension between the Jimi Hendrix-like wah-wah drenched guitar from Alan and the vintage keyboard sound from Ryo featuring bombastic Hammond organ, majestic violin - and choir- Mellotron and delicate ARP Odyssey synthesizer work. The composition "The light" delivers outstanding shifting moods, ranging from mellow with piano to bombastic with floods of violin - and choir Mellotron. A thrilling moment is the break with Spanish guitar runs and swinging piano (a Caribbean feel) while Neal sings "I drink my milk with Tabasco", SPLENDID PROG!! The rest of this live-CD is also very worth listening: fresh, driven and creative prog with obvious hints from Yes, King Crimson and Gentle Giant. This is one of the best progrock CD's in the last 15 years and in my opinion a KEY-album, AN ABSOLUTE MUST!! By the way, I miss the video Live at the Whiskey (99) in the discography, strange because it's a very exciting concert that captures Spock's Beard their enormous energy, humor and skills.