ACOUSTICALLY DRIVEN

I don't know how it was first started but for sure the "unplugged" thing came out the first time (for me personally - and I might be too late) when Eagles made their video concert using all acoustic guitar as main rhythm section. I was not interested at all, actually, but I found it enjoyable as well for a break after listening to heavy and hard music like progressive rock. With that thought in mind so I purchased this DVD. To my surprise, I really enjoy this unplugged version of Uriah Heep. The condition might help me because I purchased this after I watched the band's concert in Jakarta, February 12, 2006. It was such a great performance by Uriah Heep with their old as well as new material. Not just the show that I enjoyed, even the night after the concert all Heep members and crew had dinner together with all of us - rockers in Jakarta. It was a memorable evening as I could talk in person with each member of the band in a relax way. I think Heep is a great band with great personalities - all of them are humble people. Yeah . they rock! Lucky that I did face to face interview and dialogue with Mick Box, Bernie Shaw, Lee Kerslake, Trevor Bolder and Phil Lanzon. Heep, thanks for creating such memorable event for all of us - rockers in Jakarta, Indonesia!

"Echoes In The Dark" starts off the show excellently with powerful voice of Bernie Shaw in sitting position. Mick Box and Trevor Bolder play their acoustic guitar and acoustic bass guitar respectively in sitting arrangement. All light orchestra members also sit at the back. Only three ladies who serve as backing vocals are at standing position. The music flows differently (of course) as it compares to original version. There is no such thing as distorted guitar solo unique to Mick Box. But that's okay, we still can hear Heep sound excellently here. "Why Did You Go" from "Return To Fantasy" album follows in another energetic but relax setting. What surprised me really was the hit "Come Back To Me" which is also featured at this live set. My best favorite track of this live DVD set is track 6, "The Golden Palace". To me, this track is excellent in arrangement and performance. The inclusion of flute work in the beginning of the track by beautiful lady is an attractive performance. He other thing is the melody is quite strong backed with great vocal by Bernie Shaw. There is heavy influence of classical music in this track.

Another great attraction of this DVD set is the guest appearance of Ian Anderson (Jethro Tull) starting at track 10 "Circus". Who would deny his virtuosity in flutework? He gives his beautiful flute work at the opening part backed with acoustic guitar by Mick Box. He continues his dynamic flutework at "Blind Eye" in upbeat fashion - it sounds b\very energetic. He does excellent stage act as well - in balance with Bernie's stage act. It's a nice viewing, really. Oh .. my childhood favorite "Traveller In Time" is also performed nicely by the band! I really love the interlude part where Mick Box plays melody with his acoustic guitar. This track continues seamlessly to "More Fool You".

Overall, this is an excellent addition to any rock music collection. For those who love the band, it's a must to have this DVD in your collection. Don't ever think twice to purchase this unplugged live by Uriah Heep! Keep on proggin' ..!

Peace on earth and mercy mild - GW