All these years later, Kansas still rule the classic rock radio airwaves, and continue to put on simply spellbinding shows of the highest caliber. And what better way to celebrate the 35th anniversary of the release of Kansas self-titled 1974 debut than with a live DVD, There s Know Place Like Home, which will be released on September 28th, 2009 . A hi-def for Blu-ray release (mixed in 5.1 surround sound), the show was filmed on February 7th of this year in their home state (at Washburn University s White Concert Hall), and was certainly not your average affair. For this show, the group – which includes singer/keyboardist Steve Walsh, guitarist Rich Williams, violinist David Ragsdale, bassist Billy Greer, and drummer Phil Ehart was united with former members Kerry Livgren (guitar/keyboards) and Steve Morse (guitar), as well as the 50-piece Washburn University Orchestra.
When asked how it was to play alongside an orchestra, Ehart responds, It’s always an adventure. Adding another 50 people to your band can always prove eventful. Our biggest memories are usually of certain symphonies that look down their noses at our music. What’s funny about this is that those symphonies are usually the ones that have the most trouble playing our scores! And when the topic of playing with Livgren and Morse comes up, Williams gets downright philosophical. Very comfortable…like loose fitting underwear. Comprised of a solid track listing that includes fine renditions of Kansas classics ( Dust in the Wind, Carry On Wayward Son, etc.) and fan favorites ( Hold On, On the Other Side, etc.), There s Know Place Like Home will surely go down as one of the group s best-ever live performances.
In addition to the DVD s release, Kansas members (save Walsh) have released the debut of their new side band, Native Window, which issued their self-titled album on June 23rd, and open for Kansas on the summer/fall tours. And as far as Kansas popularity, it continues to flourish, as their classic ballad, Dust in the Wind recently obtained gold status as a digital download, while their classic rocker, Carry On Wayward Son, is featured on the games Guitar Hero II and Rock Band II. They still get a lot of attention, still get a lot of airplay, says Williams about the enduring popularity of Kansas songs. They have retained a relevance through the years, that only a small percent of recordings do. With the release of There s Know Place Like Home and the supporting tour, Kansas will prove this theory as fact once again this summer and fall.
CONFIRMED TRACK LISTING FOR THERE S KNOW PLACE LIKE HOME, DVD.
Track listings, please note timings are estimates:
1. Howling At The Moon (3:33)
2. Belexes (6:14)
3. Point Of Know Return (3:20)
4. Song For America (9:32)
5. On The Other Side (6:49)
6. Musicatto (3:20)
7. Ghosts/Rainmaker (4:27)
8. Nobody s Home (4:55)
9. Hold On (5:02)
10. Cheyenne Anthem (7:26)
11. Icarus II (6:57)
12. Icarus: Borne On Wings Of Steel (6:25)
13. Miracles Out Of Nowhere (6:38)
14. Incommudro (1:52)
15. The Wall (5:42)
16. Fight Fire With Fire (4:10)
17. Dust In The Wind (4:06)
18. Carry On Wayward Son (6:39)
19. Down The Road (6:51)
Buy “There’s Know Place Like Home “ For Only $17.30
May 3, 2008
#1
I specifically looked for this release on Blu-Ray before I ordered. I did not see it. So I ordered on DVD. Now there is a Blu-Ray release coming up. I want a refund. Where was the pre-release information from Amazon? 1 Star for Amazon on this. 5 Stars for Kansas.
May 3, 2008
#2
I have always loved this band… and I still do. But what’s with the symphony orchestra? Most of these great songs are bogged-down by gratuitous orchestral arrangements. Other bands have done it well… like the Eagles. Not so with this concert. Part of the unique element of Kansas was sound of isolated classical instruments bursting through the progressive rock arrangements. More isn’t always better. Also, a bit over-produced for my taste. However, great camera work with excellent sound.
May 3, 2008
#3
This is a great opportunity to review the beatiful songs from this band. Memorable show to celebrate 35 years of Kansas.
May 3, 2008
#4
GREAT SHOW. KANSAS SOUNDS GREAT. VOCALS, MUSICIANSHIP,SOUND, LIGHTING, EVERYTHING. KANSAS MUSIC IS RIGHT FOR AN ORCHESTRA. WHAT WAS NICE IS THAT THE ORCHESTRA IS NOT OVERWHELMING AND COMPLIMENTS THAT BAND. IF YOU LIKE KANSAS, THIS ONE’S A KEEPER.
May 3, 2008
#5
Kansas is one of my favorites, I have ALL their CD’s and the (few) concerts that were filmed (even saw them twice in the 90′s). I noticed that Steve Walsh started to “lose” his voice with the “Freaks” album (one of the few that was NOT represented here). They still did quite a fine job with continuing to tour and produce music (Somewhere to Elsewhere is an EXCELLENT example-Thanks Kerry). With the “Device Voice Drum” concert they still produced alot of energy and enthusiasum that made that concert special, however the QUALITY of the video was not good (only noticed it after my HDTV upgrade), and Steve still strained a bit.
When this came out and I started reading all the glowing reviews, I decided to get it right then and there, however, “in the cart” it only showed the DVD (the blu ray was not out yet). I cancelled the order and patiently waited a few more weeks. When I got the blu ray, it was WELL WORTH it. It has all the sharpness and clarity that alot of movies on blu ray even don’t produce (some of the film stock is not quite up to par for HD). Combined with either stunning DTS surround or 2 ch PCM (my preferred format for music) you really do get the feeling like you have a front row seat for music history.
Like other reviewers said, I was very surprised with Steve’s voice. Not only did he sound just about perfect (as he did on all of the studio songs way back in the day) he held off on the “emoting” he used to do when live (listem to “The Wall” over the years and you know what I mean) IMO it used to really take away from the flow of the songs.
One thing I did notice (like others have said) is the energy of (newly reinstated) David Ragsdale. It seems that, along with bassist Billy Greer, they took over the “front man” spot while Steve was back off the spotlight just singing and keys, in the “Device” concert he had a little more stage presence (although I would trade the perfect vocals with the performing any day).
It was very good to see Kerry there, last I saw him (never live) was on my 82 VHS with John Elephante (where Robby announced the 10th anniversary of the band). He is am amazing performer as well and have always enjoyed the few “twin lead” guitar solos they did over the years (What’s on my Mind- wish they played that, it is my absolute favorite Kansas song), I have read he is recovering from his stroke and progressing well.
The “dueling” violins during “Dust in the Wind” with Steve morse was very well done and he (Morse) is an amazing guitar player as well (I have always thought his style was NOT quite the “Kansas” classic sound though-at least it “carried them on” through the 80′s).
Overall, this has got to be my best concert video I have seen in years. The HD quality and the top notch performing make for a highlight for any time. Thanks guys!!