Norlander, Erik & Friends - Live in St. Petersburg

Year of Release: 2006
Label: Think Tank Media
Catalog Number: TTMV-1004
Format: CD
Total Time: 143:00:00

In 2001, it was the first time I had the pleasure of seeing Erik Norlander live, during his European Tour. A year earlier, I heard his music for the first time ever. First, somewhat oblivious, on the two Ayreon discs he had guested on, but later, more consciously, on his second solo album, Into The Sunset. This album really impressed me, but seeing him play songs of this album live was an even bigger experience. Of course his mighty arsenal of mostly analogue synthesizers played a part here. After that I became a fan and have closely followed his career.

Now, 5 years after that first show, I am now watching his first DVD and that same feeling of being in awe is back. This time not just because of the impressive instrumentation, but because of the stunning quality of the music, the musicians and the songs. Erik Norlander is not the type of person to be happy with the music he is making and then sticking to that for the next ten or twenty years. Oh no, he is constantly working on his compositions, keyboard play and production skills. And this DVD, Erik Norlander & Friends ? Live in St. Petersburg, is the living proof that that paid off.

This DVD is justly called "& Friends," as it is obviously not a one man show. Although the set list focuses on Norlander's work -- not just solo, but also his work with Rocket Scientists and Lana Lane -- he gives a lot of room to the other musicians. Dutch guitarist Peer Verschuren gets a solo spot, as does fellow Dutchman, drummer Ernst van Ee. But the part that really got to me, is the part of Kelly Keeling. This guy is worth gold. Just listen to his performance of "Mariner," the Rocket Scientists song, which he totally made his own. And he has the perfect voice for that song. But, it gets even better with the following song, a fantastic Procol Harum cover, "A Salty Dog." I am not familiar with the original, but Kelly?s version is so full of passion and emotion, it gave me goose bumps.

The main feature on the DVD is a full concert Erik played with his band in the Russian city of St. Petersburg, during his European Tour 2004. Besides the well-chosen set list, the audio on the DVD is superb. The audio is offered both in 2.0 stereo and 5.1 DTS surround. The camera work is also very good: the musicians and singers are shot at various angles, but in such a way you can see them work their musical magic. Of course the way the video is shot and edited is always subject to the taste of the individual watching. But in my humble opinion, the video footage of the concert is very good.

One person I had not mentioned yet is of course Lana Lane, who is always there by Erik?s side. While Kelly Keeling took the vocal duty on Rocket Scientists' "Mariner," Ms. Lane stars in "Oblivion Days." And three songs of her repertoire pass by: "Alexandria," "Guardian Angel" and "Secrets Of Astrology," all from the album Secrets Of Astrology. Of Erik?s solo work a few songs really stood out: "Sky Full Of Stars," with this amazing Camel/Pink Floyd vibe and great guitar work by Peer. However, the keyboards here dominate the mentioned influences. "One Of The Machines" is the song that made me love Kelly's vocals. And by his own request he sings "Fallen," only accompanied by Erik on keyboards!

This DVD gives a nice overview of all Norlander's recorded work of the past 13 years, since he released his first Rocket Scientists album. And watching this DVD, makes me wonder why there are still so few people in Europe that enjoy his music. It seems here in Europe Erik Norlander belongs to the group of underappreciated, yet extremely talented musicians, that deserve a larger audience.

Besides the fantastic concert, there is a documentary as bonus available on the DVD, entitled "The Road To Russia," which shows what happened before this show ever took place. It is filled with lots of interviews and several additional songs there were recorded at several locations, like in Holland, during that same 2004 European Tour and, quite special, at the CalProg Festival where the band played "In The Court Of The Crimson King." The DVD also features two new songs: "Fanfare For Absent Friends Part Two," a follow up to the opening song of Erik's electronic album Seas Of Orion, and a brand new cover, the famous James Bond theme song "From Russia With Love," sung by Lana Lane. Very fitting for this concert ... in Russia.

I think Mr. Norlander can be very pleased with the endresult captured and presented on this DVD. The concert is just great to see and to hear. The bonus material is laced with additional live material and nice interviews. And as an extra bonus, the package comes with an additional audio CD, containing almost 80 minutes of concert songs, as well as the two studio tracks. So this DVD is not only a treat for your ears and eyes, but with the value for your money, also a treat for your wallet.

In case you are in doubt about whether you should give this one a chance, I can only give you my advice: Throw all your cons overboard and just get this DVD. You won't be disappointed! Erik Norlander is a top notch composer, musician, producer and editor. The DVD Erik Norlander & Friends - Live At St. Petersburg, will show you how symphonic, progressive and melodic rock should sound.

[Some of that extra video footage was provided by Marcel himself :-) -ed.]

Tracklisting:
Fanfare For Absent Friends Part One / Neurosaur / Dreamcurrents / Mariner / A Salty Dog / Sky Full Of Stars / Alexandria / Guardian Angel / Oblivion Days / Peer's Guitar Solo / Beware Of The Vampires / Secrets Of Astrology ... Ernst's Drum Solo / Fallen / One Of The Machines / Fanfare For Absent Friends Part Two

Bonus CD: Fanfare For Absent Friends Part One / Neurosaur / Dreamcurrents / Mariner / A Salty Dog / Sky Full Of Stars / Alexandria / Guardian Angel / Peer?s Guitar Solo / Beware Of The Vampires / Fallen / One Of The Machines / Fanfare For Absent Friends Part Two* / From Russia With Love*

* new studio tracks (running time: 79:29)

Musicians:
Erik Norlander - keyboards
Kelly Keeling - vocals, bass
Lana Lane - vocals
Peer Verschuren - guitar
Ernst van Ee - drums

Discography:
Selected:

Rocket Scientists - Earthbound (1993) (OOP)
Rocket Scientists - Brutal Architecture (1995)
Threshold (1997)
Rocket Scientists - Earth Below And Sky Above (1998)
Rocket Scientists - Oblivion Days (1999)
Into The Sunset (2000)
Music Machine (2003)
Threshold - Special Edition (2004)
Stars Rain Down (2004)
Seas Of Orion (2004)
Rocket Scientists - Revolution Road (2006)
Hommage Symphonique (2006/2007)
Rocket Scientists - Looking Backward (2007)
The Galactic Collective (2010)

Live At St. Petersburg (DVD) (2006)

Genre: Progressive Rock

Origin US

Added: September 3rd 2006
Reviewer: Marcel Haster
Score:
Artist website: www.eriknorlander.com
Hits: 4694
Language: english