Kansas (March 2007)


Date of Performance: March 10, 2007
Venue: Proctor's Theater, Schenectady, NY, US

Kansas is now a band that makes their living on the road. With no new material since 2000's Somewhere To Elsewhere, you never know when the band will be making their final rounds. Bassist Billy Greer has taken over the master of ceremonies chair with the departure of violinist Robbie Steinhardt, and was very good with the crowd. He seemed comfortable and friendly. Steinhardt's replacement David Ragsdale was impressive on both violin and guitar. The music was tight and rocking; personal highlights include "The Wall," "Miracles Out Of Nowhere" and "Paradox." The band proudly announced the 30th anniversary of the Point Of Know Return album, and the crowd responded with thunderous applause (as they did throughout the show). Walsh's voice sounded strained during the heavier material, but he nailed the vocals during "Dust In The Wind."

The biggest disappointment was during the encore, choosing to cover Bruce Springsteen's "The Rising." Kansas has plenty of great material that has not been played in years, and a Springsteen cover was a poor choice. The show ran an hour and a half (almost to the minute), which was short for $34 bucks a ticket. I must admit that I was singing, and drumming to all the music, realizing how much this band's music has meant to me over the years. It gave me perspective on how lucky we are that these guys are still out playing for us. So, regardless of a few shortcomings, it was a great night of music from a band that can play with the best of them.


Added: March 14th 2007
Reviewer: Eric Porter

Artist website: www.kansasband.com
Hits: 4510
Language: english
  

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