Kansas - Device-Voice-Drum


Year of Release: 2002
Label: Compedia Music Group
Catalog Number: 9380
Format: CD
Total Time: 120:00:00

To finish the year in celebration of their resurgence Kansas releases their first DVD titled Device, Voice, Drum, which is the visual alternative to the live CD. Drummer Phil Ehart notes in an interview on the DVD that this is a decidedly unusual title for a Kansas production. The word "device" is important as many different devices are employed in the recording of this visually stunning production. The Reel-to-Reel company did the taping on a rough DAT for the video transfer.

The band tried many different things, and it all fell into place quite nicely when everything was finished. A new entity gets an introduction at the beginning of the show, a colorful graphic depiction of a mechanized and computerized self-contained drum machine (on the cover) with organ pipes behind it. It has long lifelike arms attached to its cylinder-transformer body, which lights up as it plays the drum kit in front of it. Later on in the show, the unit shows up for a more attention-grabbing performance. On a "Miracles Out Of Nowhere" cutaway, the remarkable device/drum plays along, only this time it is floating in outer space. It looks as though the band has aligned itself with an intergalactic force. It seems as though it is on its way home after the song, but one never knows what the future holds, it may return for an encore performance.

On "Dust In The Wind," an orchestra accompanies the band. That is one beautiful song, and to have several violins added in addition to Robbie's, it just made it that much more poignant. In similar fashion, a full choir backs "The Preacher." Steve Walsh came up with the idea while jogging one day. In the "Making of the DVD" segment, there is footage of Walsh in a practice session playing an acoustic piano with the choir.

The lighting and lasers during the evening's performance were especially good and an attractive edition to their performance. There are some good close-up side views of Phil playing, and it is so close that you can see his drum kit shaking. It was a special night for a gathering of "Wheatheads." Phil talks about how it all came together in an interview and said that they felt it was important to have the most enthusiastic fans at the concert or it would not work. So that is exactly what they did, they brought in fans from all over to participate in a dress rehearsal with the band then serve as the core audience for the recorded show.

They certainly did everything right the first time out with this type of production. You get everything in one package plus many extras on this DVD. The band is in excellent form on this night. If you are a "Wheathead," casual fan, or progressive rock enthusiasts, you will find a lot of enjoyment on this DVD.

Recorded Live in Atlanta, Georgia June 15, 2002 at Earthlink Live; also released by SPV (71497)


Tracklisting:
Intro (0:15) / Belexes (6:41) / Icarus II 7:15) / Icarus (6:23) / Song For America (9:22) / Howlin' At The Moon (1:59) / The Wall (5:36) / The Preacher (4:08) / Journey From Mariabronn (9:19) / Dust In The Wind (4:25) / Cheyenne Anthem (7:18) / Child Of Innocence (4:59) / Miracles Out Of Nowhere (6:31) / Point Of Know Return (3:19) / Portrait/Pinnacle (7:44) / Fight Fire With Fire(3:24) / Play The Game Tonight (3:47) / Carry On Wayward Son (9:45)

Also Includes: Band Interviews, Band Discography, and Making of the DVD

Musicians:
Steve Walsh - keyboards, vocals
Phil Ehart - drums
Billy Greer - bass, vocals
Robbie Steinhardt - violin, vocals
Richard Williams - guitars

Discography:
Kansas (1974)
Song For America (1975)
Masque (1975/2001)
Leftoverture (1976/2001)
Point of Know Return (1977/1984/2002)
Two For The Show (1978)
Monolith (1979)
Audio Visions (1980)
Vinyl Confessions (1982)
Drastic Measures (1983)
The Best Of Kansas (1984)
Power (1986)
In The Spirit Of Things (1988)
Carry On (1990)
Live At The Whisky (1992)
Box Set (1994)
Freaks of Nature (1995)
Always Never The Same (1998)
King Biscuit Flower Hour Presents Kansas (1998)
Definitive Collection (1999)
Best Of Kansas (altered re-release) (1999)
Somewhere To Elsewhere (2000)
Live! Extended Versions (2000)
The Ultimate Kansas (2002)
Device-Voice-Drum (2002)
In Concert (2003)
Sail On: The 30th Anniversary Collection 1974-2004 (2004)
On The Other Side (2005)
Kansas: Extended Versions (2005)
Works In Progress (2006)
Super Hits (2007)
Discover Kansas (2007)
There's Know Place Like Home (2010)

Best Of Kansas Live (VHS) (1982)
Live At The Whisky (VHS) (1995)
Device Voice Drum (DVD) (2002)

Genre: Progressive Rock

Origin US

Added: October 20th 2002
Reviewer: Keith "Muzikman" Hannaleck
Score:
Artist website: www.kansasband.com
Hits: 2322
Language: english

  

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