Pendragon - Past And Presence

Year of Release: 2007
Label: Metal Mind Productions
Catalog Number: MMPDVD0104
Format: DVD
Total Time: 185:00:00

In 1993 I was introduced to progressive music by a friend of mine, and one of the first cds I bought, was Pendragon's The Window Of Life album and that stuck with me ever since. After having seen them live a few times, I got almost all of their albums. Interestingly, the first album I bought, was not the first one I heard ? that was The Jewel?

Can you believe that it has been already 21 years ago that The Jewel was released? Not the easiest time for Pendragon, as they released the album without the backing of a record label. But they persisted and are still here! And so it was reason for a special party: to celebrate the 21st birthday of the Jewel, Nick Barrett invited all past members to join Pendragon for a special evening. So Julian Baker, John Barnfield and Rick Carter came and joined the band on stage for a fantastic trip down memory lane.

For the record: the 20th birthday of the Jewel was not forgotten, as in 2005 the album was re-released, with new artwork and additional tracks. In October 2006, however, this unique concert was filmed at the familiar theatre in Poland. The entire Jewel album was played, as well as some additional tracks, like "2AM" from the Kowtow album and "Stan And Ollie," a live classic.

As soon as the band enters the stage, the attending audience goes wild, showing Pendragon is quite popular in Poland. And as soon as Clive Nolan hits the first keys to play "Higher Circles," you just feel the magic again. And that magic stays all the way through the show, until the very last note of "Stan And Ollie" has faded away! Wow, these songs still sound fresh and totally not dated or anything. On the second track, Nolan makes room for John Barnfield, who attracted my attention, not just by his play, but also by the mini moog he played!

I have been wondering what these guys have been doing since they left Pendragon, as for example Barnfield left before the release of The Jewel. Fortunately the Pendragon website has some information on him, and it seems he still plays music, but just for himself. Still, he plays like he never left Pendragon.

After the incredibly great "Leviathan," Julian Baker joins, sharing vocals with Nick on "Victims Of Life." On "Fly High, Fall Far" we have yet another keyboard switch: original Jewel keyboard player Rik Carter takes over from Barnfield. If you would turn the picture off and just listen to the songs, you probably won't notice there are three keyboard players switching around all the time. And what about drummer Joe Crabtree ? On the previous DVD it was already evident he knew his way around in the Pendragon back catalogue, but also with this material he has no problems whatsoever and together with Peter Gee on bass, they provide a solid rhythm section.

One of the all-time favourite Pendragon songs is probably "Alaska." On this one Julian Baker joins in on guitars ? man, this version gave me shivers. He stays on stage for "Dark Summer's Day" as well. For the song "The Black Knight," Clive Nolan re-enters the stage and on "2AM," the live classic "Stan And Ollie," Julian Baker plays the sax! Nick puts his guitar away and with his mic, he walks into the audience? wow, this is such a rush? I just wish I could have been there. And then the grand finale comes ? "Stan And Ollie" ? with EVERYONE on stage! Three keyboard players all together?cool.

And then, well over an hour and a half, the show is at an end ? which is really too bad, as it is an excellent show, with great music, a band that is really enjoying themselves and they just radiate the magic that is music.

Now, you probably missed Fudge Smith ? yes, indeed he is unfortunately not present on this DVD. And original drummer Nigel Harris is featured, but in the bonus section, in a performance at Riffs Bar, shot from the audience, but really great. Additional extras include an interview with John Barnfield and Nick Barrett and some behind the scenes / rehearsal footage.

This DVD shows that music can be timeless. Music is not like sweets: you eat one, instantly like it, but as soon as it's gone, you forgot how it tasted. No, music should stick with you. It is something you have to take your time for, like a well-cooked meal. Sometimes you just have to learn to appreciate the many flavours and essences music has to offer. Pendragon is a band with their own identity and their own sound. And it is well worth to invest your time in getting to know this band, as they have so much fantastic music to offer.

This was the first time I had the opportunity to review a Pendragon release and that makes me kinda proud, as I have been a fan of this band since 1993. Enjoying a DVD like Past And Presence makes me realize that music really is a gift and we should value that gift, not waste it.

As Pendragon has been around for some 30 years now, it is up to us, the fans, to make sure they stay around for many more years to come. And if you want to know how you can do that? First of all, in buying this DVD ? as it is a worthy addition to the collection of everyone who loves progressive and melodic music. And secondly, by reading this message from Nick Barrett here and helping out where you can to stop illegal copying and downloading of music!

Music like this must be kept alive and we, as fans are the ones to support the bands we like!

Tracklisting:
Higher Circles / The Pleasure Of Hope / Leviathan / Victims Of Life / Armageddon / Fly High Fall Far / Excalibur / Please / Oh Divineo / Alaska / Dark Summer?s Day / Circus / The Black Night / 2AM / Stan And Ollie

Musicians:
Nick Barrett - vocals, guitars
Julian Baker - saxophone, guitar, tambourine, backing vocals
John Barnfield - keyboards
Rik Carter - keyboards, backing vocals
Clive Nolan - keyboards, backing vocals
Peter Gee - bass guitar, backing vocals
Joe Crabtree - drums

Discography:
Fly High Fall Far (ep) (1984) (OOP)
The Jewel (1985)
9:15 Live (1986)
Kowtow (1989)
The R(B)est Of Pendragon (1991) (incl. Fly High... ep)
The World (1991)
The Very, Very Bootleg - Live In Lille, France 1992 (1993)
The Window Of Life (1993)
Fallen Dreams and Angels (ep) (1994)
Utrecht... The Final Frontier (1995)
The Masquerade Overture (1996)
As Good As Gold ep (1996)
Live In Krakow 96 (1997)
The Masquerade Overture (digi-pack w/bonus trk) (1999)
Once Upon A Time In England Vol 1 (1999)
Once Upon A Time In England Vol 2 (1999)
The Round Table (1985-1998) (1999) (Sth Am. mkt)
The History: 1984-2000 (2000) (Polish mkt)
Not Of This World (2001)
Acoustically Challenged (2002)
The Jewel (remastered) (2005)
Believe (2005)
Pure (2008)
Concerto Maximo (2009)
Passion (2011)
Out Of Order Comes Chaos (2013)
Men Who Climb Mountains (2014)
Masquerade 20 (2017)
The First 40 Years (book/CD) (2019)

Live... At Last! (VID) (1997)
Live...At Last And More (DVD) (2002)
And Now Everybody To The Stage (DVD) (2005)
Past And Presence (DVD) (2007)
Concerto Maximo (DVD) (2009)
Out Of Order Comes Chaos (DVD) (2012)
Masquerade 20 (DVD) (2017)

Genre: Progressive Rock

Origin UK

Added: May 28th 2007
Reviewer: Marcel Haster
Score:
Artist website: www.pendragon.mu
Hits: 4894
Language: english