Akustika Live in Amerika [Import, Live]

John Wetton | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (October 8, 1996)
• Number of Discs: 1
• Format: Import, Live
• Label: Blueprint UK
• ASIN: B000001HRZ
• Also Available in: Audio CD
• Average Customer Review: 3.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (10 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #459,160 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Track Listings

1. Voice of America

2. Hold Me Now

3. Rendez-vous

4. Christina

5. 30 Years

6. Only Time Will Tell

7. Book Of Saturday

8. Don't Cry

9. Battle Lines

10. The Smile Has Left Your Eyes

11. Heat Of The Moment

12. You're Not The Only One

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Stunning, April 7, 2000

By 

David M. Anderson (Manhattan, KS United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Akustika Live in Amerika (Audio CD)

I admit I was a bit skeptical when I purchased this one after the dissappointing "Chasing the Dragon" live CD... I feared the sound quality would be dull and the performance as boring as Eric Claptons too famous acoustic rendition of "Layla..." What a shock. "Voice of America" is performed with Wetton playing a grand piano and his voice is possibly the strongest it's ever been. Even the new songs (at the time) from Battle Lines blend in with the old perfectly, plus he performs the first part of UK's best song ever, "30 Years" with his voice and a synth. He even manages to pull of the Asia rockers such as "Don't Cry" and "Only Time Will Tell" in a tasteful manner. The sound quality is among the best I've heard, crisp and clean... If you're a fan of Asia, King Crimson, or UK, check it out. Those who are too old to rock and roll may enjoy it also...

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Sung With The Voice Of An Angel..., January 13, 2001

By 

HJW "o8Heather8o" (The High Desert...) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Akustika Live in Amerika (Audio CD)

So good...it will give you *chills*. The emotion John Wetton exudes...elicits...inspires in this strong and softly ethereal performance will set you in awe, and take you to heaven upon an angel's wings. This is possibly Wetton's finest live album, and it's certainly my favorite. You may not weep at the beauty as I did at tracks such as "Hold Me Now" and "Rendesvous 6:02", but then again...you might.... Light several candles or turn the lights down low, and take flight with this hauntingly beautiful artist...and explore where he leads you in this unparalleled progressive soft-rock musical arrangement..... There is nothing else like it.

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Alive Alone, June 13, 2008

By 

PHILIP S WOLF (SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, CA. USA) - See all my reviews
(TOP 1000 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Akustika Live in Amerika (Audio CD)

There are lot's of live CD's out there that feature the music of John Wetton, some of them have John as a member of Asia, others spotlight John with UK, and of course the recent ones are of the duo: Wetton/Downes and the reunited Asia of 2007-2008. But, for many of us, the years that John wandered the globe as a solo performer and as the leader of the John Wetton Band, stand the test of time as his moment of our fondest memories.

I own about a dozen CD's of live music by John Wetton, and this one entitled: "Akustika ~ Live In Amerika", is at the top as my favorite document of this performer's powers to transport his audience to somewhere much greater than here. John is in top-form here, and some of his greatest vocal work is right here as well, but that said, John Wetton on a bad night is better than 99% of all other voices on any stage. This recording: "Akustika" finds John in concert on a very good night.

From: "Voice Of America" thro to "You're Not The Only One" there are plenty of songs you remember: "Heat Of The Moment" & "Only Time Will Tell" and fan favorites such as: "Battle Lines" & "30 Years", to things you have not heard in ages like the King Crimson Classic: "Book Of Saturday." As we have all listened to these songs in their original forms for years now {well, decades really}, these new arrangemants breath new life into every one of them.

ABOUT THE MUSICIANS: John IS the band here, with only acoustic guitars and grand piano, he is playing fantastic. I was well aware that he was a fine guitarist, but to my surprise this disc also spotlights his expert skills on piano that really bring this concert set up by more than a few notches.

With twelve songs featured here and a total time of 49 minutes, this is not a full concert, and it would really be something to hear the rest of the show but, this is a very good presentation just the way it is and I am not here to complain because I do feel lucky to have this gem to listen to at all.

You do not need to be a big fan of Asia to enjoy this CD, it is a real nice listening experience as is and it does lean on past glories...These songs are their own voice...John Wetton, is something special and this CD is all the evidence that you are gonna need. Grab this one!
FIVE STARS !!!