Customer Reviews

America

5 star:		(4)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

Bravo! Bravo to this exciting ASIA line-up. From the openning notes to the final cheers of the crowd this album gives ASIA fans young and old a wonderful glimpse into what a live ASIA show should be: musical, lyrical, passionate, dramatic, fun, danceable... you name it.

Chris Slade is fabulous and Guthrie Govan rips it up with Geoff Downes on "Go!" Best of all John Payne really does make all of the material, both old new, his very own.

The only thing better would be an ASIA tour throughout the USA.

Peace to all ASIA fans.

U*B*U

A much better life record than the previously released live albums from Asia during the nineties. The sound quality this time is good and so is the track listing.
A couple of tracks come from their latest studio effort, Aura. And these are to me the most interesting, because that album is surprisingly good.

The one disappointing thing is that the usual hits (only time will tell, heat of the moment) always come back on these albums, i would rather have some more tracks from Aria, Aqua and Arena. But hey, i understand that the album must be sold!

Furthermore, the whole atmosphere on the album is nice, you get the impression they enjoyed themselves out there.

All in all not a dazzling live performance, but still good enough to satisfy the long time fans (such as myself) and maybe interesting enough to get some fresh adepts towards the band.

It's hard to believe that vetran prog-rockers Asia have been going at it for 20 years now. Although the band line-up has changed numerous times over the years, the music has stayed pretty much the same. The band's latest CD "America" was recorded live in Trenton, New Jersey during a very special concert celebrating the band's 20th anniversary. The latest band line-up for Asia has got to be their strongest since the original line-up of John Wetton, Steve Howe, Geoff Downes and Carl Palmer. Keyboardist Downes is the only remaining member from the original band. In Wetton's place is vocalist/bassist John Payne. Recently added to the band is guitarist Guthrie Govan and vetran drummer Chris Slade who has played with everyone from AC-DC to Jimmy Page.
On "America", Asia performs music from all areas of their 20 year career. John Payne sings the tunes from the Wetton-era as if they were his very own from the start. Guthrie Govan handles the guitar parts from the different eras effortlessly. His composition "Bad Asteroid" is performed here and provides an excellent showcase for his guitar playing. Geoff Downes plays with the same amount of energy and flair as he did in the early years. His keyboard playing is top-notch throughout this performance. His solo spotlight is big highlight too. Chris Slade has always been an excellent drummer no matter what band or artist he is playing for. His spot in the drum chair for Asia is no exception. While he isn't Carl Palmer, he does play this music in a very original style and makes it his very own. It's a shame that he doesn't do a drum solo on this CD but, oh well.
After all these years, it's absolutely awesome to still have bands like Asia hanging around. I will admit that I do miss the original line-up of Asia but this latest line-up is just as rock-solid and they are an incredible live band. Here's hoping that this latest version of the band will stick together for awhile, maybe for another 20 years. :-)

ASIA/AMERICA
Reviewed by: Dan Elsenrath

Much to my chagrin, it's only been in the last two years that I have fully accepted the Payne-era ASIA. In the spring of 2001,
I happened upon a glowing review of *AURA*, so I decided to see (listen to) what all of the hype was about.

One listen was all it took for me to realize what a masterpiece Geoff and John had created in *AURA*. In my opinion, it is the finest work this band has ever done in the studio...and I rank it among the very best albums I have ever heard.

Above, I used the word "accepted" because up until that time I had been a staunch "Wetton IS ASIA" fan...never really giving the "new" band a chance...until *AURA*. So when my copy of *ASIA/AMERICA* arrived, it was with great anticipation that I would be able to hear what the band sounded like LIVE IN CONCERT.

First and foremost, this album demands a listen with headphones to truly appreciate the live feeling. The recording has been
engineered very well with GREAT seperation. Slade's been given the full spectrum, Guthrie on the right, John in the middle
and Geoff all over the place! The mixing is decent, but lacks some bottom end, which is really surprising considering the bass
player mixed it! Otherwise, a nice crisp sound and Geoff's keys are really given priority much of the time...as it should be.

The band does a fine job with the classic ASIA tunes...most notably "The Heat Goes On" & "Sole Survivor". However, it's

when they break out the *AURA* tunes that the guys really shine...of which five are represented, six if you include the snippet of "Longest Night".

Guthrie Govan is so good for this band and it's his inspired touch on "Kings Of The Day" that really makes one
appreciate just how good he is. For some reason, he really reminds me of Ritchie Blackmore in both his technique and subtle
"less is more" approach...every note has meaning and counts with Govan.

Chris Slade is the same solid-as-a-rock drummer he's always been and it's incredible listening to him...he can play
ANYTHING and still give you that punch in the gut, snap of the snare, when you least expect it. John's intro of Chris is
also very cool and hilarious...with a nod to Slade's past.

John Payne's contributions on *AMERICA* are enormous. On top of laying down a solid bass compliment to Slade's
rhythm, Payne seems to reach down deep inside of himself for every vocal...with such passion that he draws the listener
into each story he tells during the course of the concert. I've never heard a lead vocalist give so much of themselves to
an audience.

My greatest inspiration upon listening to *AMERICA* comes from Geoff Downes. He has truly mastered his craft and
again, what's most important to me in music is feeling...and boy does Geoff have a lot of it. He's right there with a brilliant
run of the organ when it's needed, or a gentle swath of synth in a bridge. His piano parts on "Kings..." are breathtaking.
As a pianist myself, it is such a treat to listen to an artist who creates such lights and shades in each and every song he
performs...again, Geoff plays from the heart and with FEELING.

*AMERICA* is ASIA at the top of their game.

Now would someone please book this band for a 2003 USA Summer Tour...PLEASE!

Dan Elsenrath
January 30, 2003

I was at this concert. My friend and I drove to Trenton, New Jersey to see them perform. They made this concert into a live D.V.D. also. I ordered the D.V.D. I should have it in a week or two (hopefully). After the concert was over, we were interviewed for the D.V.D. right outside the merchandise room. I'm hoping that they didn't edit us out. We got lucky. We were in the right place at the right time. I had no idea that they were going to release the concert on C.D. I had only heard it was going to be on D.V.D. In any case the concert was awesome. I had a great time. We sat in the 2nd row from the stage, all the way on the right side. The two end seats were empty, so we grabbed them.

I was very satisfied with this performance. The keyboard solo was very uplifting. Chris Slade is an awesome drummer. Their new guitarist is great also (Govan). I was pleased with the audio quality of this C.D. I've heard some horrible live C.D.'s in my time, but this one was very good. I have two older live Asia C.D.'s that are absolutely horrible sounding (Macaroni Incident) & (Pas De Deux). I think both concerts were recorded back in 1983. The 1st one was in Italy and the 2nd one was in France. In any case, they did a great job on this C.D. Buy the D.V.D. when you get the chance to. It came out in January.

Yeah, I know Wetton, Palmer, Howe, & even Thrall aren't coming back, but the line-ups Geoff Downes has put together are lousy. Ever look at their home page & wonder why they're playing in a bar & grill in some small town in Alaska or some other dump vice a pavilion, ampitheater or arena? BECAUSE THEY & THEIR MUSIC NOW STINK. Since the guys above left, so did the essence of Asia. The songs with Payne are lousy. The name of the band should be changed. The guys today aren't doing the name any justice. Just think if John, Paul, & George left the Beatles & Ringo recruited 3 other musicians. Stop giving 4 & 5 stars to albums after the above 4 guys split, got fired, whatever....