Customer Reviews

Device Voice Drum

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4 star:		(11)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(3)
1 star:		(2)

 

 

The current members of Kansas got together on June 15, 2002, in Atlanta for a little jam session with a number of their most fervent fans on hand. Oh, yeah, they happened to be recording for a live audio CD and filming for a DVD as well.

The end result: A must-have purchase for any fan of Kansas, priceless live documentation of a band still kicking serious progressive music tail nearly 30 years after they started climbing their way to major popularity.

That kicking starts at the very beginning with "Intro" which slides right into "Belexes" from their first self-titled album, and when's the last time "Belexes" was heard live? Not nearly often enough.

Songs from just about every era of Kansas are included here. There's "Belexes" and a kickin' take on "Journey From Mariabronn" (another Kansas classic not heard nearly enough in a live setting) from the debut album, an extra-spirited performance of "Song For America" from the second album of the same name, the latest live version literally giving me goosebumps upon my first listen. From the last studio album, "Somewhere To Elsewhere," there's "Icarus II," blending into the original "Icarus" from "Masque."

From the John Elefante era, there's "Fight Fire With Fire" and "Play The Game Tonight." From the Steve Morse era, there's "The Preacher" with The New Advent Choir blending in perfectly and giving the tune the full gospel touch it was designed to have. The only era missing here is the one that boasted David Ragsdale on violin and guitar, and Greg Robert on keys, but it's hard to cram so much great music onto a small disc, isn't it?

Every member of the band was on top of their game for this recording. Steve Walsh is in great voice, no signs of the raspiness that's plagued him in the past. This was like the Walsh of old, when he staked his claim as one of the top singers in all of rock. His keys playing here is fantastic as well. Robby Steinhardt's violin is pure all the way through, and he's in great shape vocally as well, he just nails his vocal parts. Richard Williams fills it up with his lead guitar playing, Billy Greer is absolutely precise on bass and backing vocals, and Phil Ehart (the quiet leader of the bunch) is like a finely tuned piston engine on drums.

It's been said by those who were there for the recording that the place was full of unique energy for this event, and it comes through in the recording. Kansas fans from all around the country converged on Atlanta for the filming, and the fans themselves helped pump the energy up to a wonderful level, yet they were perfectly subdued when they needed to be, as in the entrance to "The Wall."

For a visual and audio glimpse of the band Kansas at its finest, the DVD and/or the CD are necessary ingredients for any progressive music collection.

Kansas is one of America's premier progressive rock bands. Throughout their 30+ years, they have always displayed strong musicianship, thought provoking lyrics and dynamic composition. With their 2000 studio release, "Somewhere To Elsewhere", Kansas came full circle with the original line-up reuniting for the first time in 20 years. Their latest live CD "Device Voice Drum" brings the band to an even fuller circle.
Recorded in June 2002, "Device Voice Drum" captures a revitalized Kansas performing music mostly from the bands heyday in the 1970's. Classics such as "Belexes", "Song For America", "The Wall" and "Icarus" areplayed with the same intensity and vigor as they were back in the day. The Kansas standards "Carry On Wayward Son", "Dust In The Wind" and "Point Of Know Return" still haven't lost their cutting edge and are still among the band's best work.
Musically, the band sounds like they have come back to life in a big way. Singer/keyboardist Steve Walsh's voice has changed considerably since the early years of the band. His commanding forceful tone comes across now as being more strained and roughend. He still knows how to belt these songs out though. Violinist Robby Steinhardt still soars musically and vocally and can still harmonize effortlessly. Guitarist Richard Williams and the rhythm section of Bassist Billy Greer and drummer Phil Ehart are still solid aces on their instruments.
"Device Voice Drum" is an excellent live set from this legendary band. There is only one element missing out of this enitre concert, the presence of founder and band leader Kerry Livgren. Had he been on stage with the band during this concert, this would have been beyond description. However, the five-piece Kansas line-up does a fine job of displaying Livgren's music without him. I'm sure Kerry is proud of them.
This double-live-CD is definitely a piece of nostalgia and truly is a trip down memory lane. I can only hope that Kansas will continue their musical path in the direction they have been carrying it over the last five years.
This is classic Kansas for the 21st Century. In the words of Kansas member Robby Steinhardt, this CD is proof that you can "still rock when you're 52 years old".

First of all, for the fans who have made negative personal comments about Robbie's look (hey guy, Robbie looks the same as he did in 1974, save the clothes, where you been? Obviously NOT a fan otherwise you would have known that), Richard's weight (he has been the size he is for the last 8 years, where you been?), Steve's voice (his voice has been in its current state for the last 15 years, though a lot better sounding now than in a long time, so I ask again, where you been?). My question at the end of all those "where have you been" speaks to why you are negative. You have not bothered to keep up with THIS Kansas for the last 15 years. You picked up Device Voice Drum thinking it was Kansas from 1978 and guess what? It isn't and you should go back to your old records and not bother with Kansas. This DVD is for the fans like myself who have bothered to hang around the whole time, who have supported the band and embrace every thing about it. In that light, it comes through like a champ.

Sorry for my digression. It just really gets me upset when people come out here who are obviously fans from days long ago and rip on a band they haven't bothered to keep up with.

My only complaints with Device Voice Drum is that there should have been lots more discussion from the band. A commentary track should have been added, along with longer interviews. This band has been around for 30 years. There is a lot more to talk about than what is given to us on the DVD. Last complaint, and a petty one, not all the albums were covered, especially my favorite, Freaks Of Nature. I still feel that album, even against Somewhere, is their best album since POKR.

Still, with its faults, I love this DVD and accept it faults and all.

Kansas is without doubt my most loved progressive rock band of all time with that out of the way, I start my review. Overall i`m happy with this CD the songs sound good the music is great. Phil Ehart is the standout here his drum work is inspiring and his placement second to none. The track selection is good but not ideal . Its kind of odd you get a second disk with 6 songs on it (34min of music) with some multi media which you can watch some of Distant vision (which i would have liked on the audio CD) down load a cool screen saver and look at some pictures of the guys. If you like a great live CD packed with energy, this will do the trick. Considering some of the guys are as old as 52 years old now, this is a band that never gives up....who never changes with the fads....who never loses sight of there dreams....and who never conforms to being normal, Kansas you freaks of nature, we love you!

Let's be honest. Kansas have not done any new music since "Somewhere To Elsewhere", and that was virtually a Kerry Livgren solo album as performed by Kansas, good as it was.

Steve Walsh has admitted he is having trouble writing music for Kansas, and he is doing solo albums.

Robby Steinhardt was recently "asked to leave" the band.

All Kansas have put out recently are repackaging of their old songs (much like Black Sabbath).

But this live album, if it's their last real album, is certainly a cracker.

I'm not sure where they got the money to put this on, since it's a full-concert production in Atlanta, and they've been a bar/county fair band ever since the 1990s. But the fact is that it's good. The song selection is good and the band, as always, are some of the best instrumentalists in rock. Steve Walsh shows here that, except to do his frontman bit, he doesn't need a guest keyboardist (apologies to Greg Robert).

Robby Steinhardt's violin and voice were unmistakable, as he shows here (apologies to David Ragsdale).

Billy Greer is not as "showy" a bassist as Dave Hope, but he's solid, on-the-point, and adds vocals as well.

Phil Ehart shows here that he's always been underated and should be listed in the same lists as Neil Peart, Cozy Powell, Ian Paice, Bill Ward etc.

In short, this is a fine disc, well worth getting, better than "Live At The Whisky" and as good as "Two For The Show".

The only caveat is that Steve's voice struggles to hit some of his trademark high notes.

But even with that, this is a fine live epitaph(?) to an American rock institution.

Every incarnation of this country's premeire Prog-Rock band, Kansas, has a musical life of its own. This version focuses on providing its diverse fan base with a musical style that is tasteful and timeless. Gone are the days of the trademark Steve Walsh dancing, jumping and gyrating to the infecteous rock beat of this unique and, ever evolving, band. Now, Steve focuses his energy and attention upon playing keyboard parts (originally meant for two keyboardists) while belting out his vocals better than at any time period since the 1970s. This is a must have for every fan of good, solid, rock music. And, for every Kansas fan, it's a dire necessity. Keep On Rockin,' Wayward Sons!

OK, Steve's voice is not what it used to be but as I have said in past reviews, Steve Walsh at 80% is still better than almost anyone else at 100%. This performance blends the best of the old and the new with inspired arrangements and great execution. Bands in general have forgotten all about dynamics and diversity and Kansas gives it all. I would compare this CD favorably to "Two for the Show" and note that age has taken nothing away from these guys when it comes to energy. Don't let memories of the past take away from the offerings of these now mature and great musicians. Well Done Kansas!

I bought the DVD version and can assume that the CD tracks have the same mix. The group picked a great collection of songs for this, with at least one song from each album (except for Power and Freaks of Nature, which are not represented). Even the beginning songs leap from one end of the band's history to the other (Belexes was written before the formal formation of the band, and Icarus II is from the latest Somewhere to Elsewhere). The band plays with lots of energy and enthusiasm, and I noticed no mistakes in the songs. Steve Walsh deserves special attention for his ability to handle both his keyboard parts and Kerry Livgren's, often while singing at the same time! As a musician, I know that that takes enormous physical and mental coordination.

It's great seeing Robby Steinhardt back with the band. His absense was a bigger void than Kerry Livgren's, in my opinion. This is especially true live, where he was always more of the frontman than Steve Walsh. He brings back a lot of power and reminds me of when I saw them on their Point of Know Return tour.

The DVD is really the only format for this concert. The visuals are spectacular. The only complaint I have about Drum-Voice-Device is that the violin is mixed poorly. It has a thin, buzzy, trebly quality to it. Contrast that with the fuller, more natural sound like on Two for the Show and Somewhere to Elsewhere, and you'll see what I mean.

A great concert souvenier from one of the greatest bands from America. Great job guys!

Since I've been a huge Kansas fan for several years, it wasn't hard deciding on whether to buy this cd or not. But, it blew me away how good this live cd actually is. They really run the gamut on this by doing material from the older days and a lot of newer stuff too! It's also a double-cd so there's plenty of room for the greatest prog-rock band of all time to cut loose. And of course, you can't have a Kansas live cd without one of the greatest songs of all time, "Carry on My Wayward Son" closing it out. Also if you're interested, there's a awesome DVD that accompanies the cd that kicks too!

Since I've been a huge Kansas fan for several years, it wasn't hard deciding on whether to buy this cd or not. But, it blew me away how good this live cd actually is. They really run the gamut on this by doing material from the older days and a lot of newer stuff too! It's also a double-cd so there's plenty of room for the greatest prog-rock band of all time to cut loose. And of course, you can't have a Kansas live cd without one of the greatest songs of all time, "Carry on My Wayward Son" closing it out. Also if you're interested, there's a awesome DVD that accompanies the cd that kicks too!