Customer Reviews

Live in Atlanta

5 star:		(4)
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I have never heard of the group before this album. Once this 80 minute live masterpiece was finished, my jaw just dropped. This is what excellent melodic rock is supposed to sound like. Each song is beautifully arranged and executed. After just one listen of each song, they become instantly recognizable.

The outstanding musicianship should be no surprise since the group is made up of melodic rock veterans (ex-Kansas members). Every one of the 12 live cuts and 3 studio tracks is a potential hit in my book. All rock fans MUST have this in their collection!

Bassist & singer Billy Greer (Kansas, Streets) is from my area & has always been a respected musician by all of us. His new band Seventh Key consists of: Mike Slammer (City Boy, Streets, Steelhouse Lane), Terry Brock (Strangeways, Michael Bolton), David Manion, Pat McDonald (Charlie Daniel's Band), Robby Steinhardt (Kansas) makes a guest appearance as violinist & Billy's brother (Johnny) makes an appearance on guitar. It was a concert of 60 family members & friends. The DVD was shot professionally by Crossover Entertainment Group, Inc. It includes songs from the 1st & 2nd cd's as well as cover tunes like "Sin City" from AC/DC plus 3 bonus studio tracks for a total of 15 tracks. This is one awesome live cd that cannot be missed.

This CD might just be the best album that has never been heard by the masses. It was so good, I went on and bought the DVD as well. The DVD might just be the best concert and special bonus material never seen by the masses as well.

I got the first CD and liked it but it was nothing like this second recording. The bonus info on this second DVD explains the difference between the first recording and this second album. The first one was encouraged by Frontier records and strongly encouraged Billy Greer to rework some KANSAS demo's. This second recording is really Billy Greer solo material with SUPER production by Mike Slamer.

If you purchase this second album, it's like opening that favorite present on Christmas morning. You know,...the one you really wanted but dare not hope for such a thing. This is the real thing full of HIT #1 melodic rock material. It is carefully crafted and results in something that I would never expect out of a LIVE recording as well as the DVD. Billy Greer's writing tells you stories in music and verse. It has POWER and harmony with a masterful use of phrasing and that special blend of instruments and balance. Billy's voice is the best lead voice that has never been exposed. It reminds me of Lou Gramm, or Steve Perry, or BonJovi or even Steve Walsh. This is a tenor voice that can reach up high to the stratosphere. He reminds me of Paul McCartney with the bass walking the scales around in the background but remaining subtle. Lead bass but not out there in your face.

As you look at the players, indeed,...this reminds me of other famous groups with that perfect chemistry. Mike Slamer plays sonic runs in his own music but it is tempered just right to blend with a Billy Greer production. What can you say about Terry Brock to explain how important his vocals are in this mix. These are like those special harmonies that appear with Foreigner, Journey, Styx, and the others. Billy was wise in letting the organ/keyboards of David Manion come forward and this gives the songs a special B3 sound that no longer is around. Pat McDonald drums with just the right verosity and power to mark time shifts and crescendo.

If you are thinking about getting the CD or DVD you will be more than pleased. This is what radio rock was supposed to be.

I bought the DVD of this concert for friends and family so I could finally see Mike Slamer play. All I can say is hold on to your seat. The sound is outstanding and the band is as tight as a banjo string. I would think the CD is just as great. Recorded in a studio in Atlanta for the small group,this should be a lesson for alot of rock groups that would have you shell out 100.00 or more for a ticket. You have a front row seat and more with this gem. One of the best live DVD's I have ever seen or heard. So impressed I also bought the CD to take around and watch jaws drop. And the ever present Damn! Who's that? So I wait for the CD to arrive, but until, the DVD will keep me company. Greer can still soar, Slamer's fingers fly faster and true as to make you in awe of the years of playing to reach his dues. Terry Brock,nuff said. Just unreal, Nice guitar also. Manion on keys pulling the group in. And McDonald on drums ,his explosive beats are welcome. You cannot go wrong here. Do yourself a big favor and get either or both. Like I said ,the DVD of this show is something BIG Superbands , and strong following one's also should treat their fans to. A big credit should go out to Director Nicole Slamer. This is how to feel as if you were really at the show. Perfect .