Native Window

Native Window | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (June 23, 2009)
• Original Release Date: 2009
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Red Distribution
• ASIN: B0029PUUIQ
• In-Print Editions: Audio CD  |  Vinyl  |  MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (24 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #45,222 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Editorial Reviews

NATIVE WINDOW Billy Greer - Bass and Vocals David Ragsdale - Violin Phil Ehart - Drums Richard Williams - Guitar Not long ago, the members of Kansas found themselves in a bit of an uncertain situation, to say the least. Three to four years ago, the main writers for Kansas - Steve Walsh and Kerry Livgren - stated that they would no longer be writing for the band Kansas, explains drummer Phil Ehart. That didn't mean that Kerry might not write a song or two for a special project, but that the two of them were done writing any album length material for Kansas. The four of us decided that we were not done yet, and Native Window was born to scratch that new material itch . Soon after, Ehart found himself with his other Kansas bandmates, Richard Williams (guitar), Billy Greer (vocals/bass), David Ragsdale (violin), to see if the non-Walsh fronted line-up could work. It turns out it certainly can, according to Ehart. We had no idea what it would sound like! We had one criteria - the song had to sound good acoustically. If it sounded good with just acoustic guitar and vocals, then we developed it from there. On June 23rd, Native Window will release their self-titled debut album via StarCity Records (run by Jeff Glixman, who produced some of Kansas best-selling releases). Produced by Steve Rawls and Native Window, the album will certainly grab the attention of longtime Kansas fans, as well as admirers of smartly penned, melodic rock. We could all carry a tune and sing in pitch, says Ehart, But could we actually sound good together? It took some work to get over the hump of singing harmonies, but once we did, you couldn't shut us up! The lyrics were a total group effort. Someone would have a title, a one liner, a chorus, and the lyrics just sprung from there. Sometimes Billy would have a bunch of lyrical ideas, and we'd brainstorm from there. Greer himself also offers nothing but praise about the newly launched band. The writing and recording process on this project was more rewarding and fun than any I have been involved in a very long time. Vocally, this was one of the most challenging and rewarding CD's I have ever recorded! Ehart also cannot stress the importance of having Rawls behind the boards, which served as a catalyst for getting the new group on track and moving forward. Steve Rawls was the guy with us at Real 2 Reel Studios, and made sure we didn't go completely off the deep end in the creative process. He pushed us a lot to try things that were a stretch for us. We couldn't have done this CD without him. Ehart also offers to dispel any rumors that the birth of Native Window may have rubbed Walsh the wrong way. Steve has been very supportive of Native Window since it's inception. He has wished us the best since day one. As fans will learn upon giving Native Window a spin, the long-time Kansas mates have come up with an incredibly consistent album from front to back. This is sentiment that Williams agrees with. Blood in the Water is the most fun to listen to for me. It was truly conceived, moment-to-moment, the four of us sitting in the studio throwing ideas against the wall and using the ones that stuck. On the other hand, much of this CD was done that way. Personally, I like the entire thing. As one of the bands that virtually helped create the now common phrase arena rock, Kansas has sold millions of albums worldwide. Kansas has been a top concert draw since the 1970 s, when they stormed the charts with such hit/classic albums as the quintuple platinum-certified Leftoverture and the quadruple platinum certified Point of Know Return, as well as perennial rock radio favorites Carry On Wayward Son and Dust in the Wind."

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Superb!! You need it!, June 23, 2009

By 

T. G Krysinski "Classic Rockman" (Medina, New York United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Native Window (Audio CD)

This is,of course,the band project of the current members of Kansas sans Steve Walsh. The big question is--can they pull this off? The answer--a resounding 'Hell,YES!!' For those unknowing,Billy Greer is one fine vocalist his own self (check out his Seventh Key project). His high,crisp tenor is a perfect blending of Tommy Shaw (Styx) and Steve Walsh (Kansas). You could close your eyes and picture either of those two singing these great songs. No-it's not Kansas,but David Ragsdale plays a fine violin,and these songs are all peppered with his musical prowess. So you ARE reminded of the Kansas 'sound' here & there within each track. And Rich Williams & Phil Ehart do a great job rounding out this 'new' band. The songs? Listen to the samples,and you'll be immediately hooked and HAVE to order a copy like I did! Such a refreshing listen,I find myself smiling aLOT while hearing this cd,and you will,too. Did I mention the harmonies> They jump out at you and you'll simply HAVE to sing along! Every track here is a winner--huge congratulations to these guys for giving this music a chance.They deserve the highest praise. And check out the band photo inside the sleeve--you'll see Williams with a broad smile wearing fake,blackened teeth. It's hysterical (and the band is laughing heartily in the photo). The guys say they had a riot making this music,and it sure shows!Too bad Walsh doesn't want to write for Kansas anymore (the reason these guys made this effort),because with even 2-3 tracks added by Walsh,we'd have a fresh,new & updated Kansas. Trust me--you need this one,folks! Enjoy, T

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Little Something Different, June 23, 2009

By 

soundman1964 (McComb, MS United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Native Window (Audio CD)

It's definitely something different, but still fantastic music. It was difficult for me at first to consider the idea that the members of Kansas would be able to do that much without the presence of a keyboard player, but it's done magnificently. The songs are well-crafted and the performances tight and fluid. It's almost like there was a conscious effort to not allow the influence of so many years writing and performing with Kansas to affect these songs, but there are a few traces here and there. And other influences show as well. If Kansas is not going to record new material anytime soon, this is definitely the next best thing. Just a solid album of solid performances. This group's take on the Seventh Key song "An Ocean Away" is just as good as the original. Of course, it's Billy Greer. Fantastic and refreshing.

7 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Really like this release!!, June 13, 2009

By 

Evergreen (WA, USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Native Window (MP3 Download)

You can't have a recording by musicians from Kansas without having traces of Kansas. What is so great about this release is not only the incredible musicianship that's associated with Kansas but a fresh new sound and direction. Billy Greer's vocals are spot-on. Give it a listen if you like melodic rock. It really is a great release.