Resonance

Asia | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (November 27, 2012)
• Original Release Date: 2012
• Number of Discs: 3
• Label: Frontiers Records
• ASIN: B009GJCFL8
• In-Print Editions: Audio CD  |  MP3 Music
• Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (25 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #10,896 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Editorial Reviews

2012 three disc (two CDs + DVD) live release from the Prog supergroup. Resonance was recorded in Basel, Switzerland during the reunited band's 2010 tour for their album Omega. The band line-p features all four original members: John Wetton, Geoff Downes, Steve Howe and Carl Palmer.

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

21 of 21 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars An Extraordinary Live Album! Give a listen...you'll be hooked November 28, 2012

By D. Dutton

Format:Audio CD

I'm not usually a big fan of Live CD's, but we have a great set list, and magnificent sound quality here. Recorded in Switzerland, while on tour promoting the Omega CD, this CD just sounds great!

Asia-nation...be prepared to add another great CD to your collection! You will love it! These guys really are getting better with age. The set list mixes old with new quite well with Phoenix and Omega tracks mixed in well with the 80's stuff.

Track List
I Believe
Only Time Will Tell
Holy War
Never Again
Through My Veins
Don't Cry
All's a Chord
The Valley of Rocks
The Smile Has Left Your Eyes
Open Your Eyes
Finger On the Trigger
Time Again
An Extraordinary Life
End of the World
The Heat Goes On
Sole Survivor
Go
Heat of the Moment

I'm not sure if it's possible but John Wetton is singing better now than ever before. His voice and natural ability are amazing! "Don't Cry" really showcases John. AWESOME STUFF!

For me "An Extraordinary Life" is my favorite song the band ever did, and the version on this CD is great!

The mix on this CD is heavy on highlighting Wetton's voice. The CD name "Resonance" really says it all. Webster's Dictionary defines the word Resonance..."to relate harmoniously : strike a chord". The guys resonate quite well and have produced one of the finest live CD's I've heard.

To top it off we have 2 Steve Howe solos of "Alls A Chord" and "Valley of the Rocks".

The entire 4 man band is in top form. As always, Geoff Downes lays down the massive foundation for all that you hear. Carl Palmer's relentless effort and amazing ability can really be appreciated on "Resonance". The mix sort of downplays Carl's drums, but put on your headphones and hear Carl in top form here again.

This is a 3 disk set which includes 2 Audio CDS and 1 DVD of the concert. Worth twice the price! This disk set is a true treasure chest of Asia's best, sights and sounds, performed flawlessly. It's a treat to hear how they sound today, and just know, these guys are performing better than ever. When you add in the modern recording technology, you get a first class work of art. Enjoy!

15 of 15 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Wow November 28, 2012

By Lars

Format:Audio CD

Let me preface by saying I'm a life-long Asia fan and pretty much pick up anything I can get my hands on and see them anytime they come through town. I've loved all of their studio recordings (including the Payne years), however, their live recordings have really been hit and miss for me. Though the performances have typically been top notch,some of their live releases haven't been that good.

Resonance is outstanding. In my opinion, it is the best live recording Asia have ever released. It is crystal clear and the individual members shine during the performance. The instrumental balance is good and the engery is great. Wetton sounds fantastic (which has not always been the case for him on live recordings). The arrangements are pretty true to the originals, so the ear finds some comfort in familiarity and yet there is enough nuance to hold attention.

I believe that someone took his time and really cleaned this one up for release because it really is that much better than some of the earlier live recordings. Keep in mind that Asia has pumped in certain sounds, sequencing and background vocal textures into their live performances to flesh out the sound a bit. Downes has always been good at this kind of thing. It matters little in concert because what you see happening instrumentally is very good anyway. I bring this up simply as a note because on this recording such textures and background vocals are so much clearer than they have been in the concert venue. It's not a bad thing.

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Outstanding - After 29 Years, Asia Hits It Out Of The Park in Basel November 29, 2012

By RisingPhoenix

Format:Audio CD

Resonance is the third Asia live album I've purchased after Live in Moscow and Fantasia. While both of those are excellent representations of the performance skills of these incredible musicians, Resonance is the undisputed champion. Asia is on absolute fire in this one, sounding tighter and more energetic than at any point in their career. The sound mix is superb, with a lot of warmth and depth to each instrument. Wetton's voice is fantastic here, certainly a little more mature but with greater resonance, power and emotional punch. And his bass playing is spot-on as always. Downes' keyboards sound terrific, a melodic collection of notes and chords that cut through cleanly and strongly. Howe is brilliant as always, I believe that as of late he is playing better with Asia than with Yes. And Palmer, in all honesty, has lost nothing in his 40+ plus years of drumming with God-given skill and acumen. The newer songs from Phoenix and Omega really come to life in this concert, particulary with "Holy War" and "An Extraordinary Life." And "Sole Survivor" absolutely rocks on this, the guys were really pumped up and in sync. The DVD was a nice accompaniment as well, although my only minor quibble was some of the "fast edit" camera work that kept jumping around every 2-4 seconds. Alas, I understand that is the standard with most contemporary concert videos. Regardless, if you are any level of fan of this great band - still very much in their prime - or any band that puts on a superior live show, do yourself a favor and acquire this amazing album.