Icon: Acoustic TV Broadcast [IMPORT] [LIVE]

Wetton Downes, John Wetton

Product Details

• Audio CD (April 3, 2006)
• Original Release Date: August 1, 2006
• Number of Discs: 1
• Format: Import, Live
• Label: Avalon
• ASIN: B000ECY366
• In-Print Editions: Audio CD  |  MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #566,500 in Music (See Bestsellers in Music)

Editorial Reviews

About the Artist
Following the warm response that graced their return CD, Icon, in May 2005 and the Icon EP in August 2005, John Wetton and Geoff Downes are now offering an acoustic DVD filmed for a broadcast special at TV studios during October 2005. Stripping bare a selection of their classic songs, John and Geoff demonstrate how they originally sounded around the piano, accompanied by acoustic guitar or acoustic bass. ELO’s Hugh McDowell joins them on cello and the three virtuosos clearly enjoy the opportunity to relax while performing in front of the cameras.

At the time of recording this broadcast, they were keeping quiet about the plans for a 25th anniversary reunion of the founder members of Asia, including Steve Howe and Carl Palmer, which were publicised in February 2006. 2005 and 2006 has seen the original "Heat of the Moment" grace the soundtracks of 2 Hollywood blockbusters, the number 1 film of Summer 2005 [40 year old virgin], and Pierce Brosnan’s Golden Globe nominee "The Matador" which has graced the top 10 both sides of the Atlantic.

Product Description
Live album from John Wetton and Geoffrey Downes, recorded during their 2005 UK tour. Will include 13 tracks including 'There In Your Bed', which will not be featured on the DVD.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great Acoustic Album from Wetton and Downes., May 4, 2007

By	Louie Bourland (Garden Grove CA) - See all my reviews (TOP 500 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)

This review is from: Icon: Acoustic TV Broadcast (Audio CD)

The reunion of Asia's Geoff Downes and John Wetton has been one of the most anticipated in rock music history. Although, Wetton and Downes use the name of iCon instead of Asia when they perform as a duo, the sound is still unmistakably Asia.
Prior to the successful Asia reunion tour that is presently taking place, Wetton and Downes had already been doing several iCon concerts and had recorded a very successful album of the same name. One of the engagements that the duo performed is the acoustic television special which is captured on this CD.
Together, Wetton and Downes along with former Electric Light Orchestra member Hugh McDowell on cello perform stellar stripped down arrangements of Asia classic as well as recent iCon works. With much of the trademark synthesized orchestration wiped away leaving just piano, acoustic guitar and cello (with some vocal and subtle keyboard overdubs), we are offered a very intimate and personal glimpse into the genuine beauty of these classic tunes. While John Wetton's voice has aged somewhat over the years, he still sings in a very powerful and commanding tone that has always been his trademark. Geoff Downes melodic piano work on this disc is highly emotional and is simply beautiful to listen to.
For fans of the early days of Asia, this CD is definitely a must. The arrangements as well as the sound of the entire disc are outstanding. While they are both a little bit older now, this disc proves that Wetton and Downes have never lost their magic depsite not working together for over a decade. This is definitely a welcome return for one of the best songwriting duos ever.