To finish the year in celebration of their resurgence Kansas
releases their first DVD titled "Device, Voice, Drum," which is the
visual alternative to the live CD. Drummer Phil Ehart notes in an
interview on the DVD that this is a decidedly unusual title for a
Kansas production. The word device is important as many different
devices are employed in the recording of this visually stunning production.
The Reel-to-Reel company did the taping on a rough DAT for the video transfer.
The band tried many different things, and it all fell into place quite
nicely when everything was finished. A new entity gets an introduction
at the beginning of the show, a colorful graphic depiction of a mechanized
and computerized self-contained drum machine (on the cover) with organ
pipes behind it. It has long lifelike arms attached to its cylinder-transformer
body, which lights up as it plays the drum kit in front of it. Later
on in the show, the unit shows up for a more attention-grabbing performance.
On a "Miracles Out of Nowhere" cutaway the remarkable device/drum
plays along, only this time it is floating in outer space. It looks
as though the band has aligned itself with an intergalactic force.
It seems as though it is on its way home after the song, but one never
knows what the future holds, it may return for an encore performance.
On "Dust In The Wind", an orchestra accompanies the band. That is
one beautiful song, and to have several violins added in addition
to Robbie's, it just made it that much more poignant. In similar fashion,
a full choir backs "The Preacher." Steve Walsh came up with the idea
while jogging one day. In the "Making of the DVD" segment, there
is footage of Walsh in a practice session playing an acoustic piano with the choir.
The lighting and lasers during the evening's performance were especially
good and an attractive edition to their performance. There are some
good close-up side views of Phil playing, and it is so close that
you can see his drum kit shaking. It was a special night for a gathering
of "Wheatheads." Phil talks about how it all came together in an interview
and said that they felt it was important to have the most enthusiastic
fans at the concert or it would not work. So that is exactly what
they did, they brought in fans from all over to participate in a dress
rehearsal with the band then serve as the core audience for the recorded show.
They certainly did everything right the first time out with this type
of production. You get everything in one package plus many extras
on this DVD. The band is in excellent form on this night. If you are
a "Wheathead," casual fan, or progressive rock enthusiasts, you will
find a lot of enjoyment on this DVD.
1. Intro - 0:15
2. Belexes - 6:41
3. Icarus II - 7:15
4. Icarus - 6:23
5. Song for America - 9:22
6. Howlin' at the Moon - 1:59
7. The Wall - 5:36
8. The Preacher - 4:08
9. Journey from Mariabronn - 9:19
10. Dust in the Wind - 4:25
11. Cheyenne Anthem - 7:18
12. Child of Innocence - 4:59
13. Miracles Out of Nowhere - 6:31
14. Point of Know Return - 3:19
15. Portriat/Pinnacle - 7:44
16. Fight Fire With Fire - 3:24
17. Play the Game Tonight - 3:47
18. Carry on Wayward Son - 9:45
Also Includes:
· Band Interviews
· Band Discography
· Making of the DVD
Credits:
Steve Walsh - Keyboards, Vocals
Phil Ehart - Drums, Producer
Billy Greer - Bass, Vocals
Robbie Steinhardt - Violin, Vocals
Richard Williams-Guitars
