Review: Kansas

Steve Walsh of Kansas. Photo by Susan Pfannmuller/Special to The Star

A giant reproduction of John Steuart Curry's famous wild-eyed portrait of the abolitionist John Brown served as the backdrop of Kansas' concert Saturday at the Uptown Theater.

Some historians hail Brown's extreme actions during the 1850s as the work of a righteous freedom fighter while others characterize Brown as a domestic terrorist.

Since appropriating Curry's work for the cover of its 1974 debut album, Kansas has also acquired a polarizing reputation. Detractors deride the band as a musical dinosaur specializing in overblown pomp. Faithful fans insist that Kansas' down-home demeanor and exceptional musicianship make it one of the preeminent acts of the classic rock era. Neither camp can dismiss Kansas' commercial success. Originally based in Topeka, Kansas was one of the dominant rock bands of the 1970s.

The band headlined twice at Royals Stadium during the height of its popularity. The disheartening sight of empty seats in a relatively small venue may have contributed to the astonishingly flat opening of Kansas' 80-minute outing. The 1,000 fans in attendance also seemed dazed. Aside from the parade of people who walked to the lip of the stage to take photos, the audience was initially motionless.

"Paradox," Kansas opening song, was listless. The turgid rendition of "Point of Know Return" that followed was even more troubling. "Song For America" served as a desperately needed icebreaker. Its majestic introduction is one of the most inspiring passages in the history of progressive rock. The combination of David Ragsdale's violin and Steve Walsh's keyboards filled the Uptown with a sense of grandeur. Rich Williams' guitar solo on an icy version of "The Wall" evoked the celebrated sound of Pink Floyd's David Gilmour.

Walsh, the voice of Kansas' most familiar songs, overcompensated for his slightly diminished singing with unnecessary histrionics. A version of "Dust In the Wind," the band's biggest hit, was marred by Walsh's overdramatic effort. He was much more effective on a bold rendition of "Can I Tell You." The taut selection was followed by the unrepentantly bombastic "Journey From Mariabronn." The opportunity to watch masters of progressive rock wind their way through such intricate selections is increasingly rare.

The piece showcased the astoundingly accomplished playing of drummer Phil Ehart. Along with Walsh and Williams, he's one of the three current members of Kansas who were with the band during its hit-making period. An excellent reading of the extravagant "Miracles Out of Nowhere" finally roused the majority of the audience. They remained fully engaged for a robust take on "Portrait (He Knew)" and an admirably precise replication of Kansas' signature song "Carry On Wayward Son."

The evening began with a brief outing by That 1 Guy, Mike Silverman's one-man band project. Silverman calls his handcrafted instrument "the magic pipe," a device that resembles a makeshift combination of upright bass, harp and smoking accessory. The remarkable technical dexterity displayed by Silverman made him an ideal opening act for Kansas.

The presence of King's X was more problematic. While several dozen rabid fans were on hand expressly to see the trio's 35-minute performance, the band seemed to annoy much of the audience. That's par for the course for King's X. Formed in Missouri over thirty years ago, King's X never managed to translate critical accolades into mainstream acceptance. Containing elements of Christian rock, heavy metal, pop and psychedelia, King's X didn't fit neatly into any established categories.

Not unlike King's X, Kansas is also a musical outlier. Its uniquely Midwestern version of British progressive rock might easily have relegated the band to an obscure career. Yet its uncommon talent and the steadfast commitment it demonstrated Saturday have made it an American institution.

Kansas setlist: Paradox, Point of Know Return, Song for America, The Wall, Hold On, Dust in the Wind, Can I Tell You, Journey From Mariabronn, Miracles Out of Nowhere, Portrait (He Knew), Sabre Dance, Fight Fire with Fire, Carry On Wayward Son.

| Bill Brownlee, Special to The Star

Comments

[Freeman]

It is sad to hear that they sucked,
they used to be one helluva band, oh well, at least they dont suck as much as Missouri, a band which does not even play anymore.

So Kansas outlasted Missouri, of course.

[Freeman]

PS
Nice picture of Steve Walsh looking like the crypt keeper... is that best you could do? Why not back the lens up a bit, get full picture of the band and show the back drop you wasted the first 2 paragraphs on?

[LiveMusicFan]

Not enough hair to be the crypt keeper, but more like one of the melting Nazis from the first Indiana Jones movie when they opened the Ark of the Covenant.

[Abby]

On a lighter note-
Has everyone seen this web cam view of the Abby road street crossing. If you watch at the right time of day you can see all sorts of people copying (trying to) the famous crossing.

http://www.abbeyroad.com/Crossing

[Bubba Brown]

How was support band KING'S X? I haven't seen KANSAS Since they opened for YES at Sandstone in summer, 2000. That was the YES 'Masterworks' tour where they played several twenty-minute pieces from their early '70's lp's. I do remember that after the third song of YES, people under the age of - say forty were leaving in droves. They gave away a LOT of tickets to that YES show. KANSAS was quite the decent opener, I thought.

[Geordan]

The only time I ever saw Kansas, which was at Memorial Hall in '82 or '83, Steve Walsh had left the band and John Elefante had taken over at vocals for a couple of albums. They weren't bad. I'm kind of surprised that Kings X only got 35 minutes on stage, as it appeared that they were a co-headliner from one of the ads I saw on this show. Amyway, I had to go to Wikipedia to get Elefant's name, as I had forgotten it, and saw that he beat 200 applicants for the job (if you believe everything you read on Wikipedia), including Sammy Hagar. Can you imagine Hagar singing for Kansas? I still can't imagine him singing for Van Halen, but that's just me......

[wadkc]

I saw Kansas right after "Leftoverture". They were a dynamic live band. I've probably seen them 10 times over the years and thought Steve's voice held up well. Too bad that's not the case anymore.

His over dramatic posing and histrionics aren't new. His organ dancing is legendarily. (that came out weird)

They lost something when Kerry Livgren left to delve into religion. But at least he did do a great solo album that had Ronnie James Dio singing one of his best songs ever, "To Live For The King".

[Tim Finn]

anyone dissatisfied with our service is warmly welcomed to see the receptionist for a full refund. thank you kindly.

[Chippy]

No time to get all sensitive now.

[Randy]

A better recent shot of Steve Walsh. http://www.trippyfood.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/02-BOC-Kansas-09.jpg

It is in kind of poor taste to post such a bad angle picture of Steve, making him look like David Lo Pan (the bad guy from Big Trouble In Little China). Remembee Sue, even the most beautiful woman can have bad pix/angles taken of them... and karma can be a bear.

[SinCityDisciple]

"anyone dissatisfied with our service is warmly welcomed to see the receptionist for a full refund. thank you kindly."

+1

[Whitey]

coughcoughbrownnosercough

[Bubba Brown]

KING'S X got just 35 minutes? Now, I'm glad that I simply didn't bother with Saturday night's gig at the Uptown. I saw KING'S X open for MOTLEY CRUE in 1994 at Sandstone when VINCE NEIL was not with them. The CRUE got points for simply their effort alone. But that evening's KING'S X performance was the best (if not, one of THE best openers) I have ever seen. Believe they covered a HENDRIX song. KING'S X was phenomenal that particular night.

[Tim Finn]

for the record: freeman, chippy and whitey are the same.

[Mr. Bulbous]

I've seen King's X several times and they never disappointed. Glad I didn't pay money for just 35 minutes of King's X. That's not enough time to do them justice.

[gsp]

"for the record: freeman, chippy and whitey are the same."

Yes, we're all familiar with the routine.

[LiveMusicFan]

"anyone dissatisfied with our service..."
Posted by: Tim Finn

So we're only allowed to make happy, rainbow-filled comments now? It's your blog, but that IS a bad picture.

[Whitey Freeman]

The way it works is.... you review the concerts and we review the reviews.... and sometime you get showered with praise, and other times not so much.

No need to get snarky about it, at least you get paid to do it.

[Whitey Freeman]

Besides, this is not even your review, yours are usually well written, unlike this one which starts off talking about the back drop and ancient history (and was probably written before he went)..

Why not stick to music, what was played... oh wait.. thats right ... this is not his favorite flavor of music, so he does his standard bashing on this type of stuff.

Oh well, I am sure a mellow, sit stiffly and upright in your seats, be very very quiet, new fangled, no guitars act will come along shortly and he cans shower them with praise and well taken/posted pictures.

[Tim Finn]

i was sticking up for our overworked photog, that's all and trying to be funny about it. peace.

[LiveMusicFan]

"i was sticking up for our overworked photog..."
Posted by: Tim Finn

Bad pictures happen, and there's not much you can do about most of them...but I'm guessing that she took at least two dozen pictures, and THAT'S the one that gets picked? A picture of Walsh picking his nose would have been more flattering.

[onthemark]

Surely I am not the only one who thought Tim's comment was funny? Not snarky at all, more of a dry wit in my opinion.

[Country Jesus]

How come nobody's talked about how crappy the Crossroads is yet??

[Bewlay]

Prog gets all the commenters going. Let's see if this approaches the numbers Rush brough in.

[DT]

Tim Finn is a legend in KC music and we are lucky to have him and this blog. It is highly admirable that he is sticking up for his photog. We are lucky to have his(this) music blog, one of the last wild wild west blogs of its types....it sure makes for some BIG SMILES.... and good times.

Thank you Mr Finn, you are Legend!

I have nothing but respect Mr Finn and hope he never leaves us, for his words are poetry. I always try to do my best to not get pissy on his reviews... kind of my own self off limits... out of respect for him and what he has done.

I even tried to restrain myself today.... but if I was out of line, or too stupid to recognize humor, will then shucks, my bad guess it is just me being a dumb ass... I may be guilty... but maybe not, actually I blame otm for all this trouble he caused. Him and his hatred of Kansas and Steve Walsh in particular... so this is all otm's fault, him and his dry wit... sheesh!!! someone should pour some water on that wit of his.

In conclusion... Dont ya just hate that Eric Winston guy... and we all ahte the Dump, both are just the worst, EVER!!

================================
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Peace indeed :) Thank you Sir.

[Gary Dean]

I got a Audio Boot and decent pictures of the show, I can be The Star Photographer :)

just email me
musicatto@hotmail.com

[Gary Dean]

histrionics - Definition of HISTRIONICS
1: theatrical performances
2: deliberate display of emotion for effect

I guess I had not heard this word, My Bad
theatrical performances ? IT's a Concert!!!!
Sorry, and yes the picture does suk

[David Lo Pan]

Gary Dean rules!!!

and on a side note....
did you guys see this video of The Ataris lead singer throwing his guitar at his drummer?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F33V34o0OwE in all fairness here is the explanation
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LMOEGsQr3ac

[Dr Smith]

just my opinion...
I've NEVER liked bands such as Kansas, Missouri etc.
Do these guys ever have any fun on stage? Or is prog all about how many notes they can accurately play in under .097 seconds...
I just don't hear any emotion in these bands. As if you care.

[paul cowan]

BILL BROWNLEE'S CRITIQUE OF THE KANSAS SHOW 10 06 2012 was predictably scatheing. A "music critic" who has no respect for music that has truely aged well. Some of the members of Kansas looked a little older than there age would tell but this did not deminish the flawless presentation of their musicall expertise. As for the " photo journalist" on hand Saturday night, how embarrassed you should be, I took better pictures 12 rows back than you and l'm a mailman. Kansas music will still be playing way beyond you hacks journalistic careers, the way that rag of a news paper that employs folks like you. Plus lady Gaga will tramp step her way into the sprint center and you'll fall all over yourselves telling us how excellent it was, when true legends preformed right in front of you.

[paul cowan]

Bill brownlee and his shipmate,Susan pfanmuller are on a sinking ship named the USS Star, way beyond the point of no return......life boat any one????

[wadkc]

I'll dumb it down next time. Sorry.

[Gary Dean]

Here is another review MINE with pictures

[Gary Dean]

http://hardrockhaven.net/online/2012/10/live-kansas-concert-review/

[Clyde]

Thanks Gary,
great review, awesome pictures.

[Kevin Stefanik]

Hey Clyde you know good art when you see it! The concert was fantastic, the band sounded great, the stage show was top notch and the crowd loved it all.

[adidas f50 adizero]

Hi! Me encantó su lectura a sus blogs. Gran energía! Acabo de empezar a bloguear mí y te ha añadido a mi lista. Espero que usted echa un vistazo a mi blog cuando tú! Puede Sigan con el buen trabajo!

[chaussures supra homme]

Wow, asta a fost destul de interesant. Inspira, de asemenea. Multumesc pentru schimbul de experiență, cum ar inspira cu noi. Ai dreptate, ai într-adevăr salva vieți. Marea blog, felicitări.