Proto-Kaw • Before Became After CD 2004 Numavox Records, 2014 •• NEW ••

Description: Proto~Kaw Before Became After AUDIO CD BRAND NEW & FACTORY SEALED Numavox Records 0017 UPC | 601283001724 2004, 2014 TRACK LISTING 1. Alt. More Worlds Than Known 2. Words Of Honor 3. Leaven 4. Axolotl 5. Quantum Leapfrog 6. Greensburg, Glickstein, Charles, David, Smith And Jones 7. Gloriana 8. Occasion Of Your Honest Dreaming 9. Heavenly Man 10. Theophany The foundation of Proto-Kaw was put in place in 1969 when vocalist Lynn Meredith, pianist Don Montre, organist Dan Wright and guitarist/keyboardist Kerry Livgren played together in a band called The Reason Why. The four later left the group to start Saratoga which in time merged with another Topeka based band White Clover, the partnership between the two bands leading to the formation of the first version of Kansas. After Kansas I broke up in 1970, the members of the band from White Clover reverted to their original moniker while those from Saratoga continued on under the name Kansas. Livgren, Meredith, Montre and Wright proceeded to add three new musicians in saxophone player John Bolton, bassist Rob Mikinski and drummer Brad Schulz (who replaced original drummer Zeke Low) to form Kansas II in 1971. The second version of Kansas was a very prolific songwriting period for Livgren who composed nearly 60 songs, many which made their way onto the demo tapes the band recorded between 1971-73. Kansas II generated some label interest as a result of the demos in question, but, frustratingly, it was never able to land that coveted recording contract. Hence, when Livgren was contacted in 1973 by drummer Phil Ehart asking him to join White Clover, a band with a line on a record deal, he jumped at the opportunity. Kansas II subsequently folded and, as a result, White Clover adapted the Kansas moniker to become the bands third and most well known incarnation. The demo tapes Kansas II recorded "sat in a vault" for nearly 30 years until Livgren received a phone call from Cuneiform Records requesting his consent to release them onto CD. During the spring of 2002 Livgren proceeded to contact his former band mates in Kansas II, many which had not seen or spoken to one another in 30 years, in order to advise them of the planned re-issue of their earlier recordings and to get their permission. After Livgren re-mastered the original demos, they were released by Cuneiform in September of 2002 and became the first official Proto-Kaw release under the title Early Recordings from Kansas, 1971-1973. (Please note that "proto" refers to first while "kaw" is the Native American name for Kansas. Hence, Proto-Kaw.) When Livgren got together with his former Kansas II band mates for a release party to celebrate the new CD and renew old friendships, a jam session took place in which some of the old magic started to reappear. As a result, the group discussed the "possibility" of reforming. Curiosity got the better of Livgren at that point who posed some serious questions: What would the band be doing had it stayed together? What would it sound like now? There was only one way to find out- and that would be to go into the studio. After staying in touch over the winter, the members of Proto-Kaw met once more in March of 2003 and decided to begin work on a new album to be completed within two years. The project moved forward to such an extent that the plan was to release it independently in late 2003; however, as the release date approached, the band was contacted by Inside Out Music which convinced it to sign with them. The second Proto-Kaw release, Before Became After, saw the light of day in April of 2004. With Livgren being the bands primary songwriter, it is only natural to expect Proto-Kaw to reflect a Kansas-element in its sound. Consequently, if you enjoy Kansas, particularly its earlier material, then you are going to love Before Became After. But Proto-Kaw, on the other hand, is very much its own band with its own unique and distinct sound. Yes, the music here is VERY progressive but that would only be telling part of the story. The use of a saxophone and flute, for example, helps to give the album a jazz-rock fusion feel while other moments are outright epic and orchestral in their capacity or even lean towards a classic rock direction. A "jam band" influence can also be found in several sweeping instrumental passages showcasing the abundant confidence Proto-Kaw displays in its instrumental sound. As things turned out, only five of the original Kansas II members were able to take part in the project. Drummer Zeke Low and bassist Rob Mikinski were too busy to participate (Mikinski did play bass on the song "Axolotl"), while Don Montre had unexpectedly passed away at age 39. Livgren is at the literal top of his game on Before Became After, contributing some of the most impressive rhythm and lead guitar work we have heard from him since his 1980 solo effort Seeds Of Change. Bolton proves quite the talented musician, his work on saxophone and flute adding just the right amount of texture to the bands sound while providing exquisite interplay with Livgren's lead guitar. Wright displays an equal amount of ability on keyboards in accentuating the instrumentation without coming across overbearing. Craig Kew (who performed on Livgren's mid-nineties solo project When Things Get Electric) replaces Mikinski on bass and combines with Schulz on drums to form a tight and steady rhythm section. Meredith rounds out the project with a distinct and pure, clean sounding classic tenor voice bringing to mind the likes of Steve Walsh (Kansas) and Dave Pack (Ambrosia) Production values are near perfect in highlighting sonics of a consummate and superlative nature. A crystal clear sounding mix allows all the instrumentation to shine, a compelling combination of lead guitar and bass underscoring just the right amount of rhythm guitar, flute, saxophone and keyboards. The album opens in a very strong manner with the beautiful guitar driven progressive rock of "Alt. More Worlds Than Known". The song gives rise to a catchy melody as just the right amount of crisp rhythm guitar backed by keyboards and occasional acoustic guitar conveys it at a mid-tempo pace through its first three verses. During the three minute jazz-flavored instrumental passage that follows, Livgren's lead guitar perfectly interweaves with Bolton's flute. Proto-Kaw displays a softer side to its songwriting skills on the stylish "Words Of Honor". Once an immaculate blend of flute and acoustic guitar takes the song through its first verse, it picks up in pace for a slowly moving acoustic laced chorus projecting an ethereal feel. Subsequent to Bolton's flute joining with a crisp sounding rhythm guitar, Livgren tops things off with several seconds of bluesy lead guitar. Before Became After deserves to rank among the finest progressive rock releases of 2004 (if not the past decade). Nothing less than a first class work of art, the album proves in no uncertain terms that the "second version of Kansas" possessed more than enough ability to have made it on a much larger scale. The fact that these guys got together to make music of this high caliber after being apart for several decades attests not only to the amount of talent here but to the level of commitment form each of its members. Lead Vocals – Lynn Meredith Backing Vocals, Percussion – Jake Livgren Guitars, Keyboards, Percussion, Backing Vocals – Kerry Livgren Bass, Backing Vocals – Craig Kew Drums, Percussion – Mike Patrum Keyboards, Backing Vocals – Dan Wright Woodwind [Woodwinds] – John Bolton Composed By [All Songs Composed By] – Kerry Livgren Graphics [Original Graphics By] – Ken Westphal Liner Notes – Kerry Livgren Producer – Kerry Livgren Partially Re-Recorded, Remixed and Remastered, 2014 © 2004 Kerygmatic Music (BMI) SHIPPING TO USA ONLY Buyer Pays Shipping $3.99 1st CD $3.99... each additional $1.50 CDs will only be combined with other CDs or DVDs To qualify for the combined discount, all items must be purchased together, paid for with 1 payment,and shipped all together in 1 shipment. Please use the add to cart feature, once you have ordered all your desired items, proceed to checkout to complete your order with the combined total.

Price: 14.98 USD

Location: Gold River, California

End Time: 2025-01-13T05:24:47.000Z

Shipping Cost: 3.99 USD