Device Voice Drum: Live

The end result: A must-have purchase for any fan of Kansas, priceless live documentation of a band still kicking serious progressive music tail nearly 30 years after they started climbing their way to major popularity.

That kicking starts at the very beginning with "Intro" which slides right into "Belexes" from their first self-titled album, and when's the last time "Belexes" was heard live? Not nearly often enough.

Songs from just about every era of Kansas are included here. There's "Belexes" and a kickin' take on "Journey From Mariabronn" (another Kansas classic not heard nearly enough in a live setting) from the debut album, an extra-spirited performance of "Song For America" from the second album of the same name, the latest live version literally giving me goosebumps upon my first listen. From the last studio album, "Somewhere To Elsewhere," there's "Icarus II," blending into the original "Icarus" from "Masque."

From the John Elefante era, there's "Fight Fire With Fire" and "Play The Game Tonight." From the Steve Morse era, there's "The Preacher" with The New Advent Choir blending in perfectly and giving the tune the full gospel touch it was designed to have. The only era missing here is the one that boasted David Ragsdale on violin and guitar, and Greg Robert on keys, but it's hard to cram so much great music onto a small disc, isn't it?

Every member of the band was on top of their game for this recording. Steve Walsh is in great voice, no signs of the raspiness that's plagued him in the past. This was like the Walsh of old, when he staked his claim as one of the top singers in all of rock. His keys playing here is fantastic as well. Robby Steinhardt's violin is pure all the way through, and he's in great shape vocally as well, he just nails his vocal parts. Richard Williams fills it up with his lead guitar playing, Billy Greer is absolutely precise on bass and backing vocals, and Phil Ehart (the quiet leader of the bunch) is like a finely tuned piston engine on drums.

It's been said by those who were there for the recording that the place was full of unique energy for this event, and it comes through in the recording. Kansas fans from all around the country converged on Atlanta for the filming, and the fans themselves helped pump the energy up to a wonderful level, yet they were perfectly subdued when they needed to be, as in the entrance to "The Wall."

For a visual and audio glimpse of the band Kansas at its finest, the DVD and/or the CD are necessary ingredients for any progressive music collection.

Sorry for my digression. It just really gets me upset when people come out here who are obviously fans from days long ago and rip on a band they haven't bothered to keep up with.

My only complaints with Device Voice Drum is that there should have been lots more discussion from the band. A commentary track should have been added, along with longer interviews. This band has been around for 30 years. There is a lot more to talk about than what is given to us on the DVD. Last complaint, and a petty one, not all the albums were covered, especially my favorite, Freaks Of Nature. I still feel that album, even against Somewhere, is their best album since POKR.

Still, with its faults, I love this DVD and accept it faults and all.