Search - Proto-Kaw :: Wait of Glory (Bonus Dvd) (Spec)

Blazing the Trail!

kansasken | 01/31/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Proto-Kaw is on fire with their sophomore release, "The Wait of Glory", which takes up where "Before Became After" left off, taking the band's music to new heights. The songs are all new, where the last release was a blend of old and new. The lineup is the same as before, with one change and one addition, Mike Patrum having replaced Brad Schulz on drums and multi-instrumentalist/vocalist Jake Livgren (nephew of Kerry) has been added to the team as something of a utility fielder. Original members John Bolton (sax/flute), Kerry Livgren (guitars/keyboards), Lynn Meredith (vocals), Dan Wright (keyboards) & Craig Kew (bass). Another new sound in the mix is the trumpet & flugelhorn of Daryl Batchelor, who plays on few tracks. Having 2 saxes and a trumpet provides a much more saturated horn sound for several of the songs.



It's difficult to know how to describe Proto-Kaw, because there is truly no one like them, which makes comparisons nearly impossible. Naturally, as all the music is penned by Kerry Livgren, you will hear a riff here, a phrasing there, that belies his style, yet for each band he has played with and written for, something unique has happened musically. There are the slightest hints of past songs, as wine will be flavored by the surroundings of where it's grapes were grown. Each band Kerry has written for has been part of his development as a song writer.



Each band has been a catalyst for new creativity. Proto-Kaw is now providing that synergy of talent. In writing for this CD, Livgren has seized on the strengths of the band, pulled out the stops and pushed the limits. "On 'The Wait of Glory' we went into it as a functioning band. I knew what the band sounded like and what they were capable of. 'Before Became After,' that was all totally unknown and a roll of the dice. With this album, I was able to write the material envisioning the band that was going to be performing it," he says.



P-K is definitely American Prog-Rock -- infused with American musical idioms, not in the lineage of the Canterbury bands. Symphonic Art Rock coexists with elements of Jazz and R&B; majestic themes abutting hard rocking jams. The band at times chases through labyrinthine rhythms and time signatures and then suddenly breaks free into the wide open spaces of straight ahead rock.



There's Symphonic Art Rock. There's Jazz Fusion. There's simple beauty. There are rockin' jams. Then there's the funk! Yes, funk finds its way into the mix, too. "Old Number 63" has a driving beat with an R&B vibe, James Brown-esque screams and Tower of Power style horns, Bolton armed with a growling bari-sax. The verses are spoken, coming about as close to rap as is comfortable for this prog fan, but it works.



"Osvaldo's Groceries" gets the award for quirkiest track. It's the lone instrumental tune, moving kaleidoscopically through a variety of styles very quickly including a touch of Eastern European accordion and Munchkins from Mars singing in the background. (you'll see what I mean when you listen) Comparison's might be made to Gentle Giant or Happy the Man, though it is a point of reference primarily in the compositional complexity, the juxtaposition of elements. I think this one would have made Frank Zappa smile.



The pacing of "The Wait of Glory" is excellent as the band moves from song to song, style to style sometimes from track to track, sometimes within tracks. With "The Wait of Glory" Proto-Kaw continues to define and redefine the sound of progressive rock. For those familiar with "Before Became After," "The Wait of Glory" has all that and more! In some respects, the band has reached back into the exuberance of when they recorded the demos which became "Proto-Kaw: Early Recordings from Kansas 1971-73," if not in the wild experimentation, certainly in ebullience. Proto-Kaw is solidly progressive, but never forgets how to rock! Here's hoping this one sets the progressive rock scene ablaze. "The Wait of Glory" is definitely worth it's "wait" in gold."

Proto-Kaw Becomes The Band They Were Meant To Be

ProgDog | 02/04/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Proto-Kaw's first release showed the world that these were incredibly skilled musicians and performers, able to produce thoughtful music that takes great risks and delivers awesome power. This sophomore release by the group marks their transition into a full-fledged band.



The Wait Of Glory, a title that is a double-entendre of the famous CS Lewis quote, is a CD that opens with a challenging 9-minute plus song. Well-executed and crafted, Nevermore takes the listener on a journey through a labyrinth of styles and time signatures. While the journey may leave the listener a bit breathless and filled with questions, the delight of the remainder of the album does not fail to keep the opening standard.



This CD presents a Kerry Livgren of a more brooding and cerebral nature than we've heard in a while. The content of the songs keep the listener transfixed. "On The Eve Of The Great Decline" is a song that Kansas would never have been able to pull off, given the increasing presure from their record label of the '70s to give a hit song.



Lynn Meredith has shifted his vocals a bit and dropped the moments of ultra-melodrama from his inflections. He sounds more confident and appropriate to the sound of this band.



In a way, this CD better reflects what Kansas was and could have been if the music industry would have had a little faith in the original group.



Proto-Kaw's Wait Of Glory will not only decree these guys as the true forefathers of Kansas as a progressive group, but as noble embassadors of phenomenal music.



Worth every penny. Bound to be one of the best prog albums of 2006, possibly of all time."

Hearing Glory!

Brian Pate | Southern California, USA | 02/09/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"***For best results this CD should be listened to using headphones*****



Continuing the dream that started with the release of the Early Recordings of Kansas 1971-73 and Before Became after Proto-Kaw throws this statement called The Wait Of Glory as a gauntlet at the feet of the music industry as if to say ignore us at your own detriment. Following up a successful Before Became After Proto-Kaw avoids the second effort jinx with what may be the progressive CD of the year.



This CD was recorded in October of 2005 in Kansas. This is the first effort with all brand new songs written by Kerry Livgren and with this band in mind. The drummer seat changed with Mike Patrum taking over for Brad Stoltz and Jake Livgren was given a part in the recording band as well as his very important part of the touring band. (Jake has a great ear and plays; guitar, sax, percussion and sings backing vocals live.) This CD is a great mix of a variety of sounds and genres. Livgren is never afraid to explore new territory in his songs and this collection of songs is a perfect example of that.



Almost space rock in parts, Symphonic in others. King Crimson, Gentle Giant, Jethro Tull and Kansas are certainly influences here but there are so much more! Great harmonies in both the vocals and instruments you can even hear a little metal thrown in. Of course the jazz/rock fusion is still there but there are even some touches of AD and some other of Livgren's solo songs and even reaching back to the spirit of the Early Recordings CD. The band itself is maturing right before your ears. This isn't just a fun little project of old friends this is a serious statement that they can compete with any band on any level. If this CD does not get you by the 4th song you won't like it but I'll bet my life most of you will.



John Bolton uses much more use of flute than on BBA which gives the band a Jethro Tull sound and even English folk music in parts. Listen to the instrumental parts in When the Rains Come for a perfect example of that.



Craig Kew's bass playing is stellar. Influenced by Jaco Pastorius he is really coming into his own as one of the top bass players in the industry. Mike Partum's drums are fitting comfortably in the mix and he and Craig work very well together.



Dan Wright is a solid keyboardist playing some down and dirty rhythms and some great solos. It is hard to believe this guy didn't even play for 30 years.



It is hard to believe but Kerry Livgren at this stage of his career is getting better as a soloist and still can deliver some beautiful piano tracks.



Lynn Meredith's voice is great and used differently than on BBA. I think Lynn has confidence has grown the more he sings. The use of Jake Livgren on the lead vocal on Melicus Gladiator gives a harder edge and almost metal sound. The harmonies created by the three Lynn, Jake and Craig are some of the best harmonies I have heard in a long time.



On to the songs. At Mornings Gate is the most ballady of all the songs but it is beautifully done with the piano, flute and choir voices on the keys almost brings tears to your eyes. The Vigil is fast becoming my favorite track on the CD. A beautiful vocal intro that transcends into a beautiful melody featuring Flugelhorn, played by Daryl Batchelor who also plays trumpet on a few songs, flute, synth and piano it reminds me of a slower ELP moment like Take a Pebble in its spirit. Fantastic song.



Old Number 63 is what Kerry Livgren said is progressive R&B and you know what he is right. Lynn does some blues wailing in the intro that reminds me of Warren Ham from AD. Then we get a spoken vocal line almost a rap type verse but the chorus is beautifully harmonized. The instrumental section is fabulous with the band get down right funky in the rhythm line but keeping the mix of runs just going strong. Kudos to Craig and Mike and Dan for that. The soloing is fantastic. The melody lines in this CD are some things I have really never heard Kerry record before. This is a very unique song and I keep hitting the replay button on this one.



Osvaldo's Groceries is an instrumental song that is reminiscent of Frank Zappa's maniac fun stuff. Some fun vocal effects but overall some killer playing. There are all sorts of things going on in this song.



The CD ends with Picture This which is another epic symphonic song in the style of Theophany, its Livgren at his best.



However all that said in my mind the best song is On the Eve of the Great Decline which should be played on the radio. It is a shorter song but it is not really pop more like Pink Floyd if that is even a valid description. In the similar style of Byzantium from Kansas Somewhere to Elsewhere CD it conjures a mystic feel throughout causing a darker emotion than most of this bands output. It may be this song that makes this band fortunes grow. We shall see.



The bonus song on the special edition is called One Fine Day. A real good R&B (in the traditional sense) song that could get radio airplay. Nothing Special but well played.



The special edition also comes with a DVD with three tracks from the Progressive Legends Pre Show at Nearfest 2005. The songs aren't the best ones they play but the video is great and the visuals are fantastic and the sound is clear. For those of you wanting to know what these guys are like live this is a good place to start. We can only hope the rest would be released soon!



The Artwork and design is also a 5 star performance by Ken Westphal who starting to become my favorite cover artist in the modern century.



This is the real deal and the full package. This is the CD that defines Proto-Kaw and will be their measuring stick for all future releases. Take a ride with a band that knows where it is going. For those of you who scoff at Kerry Livgren I would like to challenge you to anyone from the 70's who has released two stellar examples of progressive rock in the new millenium that are of equal value? 5 Stars"