Reviewed by Anthony Longville

Unbelievable! The debut album that took 30 years to make. Probably pushing it to say that it's been worth the wait. But this release is magnificent! Proto-Kaw, for people who know their classic rock music, is made up of the personnel of an early line up of American progressive giants, Kansas. After failing to achieve recognition, this line up of the band disbanded in 1973, and Kerry Livgren went on to form the famous Kansas line up. The others largely went back to their day jobs! Until the discovery of some old demo tapes many years later. Encouraged by the interest in their early recordings, the band got back together under the name Proto-Kaw to record in 2003-4. This album includes four songs written back in the 'old days' and five brand new ones. Hard to believe that most of these guys haven't played, at least professionally, for 30 years. Vocalist Lynn Meredith is excellent, with his appropriate opening words "Here I am alive again." In his rockier moments there are echoes of Ronnie James Dio - a throw back to Livgren's classic 1980 release, 'Seeds Of Change'. The songwriter here (with the exception of one cover) is Kerry Livgren himself. Those familiar with Livgren's work will not be surprised to know that his faith is very much evident. He is a man who seeks to communicate his faith in creative ways. You don't expect to hear "come to Jesus", but there are songs of seeking the "Heavenly Man" or the "place where I can feel the sunshine - feel it all the time." The challenges are there for those who have ears to hear. In his Kansas years, Livgren's lyrics were full of his own spiritual search. Now he seeks to lead others in theirs. This is progressive rock, with a touch of jazz. Never predictable. For example "Axolotl" (where does Livgren get his titles from? - see also "Leaven", "Gloriana" and "Theophany"!) starts so sweetly but opens out in to a glorious rocker! "Quantum Leapfrog" starts innocuously enough before bursting in to riotous jazz and a rocking climax. Many of the songs are lengthy, but never dull. Having read the story of this one I felt the reviews were probably too good to be true. But they weren't. This is one not to pass by, if you like classic rock. If you're like me, you will be very glad to get this!

The opinions expressed in this article are not necessarily those held by Cross Rhythms. Any expressed views were accurate at the time of publishing but may or may not reflect the views of the individuals concerned at a later date.

Interested in reviewing music? Find out more here.