October 22nd, 2005, at Rossi's Bar in downtown Minneapolis, Steve Hackett last played Minnesota.
Since then, he's toured somewhat regularly in North America, including in Chicago in 2010 where I saw him and his band last with Renaissance.
So 14 years since his last performance in my home state, and it fell on the same evening of the Twins vs Yankees Game 3 ALDS playoff game. I bought my ticket for Mr. Hackett and company back in March, which was before the Major League Baseball Season had even began, lol.
But, this isn't a review of that game, the series, or the Twins Season (maybe soon?).
I can just say, this was without question the best, tightest, most epic performance I've seen from Steve Hackett and his band. And this was the 4th time seeing them, 5th seeing Steve.
He has a great band, with the likes of Jonas Reingold of The Flower Kings on Bass, Nad Sylvan vocals (Agents of Mercy, Solo, Hackett's Genesis Revisited II), Craig Blundell on drums (Steven Wilson), Roger King on keys, and Rob Townsend sax, flute, vocals.
I very much enjoyed the 1st set of Steve's solo work, including some of the material off his I guess very well received new record At the Edge of Light. Epic, heavy, moody, atmospheric.
Also the version of "Everyday" and "Spectral Mornings" namely really sounded wonderful and very "live." The whole band seemed so in tuned and in great spirits, extending many parts out.
Of course the 2nd set was the complete Selling England By the Pound, an album that has been an all-time favorite of mine, since the point I was fully won over by Genesis nearly 20 years ago (2000/2001/2002).
"The Cinema Show" is my favorite and it did not disappoint. They totally pulled every second of it off, and added some flourishes and different dimensions. Blundell is quite the master, channeling his inner-Phil Collins. As well as Roger King on keys pulling off maybe the greatest Keyboard section ever in Rock music.
I gotta say though, "Firth of Fifth" totally got me as well. I have always loved it, but also heard it maybe more than anything on this album. But seeing those guys pull it off live, made me respect and love it again.
And maybe the most impressive moments of the set and show was "The Battle of Epping Forest." I grew to adore that tune, as busy, quirky, and drawn out as it does get. The vocals are incredibly wordy with long run-on narratives. Plus the characters channeled. Its extensive arrangements and journey through the tale comes across as a mouthful, but it totally grew for me to appreciate how difficult and meticulous it is.
And for that, I totally applaud Nad's performance.
A couple of other things not to forget. The extended almost jam added in the middle during "I Know What I like" I really dug. I love that tune, but sometimes when it ends it makes me sad it's over. I have a HUGE nostalgia for it, going back to the early 2000's at work. I almost was brought to tears in moments last night remembering those days at work with it on. And to see it live and have them add more to it, totally worked for me.
And for them to include "Deja Vu" which Steve mentioned was a tune they wrote and maybe demo-ed? during the making of Selling England. I had never heard it, nor heard of it. I enjoyed it, although it reminded me more of something from his solo music.
I'd love to hear a demo of it anyway, especially with Peter Gabriel of course.
But I guess it did come out on the 1st Genesis Revisited album with Paul Carrack on vocals. I can't remember if I own that, or the 2nd as I bought at least of them on CD in the early 2000's.
But it's on YouTube here
Set List
Everyday
Under the Eye of the Sun
Fallen Walls and Pedestals
Beasts in Our Time
The Virgin and the Gypsy
Tigermoth
Spectral Mornings
Horizons
The Red Flower of Tachai Blooms Everywhere
Clocks - The Angel of Mons
(Intermission)
Dancing With the Moonlit Knight
I Know What I Like (In Your Wardrobe)
Firth of Fifth
More Fool Me
The Battle of Epping Forest
After the Ordeal
The Cinema Show
Aisle of Plenty
Deja Vu
Encore
Los Endos
Dance on a Volcano
Squonk
Showing posts with label Steve Hackett. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Steve Hackett. Show all posts
Wednesday, October 9, 2019
Monday, May 7, 2018
Phil Collins - 2018 North American Tour (incl Minneapolis!)
I've never seen him nor Gabriel (nor Rutherford nor Banks actually, only Hackett), and I would assume he won't do much if any Genesis, and if at all, it likely would be the 80's stuff (Invisible Touch).
But I would be up for just seeing him once, even if he isn't playing drums.
And oddly, the wife does enjoy his solo and some of the 80's Genesis stuff namely, so she would be up for going.
And honestly, if the tix are 100+, it will feel more worthwhile to see him than spend that much for Janelle Monae actually, right now. This may be the only chance I ever get to see him, so why not spend a bit more if necessary? I know he's not really a bucket list name for me, but Genesis if they were together certainly are. Gabriel solo too, but he hasn't come back to Minnesota since 2002 and I was in Atlanta seeing Pain of Salvation that very night unfortunately.
Looking forward to October 21st. Will he be wearing a Minnesota Northstars Jersey again?
http://philcollins.com/
Phil Collins 2018 Tour Dates:
10/05 – Ft. Lauderdale, FL @ BB&T Center
10/07 – Washington, DC @ Capital One Arena
10/08 – Philadelphia, PA @ Wells Fargo Center
10/09 – Boston, MA @ TD Garden
10/11 – Toronto, ON @ Air Canada Centre
10/13 – Newark, NJ @ Prudential Center
10/14 – Brooklyn, NY @ Barclays Center
10/16 – Montreal, QC @ Centre Bell
10/18 – Cleveland, OH @ Quicken loans Arena
10/19 – Columbus, OH @ Nationwide Arena
10/21 – Minneapolis, MN @ Target Center
10/22 – Chicago, IL @ United Center
10/25 – Oakland, CA @ Oracle Arena
10/27 – Las Vegas, NV @ MGM Grand Garden Arena
10/28 – Los Angeles, CA @ The Forum
But I would be up for just seeing him once, even if he isn't playing drums.
And oddly, the wife does enjoy his solo and some of the 80's Genesis stuff namely, so she would be up for going.
And honestly, if the tix are 100+, it will feel more worthwhile to see him than spend that much for Janelle Monae actually, right now. This may be the only chance I ever get to see him, so why not spend a bit more if necessary? I know he's not really a bucket list name for me, but Genesis if they were together certainly are. Gabriel solo too, but he hasn't come back to Minnesota since 2002 and I was in Atlanta seeing Pain of Salvation that very night unfortunately.
Looking forward to October 21st. Will he be wearing a Minnesota Northstars Jersey again?
http://philcollins.com/
Phil Collins 2018 Tour Dates:
10/05 – Ft. Lauderdale, FL @ BB&T Center
10/07 – Washington, DC @ Capital One Arena
10/08 – Philadelphia, PA @ Wells Fargo Center
10/09 – Boston, MA @ TD Garden
10/11 – Toronto, ON @ Air Canada Centre
10/13 – Newark, NJ @ Prudential Center
10/14 – Brooklyn, NY @ Barclays Center
10/16 – Montreal, QC @ Centre Bell
10/18 – Cleveland, OH @ Quicken loans Arena
10/19 – Columbus, OH @ Nationwide Arena
10/21 – Minneapolis, MN @ Target Center
10/22 – Chicago, IL @ United Center
10/25 – Oakland, CA @ Oracle Arena
10/27 – Las Vegas, NV @ MGM Grand Garden Arena
10/28 – Los Angeles, CA @ The Forum
Monday, April 9, 2018
The Sea Within - The Sea Within (2017-2018)
So this is 1 of the latest so-called "Super Groups" that is among progressive rock musicians.
The Self-Titled album drops on June 22nd. And per the write-up below, they are going to tour, but not with Daniel Gildenlow unfortunately. Casey McPherson of Flying Colors+Alpha Rev is going to fill-in.
I am quite curious about this, although per it sounds like it was driven largely by Roine, I wonder how much this will resemble The Flower Kings.
Gildenlow and Brislin's songwriting, assuming they did a good amount of it, may help my feeling about it. But it's a wait-and-see I guess.
Also adding some of the guests like Jon Anderson and Steve Hackett might help, although they may be just token-cameos.
"Art Rock" might suggest it's less about chops, and more about mood and atmosphere. But who knows.
Roine Stolt - Guitar, Vocals? (The Flower Kings, Transatlantic, The Tangent, Anderson/Stolt)
Jonas Reingold - Bass (The Flower Kings)
Daniel Gildenlow - Guitar, Vocals (Pain of Salvation, Transatlantic)
Tom Brislin - keys (Spiraling, Solo, Yes, Renaissance, Meatloaf)
Marco Minneman - Drums, Vocals (The Artistocrats, Steven Wilson, Necrophagist)
Facebook
Disc 1:
1. Ashes of Dawn
2. They Know My Name
3. The Void
4. An Eye for an Eye for an Eye
5. Goodbye
6. Sea Without
7. Broken Cord
8. The Hiding of the Truth
Disc 2:
1. The Roaring Silence
2. Where Are You Going?
3. Time
4. Denise
The Sea Within – the new art-rock collective comprising of Roine Stolt (Transatlantic, The Flower Kings), Daniel Gildenlöw (Pain of Salvation), Jonas Reingold (Steve Hackett, The Flower Kings, Karmakanic, The Tangent), Tom Brislin Music (Yes Symphonic, Renaissance, Spiraling, Deborah Harry) & Marco Minnemann (The Aristocrats, Steven Wilson, UK, Joe Satriani) – have announced that their debut self-titled album will be released 22nd June 2018.
Let's get one thing straight from the start. The Sea Within is more of an amalgamation of some serious talents, than a regular “supergroup”. These musicians have come together to create a unique album. Guitarist/vocalist Roine Stolt, bassist Jonas Reingold, keyboard player/vocalist Tom Brislin, drummer/vocalist Marco Minnemann and vocalist/guitarist Daniel Gildenlöw have a vast reservoir of experience. Look at the portmanteau of artists with who they've worked: The Flower Kings, Transatlantic, Jon Anderson, Steven Wilson,The Aristocrats, Joe Satriani, Yes, Steve Hackett, Renaissance, Pain Of Salvation, Deborah Harry, Meatloaf, Karmakanic … that of itself tells you this is something very special. ��
“I suppose it all began to take shape in the autumn of 2016,” explains Stolt. “I had a chat with Thomas Waber, the boss at InsideOut Music, about the idea of putting together a new band. I wanted to move in a fresh direction with new collaborations. So Thomas gave me the ‘go ahead’ to seek musicians for a new project.”�First on-board was The Flower Kings bass player Jonas Reingold.- “He is a long time bandmate and friend and we were also very keen to get keyboardist Tom (Brislin) involved - after seeing his synth pyrotechnics with legends Yes ‘Symphonic’ and with Camel. Then we have been a fans of ‘Aristocrats’ drummer Marco for a long time; I first heard of him 15 years ago and he is a brilliant drummer, unique energy. Then when we discussed ideas for singers, Daniel's name came up, he has such a great range and dynamic voice and we've worked together on and off over the years.” Also added later to the bands line-up for live shows was vocalist & guitarist Casey McPherson of ‘Flying Colors’ & ‘Alpha Rev’, who also sings a couple of songs on the album. ��
The entire recording situation took about six months, and the band also have some very special guests featured on the album.�“We have got Jordan Rudess from Dream Theater playing piano on one song. The legendary Jon Anderson sings on another track, while 'wind ace' Rob Townsend, who plays saxophone and flute with Steve Hackett, is also on the record. Each of them brings a different flavour to the music.” �
The Sea Within as a music collective have plans to perform live, and will make their stage debut at 'Night Of The Prog' in Loreley, Germany which happens from July 13-15 and will bring special guests for that evening. �“As far as I am concerned, we will try do as much touring as possible. We have a great band, great label and our agent Rob Palmen on-board. We have great artwork by Marcela Bolivar, all looks bright. However Daniel will not be able to join us for touring now, as he has commitments with main band Pain Of Salvation. With Casey taking the vocal spot, now with us live, we can go out on the road and play this album and beyond and grow as a band. We have so much to offer musically, on record and on stage and I am sure we will develop a lot over the next few years. But 'The Sea Within' album is a great start. I am excited for everyone to hear what we have done and am now thrilled to start working on the songs for the live show.”
The album will be available as a special edition 2CD digipak, gatefold 2LP vinyl + 2CD & as digital download. You can find the full track listing below:
The Self-Titled album drops on June 22nd. And per the write-up below, they are going to tour, but not with Daniel Gildenlow unfortunately. Casey McPherson of Flying Colors+Alpha Rev is going to fill-in.
I am quite curious about this, although per it sounds like it was driven largely by Roine, I wonder how much this will resemble The Flower Kings.
Gildenlow and Brislin's songwriting, assuming they did a good amount of it, may help my feeling about it. But it's a wait-and-see I guess.
Also adding some of the guests like Jon Anderson and Steve Hackett might help, although they may be just token-cameos.
"Art Rock" might suggest it's less about chops, and more about mood and atmosphere. But who knows.
Roine Stolt - Guitar, Vocals? (The Flower Kings, Transatlantic, The Tangent, Anderson/Stolt)
Jonas Reingold - Bass (The Flower Kings)
Daniel Gildenlow - Guitar, Vocals (Pain of Salvation, Transatlantic)
Tom Brislin - keys (Spiraling, Solo, Yes, Renaissance, Meatloaf)
Marco Minneman - Drums, Vocals (The Artistocrats, Steven Wilson, Necrophagist)
Disc 1:
1. Ashes of Dawn
2. They Know My Name
3. The Void
4. An Eye for an Eye for an Eye
5. Goodbye
6. Sea Without
7. Broken Cord
8. The Hiding of the Truth
Disc 2:
1. The Roaring Silence
2. Where Are You Going?
3. Time
4. Denise
The Sea Within – the new art-rock collective comprising of Roine Stolt (Transatlantic, The Flower Kings), Daniel Gildenlöw (Pain of Salvation), Jonas Reingold (Steve Hackett, The Flower Kings, Karmakanic, The Tangent), Tom Brislin Music (Yes Symphonic, Renaissance, Spiraling, Deborah Harry) & Marco Minnemann (The Aristocrats, Steven Wilson, UK, Joe Satriani) – have announced that their debut self-titled album will be released 22nd June 2018.
Let's get one thing straight from the start. The Sea Within is more of an amalgamation of some serious talents, than a regular “supergroup”. These musicians have come together to create a unique album. Guitarist/vocalist Roine Stolt, bassist Jonas Reingold, keyboard player/vocalist Tom Brislin, drummer/vocalist Marco Minnemann and vocalist/guitarist Daniel Gildenlöw have a vast reservoir of experience. Look at the portmanteau of artists with who they've worked: The Flower Kings, Transatlantic, Jon Anderson, Steven Wilson,The Aristocrats, Joe Satriani, Yes, Steve Hackett, Renaissance, Pain Of Salvation, Deborah Harry, Meatloaf, Karmakanic … that of itself tells you this is something very special. ��
“I suppose it all began to take shape in the autumn of 2016,” explains Stolt. “I had a chat with Thomas Waber, the boss at InsideOut Music, about the idea of putting together a new band. I wanted to move in a fresh direction with new collaborations. So Thomas gave me the ‘go ahead’ to seek musicians for a new project.”�First on-board was The Flower Kings bass player Jonas Reingold.- “He is a long time bandmate and friend and we were also very keen to get keyboardist Tom (Brislin) involved - after seeing his synth pyrotechnics with legends Yes ‘Symphonic’ and with Camel. Then we have been a fans of ‘Aristocrats’ drummer Marco for a long time; I first heard of him 15 years ago and he is a brilliant drummer, unique energy. Then when we discussed ideas for singers, Daniel's name came up, he has such a great range and dynamic voice and we've worked together on and off over the years.” Also added later to the bands line-up for live shows was vocalist & guitarist Casey McPherson of ‘Flying Colors’ & ‘Alpha Rev’, who also sings a couple of songs on the album. ��
The entire recording situation took about six months, and the band also have some very special guests featured on the album.�“We have got Jordan Rudess from Dream Theater playing piano on one song. The legendary Jon Anderson sings on another track, while 'wind ace' Rob Townsend, who plays saxophone and flute with Steve Hackett, is also on the record. Each of them brings a different flavour to the music.” �
The Sea Within as a music collective have plans to perform live, and will make their stage debut at 'Night Of The Prog' in Loreley, Germany which happens from July 13-15 and will bring special guests for that evening. �“As far as I am concerned, we will try do as much touring as possible. We have a great band, great label and our agent Rob Palmen on-board. We have great artwork by Marcela Bolivar, all looks bright. However Daniel will not be able to join us for touring now, as he has commitments with main band Pain Of Salvation. With Casey taking the vocal spot, now with us live, we can go out on the road and play this album and beyond and grow as a band. We have so much to offer musically, on record and on stage and I am sure we will develop a lot over the next few years. But 'The Sea Within' album is a great start. I am excited for everyone to hear what we have done and am now thrilled to start working on the songs for the live show.”
The album will be available as a special edition 2CD digipak, gatefold 2LP vinyl + 2CD & as digital download. You can find the full track listing below:
Wednesday, August 10, 2016
Random Artist Feature: Genesis
8/10/16 6:21AM
Parts 2 and 3. A phone call derailed part 2, but it also forced it to not be as long, etc. I also am borrowing slightly from Ministry of Music's "Album Review" title.
As I mention and label them, these are now called "Artist Review" as it sort of works better. I also include some comments about other channels and upcoming Artist Reviews.
I unfortunately forgot to mention something about Daryl Stuermer. O well.
A Trick of the Tail
Wind and Wuthering
Seconds Out
Spot the Pigeon
And Then There Were Three...
Duke (2)
Live at the Theater Royal 5-4-1980
Genesis
Live at the Royal Theater 5-4-1980
Revelatory Genesis 78-80
Abacab
not shown, but discussed
Genesis
Invisible Touch
We Can't Dance
Calling All Stations + Kevin Gilbert
6/28/16 4:23PM
So this is the start of a few bigger name collection/vinyl/anecdotes series on YouTube.
There's a deeper commentary about what I'm trying with these right now, etc, but I'll just say for now, I am hoping by making videos about more well known artists, these videos (and thus other videos I've made/will make by lesser known artists) will be seen.
Why in a series? obviously, the discographies are so long, the videos would end up 30 or more mins.
Why not all at once? I'm just sampling here..and it's kind of a cool, more *random* way to do this.
Parts 2 and 3. A phone call derailed part 2, but it also forced it to not be as long, etc. I also am borrowing slightly from Ministry of Music's "Album Review" title.
As I mention and label them, these are now called "Artist Review" as it sort of works better. I also include some comments about other channels and upcoming Artist Reviews.
I unfortunately forgot to mention something about Daryl Stuermer. O well.
A Trick of the Tail
Wind and Wuthering
Seconds Out
Spot the Pigeon
And Then There Were Three...
Duke (2)
Live at the Theater Royal 5-4-1980
Genesis
Live at the Royal Theater 5-4-1980
Revelatory Genesis 78-80
Abacab
not shown, but discussed
Genesis
Invisible Touch
We Can't Dance
Calling All Stations + Kevin Gilbert
6/28/16 4:23PM
So this is the start of a few bigger name collection/vinyl/anecdotes series on YouTube.
There's a deeper commentary about what I'm trying with these right now, etc, but I'll just say for now, I am hoping by making videos about more well known artists, these videos (and thus other videos I've made/will make by lesser known artists) will be seen.
Why in a series? obviously, the discographies are so long, the videos would end up 30 or more mins.
Why not all at once? I'm just sampling here..and it's kind of a cool, more *random* way to do this.
Friday, September 26, 2014
Genesis: Together and Apart: New Reunion Documentary coming from the BBC
9/26/14 9:14AM
http://prog.teamrock.com/news/2014-09-25/genesis-reveal-documentary-date
October 4th, BBC2 9:15PM
I wonder if/when BBC America will be airing it? Trailer?
6/16/14 6:12PM
Facebook Link
Genesis and the BBC have been working together over the last few months on GENESIS: TOGETHER AND APART
A feature length documentary on one of the most successful bands in rock history. From its first beginnings as a band of songwriters in the late 1960s to its final incarnation as a rock giant in the 1990s – via full-blown theatrical progressive rock in the mid-1970s and the subtler jazzy pop of the early 1980s – Genesis could perplex and enrage the die-hards, whilst exciting and exhilarating the newer disciples.
Made with the full co-operation of Genesis, the film reunites all original members of the band together – Tony Banks, Phil Collins, Peter Gabriel, Steve Hackett, Mike Rutherford – for the first time since 1975.
The film recounts an extraordinary musical story, exploring the band’s songwriting as well as emotional highs and lows, alongside previously unseen archive material and rare performance footage across their entire career.
Transmission date to be confirmed.
Not that there haven't been other documentaries that included the 5 guys, namely just the doc Genesis: A History that came out in 1991 as well as the docs that came with the Remasters Boxed Set.
I but suppose a fully in-depth/proper documentary might warrant interest, including sort of what their legacy and influence has become in the last 20+ years. Maybe stuff like The Musical Box and the Rock Hall inductions may be included.
Kevin Gilbert? kind of doubtful, but who knows if anyone involved at the BBC knows he was supposed to audition around the time of his death.
I suppose just having the 5 guys all together, in 1 room? reminiscing, etc could add something new no matter, even for nostalgia's sake.. Plus I would be curious who all the BBC may get to interview, people from Marillion? Steven Wilson? members of Yes, etc
Will it lead to a reunion show/tour or even recording? pretty doubtful of course.
I would like to believe they will include the likes of Anthony Phillips and some of the other ex-members (even Ray Wilson and Nick D'Virgilio), but who knows about that.
http://prog.teamrock.com/news/2014-09-25/genesis-reveal-documentary-date
October 4th, BBC2 9:15PM
I wonder if/when BBC America will be airing it? Trailer?
6/16/14 6:12PM
Facebook Link
Genesis and the BBC have been working together over the last few months on GENESIS: TOGETHER AND APART
A feature length documentary on one of the most successful bands in rock history. From its first beginnings as a band of songwriters in the late 1960s to its final incarnation as a rock giant in the 1990s – via full-blown theatrical progressive rock in the mid-1970s and the subtler jazzy pop of the early 1980s – Genesis could perplex and enrage the die-hards, whilst exciting and exhilarating the newer disciples.
Made with the full co-operation of Genesis, the film reunites all original members of the band together – Tony Banks, Phil Collins, Peter Gabriel, Steve Hackett, Mike Rutherford – for the first time since 1975.
The film recounts an extraordinary musical story, exploring the band’s songwriting as well as emotional highs and lows, alongside previously unseen archive material and rare performance footage across their entire career.
Transmission date to be confirmed.
Not that there haven't been other documentaries that included the 5 guys, namely just the doc Genesis: A History that came out in 1991 as well as the docs that came with the Remasters Boxed Set.
I but suppose a fully in-depth/proper documentary might warrant interest, including sort of what their legacy and influence has become in the last 20+ years. Maybe stuff like The Musical Box and the Rock Hall inductions may be included.
Kevin Gilbert? kind of doubtful, but who knows if anyone involved at the BBC knows he was supposed to audition around the time of his death.
I suppose just having the 5 guys all together, in 1 room? reminiscing, etc could add something new no matter, even for nostalgia's sake.. Plus I would be curious who all the BBC may get to interview, people from Marillion? Steven Wilson? members of Yes, etc
Will it lead to a reunion show/tour or even recording? pretty doubtful of course.
I would like to believe they will include the likes of Anthony Phillips and some of the other ex-members (even Ray Wilson and Nick D'Virgilio), but who knows about that.
Wednesday, June 8, 2011
Progressive Rock Film
prog | film from David Robin on Vimeo.
I just noticed this posted on progressiveers.com the other day. The film maker I guess compiled the interviews and things for it from around 2000-2002. Then tried to shop it around but got no takers to release it or air it in any fashion. I kind of feel bad for him as it seems he put a lot of time and money into it, and it came out pretty good.
Although, it is rather deep in terms of names and progressive rock artists covered, but they are more or less "prog" rather than groups experimenting. In other words, many of the names are names the underground progressive communities know, and only do know (and likely only will be the ones who will). Or, many of them are what I like to call "profile" Prog Festival bands.
But that being said, it's interesting seeing it and some of the music industry comments from Rick Wakeman and Steve Hackett among others, some 8 years ago.
Personally, not only a Kevin Gilbert documentary would be a desire of mine to make, but perhaps even just something like this, but covering a lot of music over the last 20 or so years. I.e., a lot of the stuff in this blog. Maybe I'll include that as a 2nd goal/dream/desire before I die to have made. Even sans some of the numbers and significant interviews.
Monday, July 26, 2010
Apes and Androids - Blood Moon artwork tribute of sorts
As someone who frankly, can't get enough of anything and everything Apes and Androids related, I received an email via google blog subscription that lead me to this blog posting
when I 1st saw this, I got kind of excited for it to either be something about them or perhaps even just a musical tribute. Not the case apparently, but so be it. I got to give props to whoever put those together. It's a little bit like what Kim Poor did with some of the Genesis songs and some of her ex-husband Steve Hackett's music.
I'd also be curious what David Tobias and Brian Jacobs might think of them, but the odds of ever finding that out seem slim to none, given their apparent lack of online presence.
Cool visual interpretations. I wonder what it might be like listening to those parts of the album while staring at those, lol.
when I 1st saw this, I got kind of excited for it to either be something about them or perhaps even just a musical tribute. Not the case apparently, but so be it. I got to give props to whoever put those together. It's a little bit like what Kim Poor did with some of the Genesis songs and some of her ex-husband Steve Hackett's music.
I'd also be curious what David Tobias and Brian Jacobs might think of them, but the odds of ever finding that out seem slim to none, given their apparent lack of online presence.
Cool visual interpretations. I wonder what it might be like listening to those parts of the album while staring at those, lol.
Thursday, July 1, 2010
Back from 5 Days in Chicago..Renaissance Concert
I spent most of the time there in Chicago the past 5 days, living life and getting to know my 2 young nieces and of course my brother and sister in law. That was for the most part, all well and good. Perhaps I will elaborate more about that here or in another blog.
I also ventured down to Chicago to finally see Renaissance and Annie Haslam perform. I am just guessing here, but I think it was close 14 if not close to 15 years ago when I 1st heard Annie sing the Yes song "Turn of the Century" and I was blown away by her voice (and that song of course!). I then purchased a solo album of hers Still Life which I don't think was the next best thing to pickup, but so be it. Soon after I found Renaissance.
Moving along, I always wanted to see her sing live and even meet her. But it was around 2001 or 2002 I remember hearing she was doing more artwork and not singing so much. That status, from memory, remained until maybe 2 years ago or a little less. I always hoped Nearfest or some other festival would get them with her, or even a tour that would hopefully come to Minnesota.
Well not Minnesota, but Chicago was close enough, I couldn't pass up the chance to see them perform.
So it was last night. Like some other almost Murphy's fucking law situations on trips (LTE and Jordan Rudess keyboard breaking, ProgPower, Enchant's new cds at Nearfest), when I got to the Park West after 6:30pm, there still was a line (the doors were supposed to open at 6:30pm). I then found out Renaissance's van broke down on the way from the airport.
So I'm a little paranoid, especially after getting inside and noticing Steve Hackett hit the stage 1st. Now mind you, I am a fan of his solo work and Genesis of course, but I have seen Steve 3 previous times (and wouldn't be making a priority to travel to see necessarily given those facts). So I was getting a little more worried at that point.
Thankfully due to time constraints and a curfew, Steve announced that the order of bands would be reversed than normal and Renaissance would be going on after his band, given they only arrived to the club 5 minutes before his band took the stage.
Hackett's set was actually maybe a bit more enjoyable than I expected. And it wasn't so extensive that it didn't eat up some of Renaissance's time on stage like I feared. The set from what I recall.
Every Day
New Song
Ace of Wands
New Song
Spectral Mornings
Los Endos
Chicago Blues song?
Encore
Firth of Fifth
I have a feeling some of the set lists that are published here show the missing songs/song titles. I know his set list was altered a bit, and he didn't do "Horizons" which I would have liked to have seen, but so be it.
(from prologue.ning.com)
So then I moved up to about 5 or 5 rows/tables in front of the stage (thanks to a nice fella who I met there with a Kevin Gilbert Shaming shirt on, giving me his seat since he didn't desire to stay for Renaissance). And Renaissance took the stage.
Set list:
Prologue
Carpet of the Sun
Midas Man
Running Hard
The Mystic and the Muse
Things I Don't Understand
Mother Russia
Encore
Ashes Are Burning
(from prologue.ning.com)
The performance was definitely as good or probably better than I expected. Annie was good to perform again finally when her voice allows now. She was going WAYYY UP at times. Some of those falsettos she pulled off were very operatic and powerful. The new piece "The Mystic and the Muse" which comes from their brand new 3-track ep, really shows the shape she is in again vocally. I honestly do not recall more than 1 or perhaps 2 moments where I was even the tiny bit suspicious if she was off. Frankly, I was almost worried she might be exceeding her limits (see the difference that Ray Alder of Fates Warning has to go through now live). So all in all, it was rather special and lived up to my hopes/dreams of seeing her sing.
The rest of the band definitely pulled all that great stuff off as well. Michael Dunford, other longtime member along with Annie, was modest but still great to see bang out the old tunes, as well co-write the new piece they did. Even with the limited/selective use of guitar, their music includes or even features.
Tom Brislin pulled off many of the classic stuff. The intricate piano melodies. Running Hard and Ashes Are Burning namely. Great to see him help out (and now record) with another classic prog band. He's played live with Yes and Camel among others, and his own original group Spiraling.
Rave Tesar the other keyboardist currently with them. He took many of those classic John Tout leads. I guess he's been playing with Dunford for almost 20 years or something. You can tell he knows this stuff well.
David J. Keyes the bassist who played a rather big role given how much their music uses a lead bass that John Camp got somewhat known for. They remind me in a way of Weather Report, or even take bass lines from bands like The Who, Yes or even Rush. Really it's just a tuned-down guitar not using chords. He was faithful and upfront enough for their work.
Frank Pagano definitely fit will with the band and pulled off their stripped down, tribal at-times drum parts.
The set list: while they did as expected, do a lot of the classic-period songs. Having waited so many years, I still couldn't avoid hoping they might play some of my favorites. Carpet of the Sun and Running Hard are certainly up there. But a song like "A Trip to the Fair," "Song of Scheherazade" or even "A Song For All Seasons" certainly would have made the evening even more memorable. But I really don't feel much if any issue with it. The new song they did was nice, and Ashes Are Burning is a great epic closing/encore track. Just as it is on their much praised live double-disc Live at Carnegie Hall which actually was recorded in 3 nights, the last being exactly 1 year before I was born in fact in 1975.
(from prologue.ning.com)
Now on to the difficult part. I have always loved her voice, and came to learn about her as a person. She supported many thoughtful ideas, including animal rights? or something involving helping animals, namely dogs. I signed up to "The Annie Haslam Appreciation Society" in 2000 I think it was. 1 year she even sent me an autographed photo I think.
I have always wanted to see her perform and MEET Annie Haslam. Some rather unusual images or dreams (fantasies) of mine crossed my mind. Sort of wanting to pour out my heart to her (spill my guts) about how her voice and the band made think of when I was a little kid, going to music class. Living in the 70's, the ole hippie era, and the romantic, even innocent element to it. I often listen to their music and get terribly sad or just feel like it is the 1970's, I'm at times a little boy and she sings at a concert for me that I'm with either a class or my parents. And even sings me a lullaby to sleep.
And other times, more recently, I wish and almost feel like I was in my early 20's in the mid 1970's. Annie totally seduces and hypnotizes me and my desire for her. I'm not meaning in a purely sexual way. That line in "I Think of You" "I love you, like a friend" actually almost fits. But it's still romantic in some ways. She's just so kind- heart-ed, gentle, soft, warm, thoughtful. Her voice mesmerizes me like no other. Especially at the time I got into them, where 97% or more of the music I listened to (prog, prog metal, classic rock, etc) was from all-male musicians. She totally stood out, and gave me that female to admire and even lust after.
Even if the music was decades old and she was much older then. It didn't matter to me and in some ways, my naive self. I even registered a screen name online "Mr.AnnieHaslam" after seeing 1 for Dream Theater's guitarist "Ms.Petrucci"
It wasn't fair how so many girls got to drool over so many male musicians, and I didn't have a girlfriend of course, nor even a female musician to do the same with. But Annie was that for me.
So all that in mind (and at least in recent years, the ability to find female musicians to admire/lust after has increased at least. My taste expanding helps I think), getting to finally meet her ended up a little too rushed and compartmentalized. She wasn't exactly rude, but I was at the end of the line and the band had had some hurdles to get by to even be there last night. But on the surface, I got to mention 1 or 2 things to her, but not everything I would have liked.
I even bought 1 of her not exactly cheap pieces of art, mostly with the hope that she would notice or even remember me a bit more. I mean part of it was to just SUPPORT HER and even buying some other merch as well for her and the band. They have a new full-length disc in the works for 2011. And with the work on the new ep, I am rather optimistic and excited to hear it. But with that digression, I really hoped she might make an impression on me, and vice-versa in some ways. Pretty much how in Chicago in 2006 with Jimmy Gnecco (and ever since), and also especially with Steve Hogarth of Marillion in 2004.
Both of those concerts in Chicago were a rather big deal to me. Ours was a short time thing of course, but it was special finally meeting Jimmy. And the experiences since have only added to that. And Steve Hogarth, I mean for one, HE KISSED ME on my forehead when I confessed to him about how important Brave was to me. It was, and always will be something I'll never forget. It was like I stood out somehow; like what he made, or what his muse/art created made a significant difference in someone's life.
Now both of those experiences were more extensive, although not incredibly long. They were CASUAL and IN-PERSON ONE-ON-ONE. Outside too. The table the band were sitting at wasn't really like that.
But after wards, my thoughts went to celebrity and encountering fans in person. Maybe had I met her at Nearfest when she was showing and selling her art, very CASUALLY, I might not have come away so lacking what I hoped for. It was late last night. Like 11:40 or something.
But it made me think about the in-person, before or after concert meets should be brief with most musicians. I thought about Ian Anderson, lol. He's totally funny and great on stage, but he won't give you the time of day (night) after wards. Neil Peart of Rush is sort of like that I guess too.
But then I have been fortunate to spend pretty extensive non-show time hanging with some great, albeit somewhat accessible musicians/people. Doug Pinnick of King's X and most of the Fair to Midland guys come to mind among dozens and dozens of others.
So what is Annie's approach? Was she more or less fan-friendly since the 70's? (or even in the 70's?). Just because she comes across incredibly thoughtful and kind in her music and in public forums, doesn't mean she isn't very private. And so I did fear I might come across potentially as creepy, even asking for a hug. St.Vincent was nice enough, but maybe the fact she's younger and newer, and not into the whole celebrity thing.
I dunno. I just know 13-15 years of dreaming came true last night, but I also know part of me wishes I had never wished for the brief encounter with my favorite female singer to be more than a quick thanks for the music, I'd love to see you again sometime, instead of bonding or spilling my guts confessional that could ultimately give the exact opposite reaction to what I'd ever want to leave on her about me.
And ya know, I'm hardly the 1st guy to admire or have a thing for her, given some of the accounts I've read about young men holding candles for her when the band were at their peak. So maybe asking to shake her hand was even too forward, although she ultimately did shake my hand. But it was still a little awkward and unclear if it was her being funny or sort of out of tired obligation. I have no clue.
So, after babbling about what has crossed my mind after this, and over-analyzing it to death as I tend to do. I can still hope that they will tour again soon, probably in 2011, and even come to Minneapolis. And perhaps have a 2nd chance to make a 1st impression..or make a new impression on her again soon.
But in the mean time, I am still very thankful I got to see them finally and meet her however unclear the overall experience was in that. And perhaps I'll be able to be more careful with meeting these musicians I admire. Imogen Heap perhaps 1 day certainly comes to mind. And even my next encounter seeing Warpaint, although at least those girls HUGGED ME. So, go figure why I might hope Annie might even consider shaking my hand. But women are and probably always will be far too confusing to understand their approach to physical touching. Some love it, or are touchy-feely, but others are not crazy for it, especially from potentially creepy fans in this case. But how am I supposed to know? I'm not sadly =\
I also ventured down to Chicago to finally see Renaissance and Annie Haslam perform. I am just guessing here, but I think it was close 14 if not close to 15 years ago when I 1st heard Annie sing the Yes song "Turn of the Century" and I was blown away by her voice (and that song of course!). I then purchased a solo album of hers Still Life which I don't think was the next best thing to pickup, but so be it. Soon after I found Renaissance.
Moving along, I always wanted to see her sing live and even meet her. But it was around 2001 or 2002 I remember hearing she was doing more artwork and not singing so much. That status, from memory, remained until maybe 2 years ago or a little less. I always hoped Nearfest or some other festival would get them with her, or even a tour that would hopefully come to Minnesota.
Well not Minnesota, but Chicago was close enough, I couldn't pass up the chance to see them perform.
So it was last night. Like some other almost Murphy's fucking law situations on trips (LTE and Jordan Rudess keyboard breaking, ProgPower, Enchant's new cds at Nearfest), when I got to the Park West after 6:30pm, there still was a line (the doors were supposed to open at 6:30pm). I then found out Renaissance's van broke down on the way from the airport.
So I'm a little paranoid, especially after getting inside and noticing Steve Hackett hit the stage 1st. Now mind you, I am a fan of his solo work and Genesis of course, but I have seen Steve 3 previous times (and wouldn't be making a priority to travel to see necessarily given those facts). So I was getting a little more worried at that point.
Thankfully due to time constraints and a curfew, Steve announced that the order of bands would be reversed than normal and Renaissance would be going on after his band, given they only arrived to the club 5 minutes before his band took the stage.
Hackett's set was actually maybe a bit more enjoyable than I expected. And it wasn't so extensive that it didn't eat up some of Renaissance's time on stage like I feared. The set from what I recall.
Every Day
New Song
Ace of Wands
New Song
Spectral Mornings
Los Endos
Chicago Blues song?
Encore
Firth of Fifth
I have a feeling some of the set lists that are published here show the missing songs/song titles. I know his set list was altered a bit, and he didn't do "Horizons" which I would have liked to have seen, but so be it.
(from prologue.ning.com)
So then I moved up to about 5 or 5 rows/tables in front of the stage (thanks to a nice fella who I met there with a Kevin Gilbert Shaming shirt on, giving me his seat since he didn't desire to stay for Renaissance). And Renaissance took the stage.
Set list:
Prologue
Carpet of the Sun
Midas Man
Running Hard
The Mystic and the Muse
Things I Don't Understand
Mother Russia
Encore
Ashes Are Burning
(from prologue.ning.com)
The performance was definitely as good or probably better than I expected. Annie was good to perform again finally when her voice allows now. She was going WAYYY UP at times. Some of those falsettos she pulled off were very operatic and powerful. The new piece "The Mystic and the Muse" which comes from their brand new 3-track ep, really shows the shape she is in again vocally. I honestly do not recall more than 1 or perhaps 2 moments where I was even the tiny bit suspicious if she was off. Frankly, I was almost worried she might be exceeding her limits (see the difference that Ray Alder of Fates Warning has to go through now live). So all in all, it was rather special and lived up to my hopes/dreams of seeing her sing.
The rest of the band definitely pulled all that great stuff off as well. Michael Dunford, other longtime member along with Annie, was modest but still great to see bang out the old tunes, as well co-write the new piece they did. Even with the limited/selective use of guitar, their music includes or even features.
Tom Brislin pulled off many of the classic stuff. The intricate piano melodies. Running Hard and Ashes Are Burning namely. Great to see him help out (and now record) with another classic prog band. He's played live with Yes and Camel among others, and his own original group Spiraling.
Rave Tesar the other keyboardist currently with them. He took many of those classic John Tout leads. I guess he's been playing with Dunford for almost 20 years or something. You can tell he knows this stuff well.
David J. Keyes the bassist who played a rather big role given how much their music uses a lead bass that John Camp got somewhat known for. They remind me in a way of Weather Report, or even take bass lines from bands like The Who, Yes or even Rush. Really it's just a tuned-down guitar not using chords. He was faithful and upfront enough for their work.
Frank Pagano definitely fit will with the band and pulled off their stripped down, tribal at-times drum parts.
The set list: while they did as expected, do a lot of the classic-period songs. Having waited so many years, I still couldn't avoid hoping they might play some of my favorites. Carpet of the Sun and Running Hard are certainly up there. But a song like "A Trip to the Fair," "Song of Scheherazade" or even "A Song For All Seasons" certainly would have made the evening even more memorable. But I really don't feel much if any issue with it. The new song they did was nice, and Ashes Are Burning is a great epic closing/encore track. Just as it is on their much praised live double-disc Live at Carnegie Hall which actually was recorded in 3 nights, the last being exactly 1 year before I was born in fact in 1975.
(from prologue.ning.com)
Now on to the difficult part. I have always loved her voice, and came to learn about her as a person. She supported many thoughtful ideas, including animal rights? or something involving helping animals, namely dogs. I signed up to "The Annie Haslam Appreciation Society" in 2000 I think it was. 1 year she even sent me an autographed photo I think.
I have always wanted to see her perform and MEET Annie Haslam. Some rather unusual images or dreams (fantasies) of mine crossed my mind. Sort of wanting to pour out my heart to her (spill my guts) about how her voice and the band made think of when I was a little kid, going to music class. Living in the 70's, the ole hippie era, and the romantic, even innocent element to it. I often listen to their music and get terribly sad or just feel like it is the 1970's, I'm at times a little boy and she sings at a concert for me that I'm with either a class or my parents. And even sings me a lullaby to sleep.
And other times, more recently, I wish and almost feel like I was in my early 20's in the mid 1970's. Annie totally seduces and hypnotizes me and my desire for her. I'm not meaning in a purely sexual way. That line in "I Think of You" "I love you, like a friend" actually almost fits. But it's still romantic in some ways. She's just so kind- heart-ed, gentle, soft, warm, thoughtful. Her voice mesmerizes me like no other. Especially at the time I got into them, where 97% or more of the music I listened to (prog, prog metal, classic rock, etc) was from all-male musicians. She totally stood out, and gave me that female to admire and even lust after.
Even if the music was decades old and she was much older then. It didn't matter to me and in some ways, my naive self. I even registered a screen name online "Mr.AnnieHaslam" after seeing 1 for Dream Theater's guitarist "Ms.Petrucci"
It wasn't fair how so many girls got to drool over so many male musicians, and I didn't have a girlfriend of course, nor even a female musician to do the same with. But Annie was that for me.
So all that in mind (and at least in recent years, the ability to find female musicians to admire/lust after has increased at least. My taste expanding helps I think), getting to finally meet her ended up a little too rushed and compartmentalized. She wasn't exactly rude, but I was at the end of the line and the band had had some hurdles to get by to even be there last night. But on the surface, I got to mention 1 or 2 things to her, but not everything I would have liked.
I even bought 1 of her not exactly cheap pieces of art, mostly with the hope that she would notice or even remember me a bit more. I mean part of it was to just SUPPORT HER and even buying some other merch as well for her and the band. They have a new full-length disc in the works for 2011. And with the work on the new ep, I am rather optimistic and excited to hear it. But with that digression, I really hoped she might make an impression on me, and vice-versa in some ways. Pretty much how in Chicago in 2006 with Jimmy Gnecco (and ever since), and also especially with Steve Hogarth of Marillion in 2004.
Both of those concerts in Chicago were a rather big deal to me. Ours was a short time thing of course, but it was special finally meeting Jimmy. And the experiences since have only added to that. And Steve Hogarth, I mean for one, HE KISSED ME on my forehead when I confessed to him about how important Brave was to me. It was, and always will be something I'll never forget. It was like I stood out somehow; like what he made, or what his muse/art created made a significant difference in someone's life.
Now both of those experiences were more extensive, although not incredibly long. They were CASUAL and IN-PERSON ONE-ON-ONE. Outside too. The table the band were sitting at wasn't really like that.
But after wards, my thoughts went to celebrity and encountering fans in person. Maybe had I met her at Nearfest when she was showing and selling her art, very CASUALLY, I might not have come away so lacking what I hoped for. It was late last night. Like 11:40 or something.
But it made me think about the in-person, before or after concert meets should be brief with most musicians. I thought about Ian Anderson, lol. He's totally funny and great on stage, but he won't give you the time of day (night) after wards. Neil Peart of Rush is sort of like that I guess too.
But then I have been fortunate to spend pretty extensive non-show time hanging with some great, albeit somewhat accessible musicians/people. Doug Pinnick of King's X and most of the Fair to Midland guys come to mind among dozens and dozens of others.
So what is Annie's approach? Was she more or less fan-friendly since the 70's? (or even in the 70's?). Just because she comes across incredibly thoughtful and kind in her music and in public forums, doesn't mean she isn't very private. And so I did fear I might come across potentially as creepy, even asking for a hug. St.Vincent was nice enough, but maybe the fact she's younger and newer, and not into the whole celebrity thing.
I dunno. I just know 13-15 years of dreaming came true last night, but I also know part of me wishes I had never wished for the brief encounter with my favorite female singer to be more than a quick thanks for the music, I'd love to see you again sometime, instead of bonding or spilling my guts confessional that could ultimately give the exact opposite reaction to what I'd ever want to leave on her about me.
And ya know, I'm hardly the 1st guy to admire or have a thing for her, given some of the accounts I've read about young men holding candles for her when the band were at their peak. So maybe asking to shake her hand was even too forward, although she ultimately did shake my hand. But it was still a little awkward and unclear if it was her being funny or sort of out of tired obligation. I have no clue.
So, after babbling about what has crossed my mind after this, and over-analyzing it to death as I tend to do. I can still hope that they will tour again soon, probably in 2011, and even come to Minneapolis. And perhaps have a 2nd chance to make a 1st impression..or make a new impression on her again soon.
But in the mean time, I am still very thankful I got to see them finally and meet her however unclear the overall experience was in that. And perhaps I'll be able to be more careful with meeting these musicians I admire. Imogen Heap perhaps 1 day certainly comes to mind. And even my next encounter seeing Warpaint, although at least those girls HUGGED ME. So, go figure why I might hope Annie might even consider shaking my hand. But women are and probably always will be far too confusing to understand their approach to physical touching. Some love it, or are touchy-feely, but others are not crazy for it, especially from potentially creepy fans in this case. But how am I supposed to know? I'm not sadly =\
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