Kansas - Works In Progress

Year of Release: 2006
Label: Intersound Records
Catalog Number: B000EMGADA
Format: CD/DVD
Total Time: 68:17:00

Not too long after the release of this Kansas set long time violinist and vocalist Robbie Steinhardt left the band again and David Ragsdale replaced him, again. The release of Works In Progress is ironic in that it documents a configuration of the band with Ragsdale on violin. The reason that the band decided to release this archival material is that the live performances contained herein were as tight as the band ever was. According to the band, it was one of the best Kansas lineups to set foot on stage. After listening and watching I have to agree, they were hitting on all of their cylinders and sounded red-hot.

Music from the underrated album Freaks Of Nature and the incredibly ambitious Device Voice Drum DVD, which in my opinion is one of their greatest achievements, and Live At The Whiskey, with a special guest appearance by Kerry Livgren on select tracks, are included on this set. You will not hear any rarities; it is the same tracks you have probably heard over and over again except with the energy kicked up a few notches. If you are a Kansas fan, this is a no brainer, get it because you will enjoy it immensely.

It's disappointing that Steinhardt left again as I was looking forward to another Kansas studio recording at some point featuring most of the original lineup, however Ragsdale does a fine job on violin, he just cannot replace Robbie?s signature vocals. This documentation is solid proof of Ragsdale's capabilities.

Time will tell how things work out for the band. In the meantime, we have plenty of great Kansas music to enjoy; all remastered in glorious sound and now this fine release to add to that collection.

Of particular interest to fans will be the compelling stripped down versions of "Dust In The Wind" and "Hold On." It's Kansas unplugged, if you will, and yet another enticement to get this double disc set.

Tracklisting:
Mysteries & Mayhem (8:25) / Portrait (5:38) / Down The Road (5:51) / Black Fathom (5:54) / Freaks Of Nature (4:07) / Under The Knife (5:00) / I Can Fly (5:21) / Peaceful And Warm (6:47) / The Wall (5:30) / Cheyenne Anthem (7:30) / Hold On (4:15) / Dust In The Wind (3:57)

DVD: Intro / Belexes / Icarus II / Icarus I / Mysteries & Mayhem / Portrait / Down The Road / Hold On / Dust In The Wind

Musicians:
Steve Walsh - vocals, keyboards
Richard Williams - guitars
Kerry Livgren - guitars, arrangements
Billy Greer - bass
Phil Ehart - drums
Robby Steinhardt - violin, vocals
David Ragsdale - violin

Discography:
Kansas (1974)
Song For America (1975)
Masque (1975/2001)
Leftoverture (1976/2001)
Point of Know Return (1977/1984/2002)
Two For The Show (1978)
Monolith (1979)
Audio Visions (1980)
Vinyl Confessions (1982)
Drastic Measures (1983)
The Best Of Kansas (1984)
Power (1986)
In The Spirit Of Things (1988)
Carry On (1990)
Live At The Whisky (1992)
Box Set (1994)
Freaks of Nature (1995)
Always Never The Same (1998)
King Biscuit Flower Hour Presents Kansas (1998)
Definitive Collection (1999)
Best Of Kansas (altered re-release) (1999)
Somewhere To Elsewhere (2000)
Live! Extended Versions (2000)
The Ultimate Kansas (2002)
Device-Voice-Drum (2002)
In Concert (2003)
Sail On: The 30th Anniversary Collection 1974-2004 (2004)
On The Other Side (2005)
Kansas: Extended Versions (2005)
Works In Progress (2006)
Super Hits (2007)
Discover Kansas (2007)
There's Know Place Like Home (2010)

Best Of Kansas Live (VHS) (1982)
Live At The Whisky (VHS) (1995)
Device Voice Drum (DVD) (2002)

Genre: Progressive Rock

Origin US

Added: September 11th 2006
Reviewer: Keith "Muzikman" Hannaleck
Score:
Artist website: www.kansasband.com
Hits: 4419
Language: english