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Proto-Kaw - Before Became After

Proto-Kaw - Before Became After
Released: 2004
Label: InsideOut Music America / InsideOut
Cat. No.: IOMACD 2075-2 / IOMCD 159/SPV 085-60652 /
SPV 087-60650 CD/IOMSECD 159
Total Time:

Reviewed by: Eric Porter, May 2005
Anyone who has played in a rock band as a kid, or for that matter even into adulthood, has had dreams of becoming a rock star. Imagine if that band actually came out of the cellar to play some gigs, and even have limited success in a local area. But, as usual, the band breaks up for any number of reasons. Well, come to find out, one of your mates continued to follow his dream (while the rest of you went on to have families and get regular jobs), and garnered worldwide acclaim as a recording/touring artist. This is the story of Proto-Kaw, but that is not the end.

Kerry Livgren apparently found some old tapes of his band prior to Kansas, and was able to generate enough interest to have them released through Cuneiform Records [Early Recordings From Kansas - 1971-1973]. Before Became After is the second release from Proto-Kaw, and it contains both new and older compositions. The band has a more jazzy tinge than Kansas, which I contribute to the use of the woodwinds of John Bolton (Saxophones, Flutes), replacing the violin which we all became accustomed to in the music of Kansas. "More Worlds Than Known" opens the CD, and I love the subtle use of Hammond organ by Dan Wright during the verses, and the uplifting chorus.

It is not hard to imagine Kansas performing these songs. Vocalist Lynn Meredith does a great job with the lead vocals, and the band sounds incredible, considering many of them have not played professionally for many years. The only clunker is the cover song "Greenburg, Glickstein, Charles, David, Smith, and Jones." I can't figure out why this was included, as it does not relate well to the rest of the CD. "Belexes," a song Kansas recorded on their first album is included in the bonus edition CD, along with a video interview which is very interesting. For fans of Kansas/Kerry Livgren’s music, this is a can't miss proposition. I can't say enough good things about Proto-Kaw; let's hope we get more from them, one of the best releases from 2004.

[See also Keith's and Steph's reviews -ed.]

More about Before Became After:

Track Listing:
Kerry Livgren - guitar, piano, keyboards, percussion, background vocals
Lynn Meredith - vocals, narration
Dan Wright - organ, keyboards, percussion, background vocals
Craig Kew - bass, background vocals
Brad Schulz - drums

Contact:

Website: www.protokaw.com
Note: will open new browser window

Discography

Early Recordings From Kansas - 1971-1973 (2002)
Before Came After (2004)
The Wait Of Glory

	Proto-Kaw - Before Became After
	Released: 2004 Label: InsideOut Music America / InsideOut Cat. No.: IOMACD 2075-2 / IOMCD 159/SPV 085-60652 / SPV 087-60650 CD/IOMSECD 159 Total Time:
	Reviewed by: Eric Porter, May 2005 Anyone who has played in a rock band as a kid, or for that matter even into adulthood, has had dreams of becoming a rock star. Imagine if that band actually came out of the cellar to play some gigs, and even have limited success in a local area. But, as usual, the band breaks up for any number of reasons. Well, come to find out, one of your mates continued to follow his dream (while the rest of you went on to have families and get regular jobs), and garnered worldwide acclaim as a recording/touring artist. This is the story of Proto-Kaw, but that is not the end. Kerry Livgren apparently found some old tapes of his band prior to Kansas, and was able to generate enough interest to have them released through Cuneiform Records [Early Recordings From Kansas - 1971-1973]. Before Became After is the second release from Proto-Kaw, and it contains both new and older compositions. The band has a more jazzy tinge than Kansas, which I contribute to the use of the woodwinds of John Bolton (Saxophones, Flutes), replacing the violin which we all became accustomed to in the music of Kansas. "More Worlds Than Known" opens the CD, and I love the subtle use of Hammond organ by Dan Wright during the verses, and the uplifting chorus. It is not hard to imagine Kansas performing these songs. Vocalist Lynn Meredith does a great job with the lead vocals, and the band sounds incredible, considering many of them have not played professionally for many years. The only clunker is the cover song "Greenburg, Glickstein, Charles, David, Smith, and Jones." I can't figure out why this was included, as it does not relate well to the rest of the CD. "Belexes," a song Kansas recorded on their first album is included in the bonus edition CD, along with a video interview which is very interesting. For fans of Kansas/Kerry Livgren’s music, this is a can't miss proposition. I can't say enough good things about Proto-Kaw; let's hope we get more from them, one of the best releases from 2004. [See also Keith's and Steph's reviews -ed.] More about Before Became After: Track Listing: Kerry Livgren - guitar, piano, keyboards, percussion, background vocals Lynn Meredith - vocals, narration Dan Wright - organ, keyboards, percussion, background vocals Craig Kew - bass, background vocals Brad Schulz - drums Contact: Website: www.protokaw.com Note: will open new browser window Discography Early Recordings From Kansas - 1971-1973 (2002) Before Came After (2004) The Wait Of Glory