Just so proud of the New Kansas. And will tell you why. Because the ORIGINAL Members would love that Tom Brislin, Eric Holmquist, Joe Deninzon on violin have joined some of the other members..........Billy Greer & Ronnie Platt in particular.......to keep this music all coming to us. You hardcores can bemoan losses of certain members. I get it. Yet I am beyond sure, because of their "appreciation & Love" of Kansas music, is why they came on board. Kansas.....always keep evolving, and best wishes always !!
I appreciate the sentiment, but I have a hard time calling this incarnation, Kansas. They are an excellent tribute band at this point. Don’t get me wrong - I will go see them if they come around the same way I would see Brit Floyd. Masterful musicians and as you said, keeping the music alive.
As a lifelong Kansas fan, I find myself saddened and very exhilarated simultameously. Rags' departure is sad. At the same time, Joe Denizen, his replacement, is fabulous! It reminds me of the Steve Walsh to Ronnie Platt transition. One era ends and another comes into place with no ground lost. Is the same thing happening with Phil Ehart? This appears to be the second round of his absence, due to an apparent arm injury. Don't get me wrong. His long time tech, Eric Holmquist, is doing an excellent job! If I close my eyes, It's almost as if Phil is playing. Now at age 73, I believe, will we see less of him? Though time does march on, one thing is certain, I think. Kansas does not experience erosion. It improves. The music, as Phil says, is more important than who is playing it. Though I would love to see the original sextet intact, it's simply not possible. With that in mind, I'll continue to enjoy the BEST incarnations of Kansas as possible! Kansas is STILL a band!
Well put. I've seen every lineup since Vinyl Confessions and have rightly enjoyed all of the incarnations. It was tough during the years of Power and In the Spirit of Things without the violin though. I've attended two shows this tour (Lyric and Keswick) and will most likely hit one more.
Unfortunately, as a life-long Kansas fanatic I have to say this is the saddest performance I've ever seen by Kansas. Too fast, Phil's drumming was not even close to what he was like. My God! If you don't want to do the music justice, stay home. Some of the greatest music I've heard over the years. But this is pathetic. I know I'm pissing people off, but as a musician who's played Kansas music for years, this missed the musicianship mark by miles. Disappointed!
