Friday, September 08, 2006

Great Kansas Clip:

From the mid-90s. This clip features current violinist David Ragsdale who joined and rejoined the band, replacing for the second time original violinist Robby Steinhardt (the songs are excerpts from Mysteries & Mayhem, Lamplight Symphony, and The Wall in its entirety, played as a seamless medley). Ragsdale is a better violinist than Steinhardt so I guess I can't complain about the replacement.

This clip is great because it captures what the band is all about, progressive instrumental rock -- a style that Steve Morse has dubbed "electric chamber music." Walsh's voice, (he was on drugs and alcohol back then), is a little rough (though he still phrases brilliantly). And the keyboards don't sound as fat as they did in the 70s. But Ragsdale sure plays those violin parts phenomenally.

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