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Do you remember an
action film, based on a comic, a few
years ago with the title "The
League of Extraordinary Gentlemen"?
Ok, now replicate this concept in
the context of progressive rock and…
miracle… you have Neo. Neo are
a supergroup consisted of four of
the greatest and most prolific figures
of neo-progressive rock scene. Their
entrance is quite amazing, at least
for those who didn't had the chance
to see them live somewhere around
the world during their late year tour.
And it's nothing else than an imposing
performance before the lucky audience
of Wyspianski Theater in Katowice,
under the auspices of DVD-factory
of Metal Mind Productions. This is
a gathering of some of the best and
most influential musicians of the
neo-prog rock scene. The core of the
band is Clive Nolan (Shadowland, Arena,
Pendragon and many others), John Jowitt
(IQ, Jadis and many more), Andy Edwards
(IQ) and Mark Westwood (Martin Ordford
Band), while they are assisted by
Nick Barrett (Pendragon), Alan Reed
(Pallas) and John Barnfield (ex-Pendragon).
The setlist is comprised
by some of the greatest moments in
neo-prog rock and it's not limited
to the repertoire of the "core"
musicians. Take for example the magnificent
"For the Greater Glory",
where Alan Reed joins or the vibrant
performance of "Nostradamus"
with Nick Barrett. But you can't
be moved by IQ's "Erosion"
(with John Jowitt behind the mic)
or by Arena's "The Hanging
Tree". Will be there any complains
from the tracklist? Well, yes, but
I can't think that this would
be otherwise. The list is endless
and everyone has his favorites. Personally
I found one of my favorites, when
all of a sudden the band started to
play "Shadows of Fate"
from the wondrous "The Hound
of Baskerville" by Nolan/Wakeman.
The band seems to
enjoy this night. There is a satisfaction
and completeness reflected on the
smiles on their faces and the various
plays among them. The band shifts
positions and tries new roles. For
example you will see Clive Nolan singing,
when John Barnsfield takes charge
of the keys. I have to stop here and
say that I was impressed by the performance
of Andy Edwards. It was a longtime
since I saw such a performance by
a drummer so comfortable and accurate
at the same time. As far as the rest
are concerned, you don't need
me to give you testimonials.
To be honest I am
a little bit disappointed by the bonus
section of the DVD, which contains
an interview of John Jowitt and Clive
Nolan and the soundcheck of the band
from last year's RosFest. I think
however that this doesn't makes lesser
the quality of the release. I definitely
think that it's a release that you
have to have in your collection, simply
because it's one of the few chances
to see the gathering of such great
musicians that define (more or less)
one of the most qualitative genres
in rock. |
