Review ...for anyone who enjoys good rock music with a unique approach and an eternal value. -- Danl Blackwood, NetCentral About the Artist Kerry Livgren is one of the founding members of the group "Kansas". Born and raised in the midwestern state, he was the lead guitarist, keyboardist, and primary writer for the group. His career with them lasted over 13 years, starting in Topeka, Kansas garages and ending in stadiums and arenas. Kerry and drummer Phil Ehart formed the first "Kansas" band in 1970, a seven member group known for it's sometimes bizarre originality. The locals who remember this band testify that they were "far ahead of their time". "Discovered" by Television and Publishing mogul Don Kirshner in 1973, he signed the now six-member midwestern band to his newly formed label and brought them to the Record Plant in New York. Kirshner was not to be disappointed. From the release of their first album the band's momentum grew quickly, and they became a touring band to be reckoned with. During the late Seventies Livgren penned the hit songs "Carry On Wayward Son" and "Dust in the Wind" among many others, propelling the band to the top of the charts. Kansas was, (and many believe still is), America's premier progressive rock band, known for combining intricate musical arrangements with power rock and accessible melodies. Livgren's spiritual and sometimes arcane lyrics also help set the groups music apart from the mainstream. They have toured extensively worldwide, and sold more than 14 million records to date. In 1980 Kerry Livgren released "Seeds of Change", the first of several solo albums, which featured Ronnie James Dio, David Pack of Ambrosia, Jethro Tull drummer Barriemore Barlowe, and other well known musicians. "Time Line", Kerry's first self-produced album, was released by CBS (now Sony) in 1983, at which time he departed his long career with Kansas and formed the group "AD". AD toured the U.S. From 1983-1985, and released three more albums, "Art of the State", "Reconstructions", and "Prime Mover" for Sparrow Records. Lately available only as imports, "Seeds of Change" and "Timeline" were both re- released on CD in November 1996 by Renaissance Music (Nashville). Livgren's next effort and first instrumental, One of Several Possible Musiks, won a Dove Award for Instrumental Album of the year in 1989. In 1989 and 1990 Livgren re-united with Kansas for a European and then a domestic tour. There was also sporadic recording with the band during this period resulting in the song "Wheels" which was included in the band's Box Set, and an appearance in the "Live at the Whiskey" video issued by Intersound. Kerry was simultaneously writing music for his next album, a task that would consume almost two years, and was interrupted by a move from Georgia back to his native state. After building a new studio facility and recruiting a new group of musicians and singers he refers to as the "Corps de Pneuma", work was resumed on the album. Kerry comments: "Though I dearly love Georgia, it was great to be back in Kansas (the state) again. I immediately felt at home. There's something about returning to your roots that's inspiring". Dubbed "When Things Get Electric" after the title track, it was the debut for the new independent label, Numavox, which plans future releases of new music, as well as "first time on CD" re-releases of some of Kerry's and AD's past catalog. In 1996-97 Kerry was engaged in recording the soundtrack for the popular "Mind's Eye" series of computer animation videos, released by Sony in 1996. This video series has received rave reviews, has been widely distributed through retail and video rental stores, and continues to get a lot of televised airtime It is especially enjoyable on DVD. Numavox released "Prime Mover II" in the spring of 1998, a complete re-recording of Livgren's original 1988 album (Sparrow), plus five new tracks featuring the single "Incantos", which he describes as a completely new direction, and one of his most inspired lyrics.The CD also features his first re-recording of a Kansas song. ("Fair Exchange" from Vinyl Confessions). The year 2000 has brought Collectors Sedition Vol. I. As Kerry Livgren describes it: The concept of Collectors Sedition was begotten as a request from Livgren music enthusiasts to compile an album of all the remaining unreleased, unfinished, lost, unheard, orphaned, and previously unknown music that I have accumulated over the years. There is far too much of this music to fit in one volume, but this concept accounts for the admittedly diverse nature of the album. In the course of making this concept a reality, I have strayed considerably from the original concept, and it has become much more. In reviewing many of these compositions, some of which date back several decades, I found them to place me in a musical frame of mind that I have not occupied for some time, and they also inspired me to write new works in musical directions that I may not have otherwise embarked upon. It has launched me (thankfully) into a very prolific period. Hence, many of these pieces are in fact new compositions - others are intact as they were originally conceived. It will be left to the listener to discern which is which. Collectors Sedition was no sooner finished, than Livgren dove into the Kansas reunion CD, Somewhere to Elsewhere. Though Kerry Livgren is known for his music, he will quickly point out that it is only one of his many pursuits. "I'm a family man, I have a role in my church , I'm running a record label, a studio, a production company, a farm, and I have more hobbies and interests than there are hours in the day. Sometimes I feel like I'm spread pretty thin." Busy or not, there's nothing thin about Kerry Livgren's music, as his fans will eagerly point out. Livgren has plans for more in the future. "Lord willing, I'm just getting started. It's difficult for me to envision myself not making music, so I hope I can continue to explore the world of musical expression for a long time to come. Band members: Kerry Livgren Jason Beddoe Darren Rogers Chris Kearney Craig Kew
