I consider myself fortunate to have seen the original Asia lineup live, during their very first tour in 1982 in the UK.
I was also fortunate to catch a post-Asia line up called Qango (2000) featuring John Wetton and Carl Palmer plus Dave Kilminster and John Young, who only got to play a handful of shows before calling it quits. I caught Carl Palmer live too, with his band, which was interesting, but it wasn't Asia.
Since then the original line up called it quits after their second album, with Mandy Meyer (ex Krokus) replacing Steve Howe for Astra. The band then took all sorts of shapes and forms, with the main vocalist spot being taken by one John Payne, quite different from John Wetton
Sad indeed was the Asia tale that after Geoff Downes remained throughout all changes as the one true original member, he apparently fell on hard times financially and sold the rights to the Asia name to John Payne, who continues today, but as Asia Featuring John Payne.
When the original members agreed to patch their differences, they actually went out on tour calling themselves The 4 Original Members Of Asia. Their Website now, incidentally, is www.originalasia.com.
Latest Incarnation of Asia
This DVD was filmed at the conclusion of a reunion tour that took them on the road through 2006 and 2007. This was recorded in March 2007, but might've been better recorded if they'd recorded earlier in the tour, perhaps?
After the tour, John Wetton has had major heart surgery, so I hope any new album that is planned for 2008 will see the light of day.
This really is one show I'd rather have as a keepsake on CD rather than DVD. Don't get me wrong, I know these guys are fantastic talents, but as a visual event it really doesn't go anywhere. No spectacular light show, average audience participation and, well, the guys pretty much are just standing there doing Asia pretty much by the numbers.
If I had a CD of this event, it probably would've come across to better effect. Musically, though, these guys are so tight: old hands at this game and it's good to hear, although perhaps the overall mix could’ve been a tad better.
I hear vocals clearly - a little off here and there - guitar from Steve Howe loud and clear, John's bass sound comes through OK, not great, keyboard’s are pretty clear, too, but the drum sound? You can see that Carl Palmer is getting a serious workout, but it's a shame the drum sound is not that apparent in the final mix.
Inscrutable Audience
They open to a very civilized Japanese audience (almost like a corporate function) with "Time Again." It comes across great, very tight.
"Wildest Dreams" maintains the momentum. Steve Howe does try jumping around from time to time, which looks kind of funny!
"One Step Closer" is another great piece from that great album.
Then it's time to trip further down memory lane to revisit Steve Howe's past as they introduce Yes' "Roundabout." They perform it very well, but John Wetton is not Jon Anderson!
Back to Asia material and "Without You." It's a beautiful peace of music, although the harmony vocals aren't quite what they were back in the day, something that is apparent throughout this live recording.
"Cutting It Fine" is next and again it shows how talented these "old dogs" are - it's so together musically.
Steve Howe's solo spot now, with a piece entitled "Intersection Blues. " I'm afraid this doesn't inspire me too much personally. There's no doubting his abilities, as I recall when I saw this lineup in 1982. Just my view.
Then it's time to revisit Carl Palmer's background with ELP's "Fanfare For The Common Man." I think Geoff Downes is a phenomenal keyboard player, but he's not quite Keith Emerson. I did enjoy hearing this again just the same.
Good rendition of "Smile Has Left Your Eyes" is next followed by "Don't Cry" from the second Asia release. John was struggling a little with this one.
Back On Track
Time to visit JW’s King Crimson background for "In The Court Of The Crimson King." One for prog fans for sure, well presented, but I was not a big King Crimson / Robert Fripp fan.
"Here Comes The Feeling" gets us right back on track and even if the vocal harmonies aren't great, musically these guys are all top notch, well worth their salt!
Now to the piece many prog rock fans would rather be skipped, the Buggles song, "Video Killed The Radio Star" and perhaps Geoff Downes wishes he'd had a slightly more, erm, glorified past! It's fun, I guess, and, of course, it was a massive hit single! It also takes the serious side of prog rock aside and says, "Let's have some fun tonight!"
"The Heat Goes On" takes us the next step down the Asia trail with some serious keyboard licks from Geoff Downes, then Carl Palmer lets loose on the drums. This had to be seen to be believed!
They then kick into "Only Time Will Tell" saying their goodnights and then rocking out with "Sole Survivor" to close the set.
They come back out for the acoustic "Ride Easy" before the grand finale of "Heat Of The Moment" on which John Wetton finally gets to move around, jamming back to back with Geoff Downes.
There are some pretty good interviews here also, but the guys look tired after the gig ends and it seemed a bit of a chore.
Not too bad overall, but not fantastic, Fantasia, for me.
