Review: Proto-Kaw - The Wait of Glory

Proto = early version of
Kaw = Indian word for Kansas

The name makes sense when you consider that the band is the baby of one Kerry Livgren, founding member of Kansas. Get it? Early version of Kansas? Although they have released only three albums, this band does indeed date back that far. They formed in 1971, then disbanded in 1973.

These guys got back together to release Before Became After in 2004. This was, in fact, the second incarnation of Kansas and so, yes, there are indeed elements of that sound to be found here.

I have to tell you, this album is, well, a Prog Rock fan’s dream, even down to the overall production, which I think sounds dated in places. Whether that’s intentional or not is anyone’s guess.

Think elements of early Kansas, Pink Floyd, Weather Report, even hints of early Genesis, Camel, Alan Parsons. There are parts that make me think of free form jazz when the sax kicks in. To be honest, that’s not my bag, but don’t be put off -- there’s plenty to keep prog rock fans more than happy!

The beautiful “Nevermore” is the opener. It just builds gently from its intro -- my wife thought it sounded like Bon Jovi’s “Wanted” or “Blaze Of Glory” and I can see where she’s coming from there. It then becomes mystical, I thought hints of a Deep Purple song intro, but once Lynn Meredith’s vocals start, it totally dispels that and they remind me of Jethro Tull, Pallas even maybe Midge Ure (Ultravox.) It continues through more mystical gentle touches, then more powerful keyboard leads and, well, you don’t want it to stop!

“Relics Of The Tempest” is another pure slice of Prog that’s just so melodic and full, so many layers, it’s huge!

Next track, “When The Rains Come” has a heavy intro before a jazz-rock sequence, elaborated by the sax, before then totally mellowing out in the verse into lush layers. I have to say the instrumental middle pieces are awesome, as they start to raise the pace back up again then ease back into soft verse / chorus again before departing with the jazz rock passages again.

“On The Eve of the Great Decline” is an awesomely structured piece.

“Physic” starts as a jazz-rock piece that thens build into something more, again with different layers (memories of Saga here) and more time changes throughout.

“Osvaldo's Groceries” is a total jazz rock instrumental jam free-for-all.

“The Vigil” is a wonderful piece, a beautiful ballad.

Elements of jazz funk in the intro of “Old Number 63,” a very offbeat song. This one really doesn’t do much for me, losing direction with that free-form feel.

“Melicus Gladiator” has more of a traditional classic rock feel that actually almost seems out of place here, but I love it! Then the keyboards just rock out to remind you, yes it is Prog!

“Picture This” is typical of the album for a closer.

As I said at the beginning, it’s a prog rock fan’s dream album, but don’t expect a Kansas CD as Livgren has long since moved on.