Billy Greer – bassist
David Ragsdale – violins
Phil Ehart – drums
Rich Williams – guitarist
Steve Walsh – singer and keyboardist
You could make a valid argument by saying that thanks to Kansas, rock fans are now well-versed
with two recognizable phrases – “air guitar” and “arena rock.” During the ‘70s and ‘80s, Kansas
put together a string of gold and platinum-certified hit albums, sold out tours, and penned two of
classic rock’s most instantly recognizable (and enduring) tunes – the melodic-yet-rocking “Carry
On Wayward Son” and the gorgeous ballad “Dust in the Wind.” 35 years have passed since the
release of the group’s self-titled debut in 1974, and the band – which includes singer/keyboardist
Steve Walsh, guitarist Rich Williams, violinist David Ragsdale, bassist Billy Greer, and drummer
Phil Ehart – is stronger than ever, as proven by the new live DVD, ‘There’s Know Place Like
Home.’
Ehart unveils several reasons as to why Kansas continues to flourish. “We have the best fans in
the world. Their responses are always solid, insightful…and they will tell you what they think!
[Kansas’ classics] hold up fine. New fans are discovering us everyday…thanks to video games,
movies, and TV shows that use our music.” Williams also offers his thoughts as to why Kansas
continues to rule the classic rock airwaves. “[The songs] have retained a relevance through the
years – that only a small percentage of recordings do.”
Originally formed in Topeka, Kansas during 1973, the group became one of the decade’s most
popular rock bands, on the strength of such all-time classic albums as 1976’s four-times platinum
‘Leftoverture’ and 1977’s five-times platinum ‘Point of Know Return’ – which spawned the
aforementioned mega hit singles. Despite a few line- up changes throughout the years, Kansas
remains immensely popular to this day, and continues to put on amazing shows. Case in point,
‘There’s Know Place Like Home.’ Filmed on February 7, 2009 in their home state (at Washburn
University’s White Concert Hall), the concert was certainly not your average affair. For this
show, the group was united with former members Kerry Livgren (guitar/keyboards) and Steve
Morse (guitar), as well as the 50-piece Washburn University Orchestra.
Included is a must see/hear set-list, which balances Kansas classics and fan favorites. Looking
back on playing once more with Livgren and Morse, Ehart exclaims, “Those guys are always
great! Kerry had played with us over the years, but this gig with Morse was the first in a really
long time. Both guys came prepared and it just rocked!” Williams agrees with Ehart, pointing out
the DVD’s rendition of “Dust in the Wind” as being a personal standout. “It’s very moving with
the symphony, and a rare moment with Kerry on acoustic as well as Steve Morse on violin.”
“It’s always an adventure,” explains Ehart about playing with an orchestra. “Adding another 50
people to your ‘band’ can always prove eventful. Our biggest memories are usually of certain
symphonies that look down there noses at our music. What’s funny about that is that those
symphonies are usually the ones that have the most trouble playing our scores!” And when the
topic of playing with Livgren and Morse comes up, Williams gets downright philosophical.
“Very comfortable…like loose fitting underwear.” Comprised of a solid track listing that includes
fine renditions of Kansas classics and fan favorites, ‘There’s Know Place Like Home’ will surely
go down as one of the group’s best-ever live performances. And if the DVD isn’t enough for
longtime fans in need of new Kansas releases, they will be able to digest some new music, when
4/5’s of the group’s line-up will issue the debut release by their side band, Native Window, which
will “open” for Kansas on tour in the summer of ’09.
Fans coming out to catch Kansas on tour can be confident that they’ll be catching one of rock’s
most finely tuned machines. “We are more relaxed and comfortable with who we are now than
we have maybe been ever,” says Williams. “We’re playing with the confidence that comes with
experience.” Ehart offers the secret to how Kansas ’09 compares to previous line-ups of the band
– “We’re a lot older!” But this is certainly not the end of the road for Kansas, as confirmed by
Williams. “With any luck, we will take the momentum created by this DVD and continue with
many more symphonic dates in the future.”
For more information, visit: www.kansasband.com
