Copernicus - Live! In Prague (Nevermore, Inc)

How was it possible a New York artist played a concert in communist Czechoslovakia? I suppose, in 1989 a lot more was possible than let's say in 1979. Having visited the country under the communist regime, it was safe to say no intersection was left without one of the regime's flags.

Copernicus is rather a challenging artist, but here filmed in a stadium setting, he comes alive, and gets his message across. Opening with tracks like "The Authorities!" took a lot of balls, especially behind the Iron Curtain. Filmed here in dual screen, the DVD is very interesting document of a very special performance.

Copernicus himself is a combination of avant-garde rock, and jazz. It's difficult to pin him down with any particular style. The music is definitely challenging, and not easily accessible by an average listener. It requires concentration, in order to follow, and to understand the madness.

Copernicus himself extends his welcome to the crowd, and often utters a word in their native Czech. There is no doubt the music on this DVD gets a strong reaction from the crowd. It is challenging, but well comprehended by the minds of the oppressed. There is a unifying factor here, and that's very magical. It's a feel that could only work in this setting, and the time it was captured in.

 

Mark Kadzielawa