Kansas - There's Know Place Like Home (Starcity)

Kansas is a great live band. The fact that this performance was going to be good was assumed prior to viewing, but it's always interesting to see what the band has up their sleeves. It's a 35th anniversary performance; it shows the band to going back to their hometown, and doing what they do best. In other words, it's Kansas in Kansas, or Made in Kansas, you name it.

Kansas is a very unique band, one of a kind some say. Their blend of progressive rock and American folk is very provoking to the listener. Not to mention very original, and impossible to copy. Let's face it; there is only one Kansas. A national treasure if you may.

This anniversary performance puts the band alongside an orchestra. Kansas is no stranger to playing with orchestras at this point. They adapt with ease, and use the orchestra to extend their arrangements and expand their sound as such is the case here.

Keeping the anniversary in mind, there are few special guests joining the band. Kerry Livgren joins the band on stage, as does Steve Morse. Both guitar players played a very significant role in the history of the band. It is Morse's entry that adds some unusual variety in the set list. Not to downplay Livgren's contributions; he will always remain the cornerstone in the history of the band. Both players prove they still are very capable, and have plenty of life left in them.

Kansas is in great form, and delivers another flawless performance. It's almost amazing to see how easy they make it look. The fans react in a very enthusiastic way, making this show even more exciting. There is an advantage to playing for the home crowd after all.

Technically the show is very well filmed, put together, and packaged. It would be nice to have some more extras or maybe an interview section with the band members. The only bonus comes in the form of a sound check jam. What this DVD offers is an intense raw energy of a great band on stage and that's worth the price alone.

Mark Kadzielawa