Drummer reacts to "The Pinnacle" by Kansas

[@katesjanice]

Kerry Livgren is the finest prog composer, orchestrator, lyricist & multi-instrumentalist. (Lead guitar, piano, synth, and more). Incredible!!

[@robertcussins2807]

Drummer is Phil Ehart. I had been playing drums for a year or so when I got Kansas' first album (1974), and he pointed me to prog drumming and I did what I could to steal his stuff. One of my favorites. Kansas is in my top five bands without doubt.

[@barbaramiller2279]

Phil reacently had a serious heart attack. The tour they are doing was postponed a number of months ago because the bass player's wife died. Now this. The tour is going on, but with a replacement, can't remember who...

[@briano.1503]

Right on , he's in my top 5

[@gregpowell4930]

Kansas moved me like no other band. I was stupefied the first time I heard this album. Brought me to tears.

[@jeremyhelm2833]

Me too. It still has the same overwhelming effect on me it had when it was released (I was 15). They performed this recently in concert. I lost my composure in the outro.

[@gregjones861]

This is a masterpiece. The constantly changing landscape makes Bohemian Rhapsody sound like a 2 chord folk ditty. And you pegged the word for it: epic. It feels like an anthem for all time. More from them that I'd recommend would include Journey From Mariabronn, Song For America, Down The Road, Magnum Opus, the list goes on.

[@L33Reacts]

Hahaha right? I love BR but this is definitely on another level. They literally did everything in this song. An epic journey to the center of ourselves. I love it.

[@bmikelg48]

Two For The Show is one of the best live albums ever.

[@mlinderict]

The bass player, (Father) David Hope is a bedrock of the early Kansas albums. They managed to never bury him in the mix. Song For American (album cut!)

[@tomfritzsch1928]

My inspiration to play bass and all these years later it still as driven as ever. Best rhythm section ever.

[@cartelesargentinos]

Apercu/Death of Mother Nature Suite 1974 , Journey from Mariabromm, Incommudro , Lamplight symphony, Magnus Opus, all epics Songs ! Kansas is one of the most amazing bands in the world

[@discinmike]

I was a transplant from Ohio to Topeka, Kansas and Topeka West '73-'74. I watched them in an outdoor amphitheater on campus and in the auditorium. Their first album on the back cover with their standing against the wind with a brooding weather backdrop is a place called Burnett's mound. The first house we lived in was directly in front of it across the highway. My sister worked in a clothing store that sold mostly jeans and they were customers buying the bib overalls. I didn't know they were Prog at the time, but just that they were good with their instrumentation in the vocals. Their albums told a story not to mention their album covers. Kerry Livgren was a prolific songwriter as well as musician.

[@godbluffvdgg]

Kansas in concert was sublime...They did every song perfectly like the album... Phil Ehart, is one of the most important drummer you could ever practice to...He's a MONSTER drummer too...He does a killer solo on The live album Two for the Show...They're all amazing musicians though...Livgren is a great composer, along with Robbie Steinhardt Steve Walsh was worth the cost of the show...He played parts I never knew he played...Saw them on the Point of No Return tour...

[@stpnwlf9]

Kerry Livgren has always been an intensely spiritual person and he was Kansas' principle songwriter, in addition to being an outstanding keyboard player and guitarist. During a lot of the band's career, he was searching for understanding of humanity and their relationship with the universe. Eventually, he became a Christian and served as music minister in his church in Topeka, KS. In 2009, he suffered a stroke which sadly ended his music career. He is still in the long process of recovering, according to information on the Kansas band website. I saw him perform with the band in the early 90s in Wichita when all the original members briefly reunited. It was amazing!

[@L33Reacts]

Wow... I feel like I can relate to his search. I've been on it my entire life... I hope to continue it because I doubt we will truly understand until we shed this Mortal coil :)

[@mrz80]

I wouldn't say the stroke ended his career. He made a more or less miraculous recovery from the stroke and was back to playing keyboards fairly rapidly. Guitar took quite a bit longer. He recently released an album, "O.A.R." He occasionally pops up for a guest slot at Kansas shows especially if they're near his home in KS. kzbin.info/www/bejne/jIPCfKKld7SIrM0

[@ronvogt00]

Kerry’s lyrics possibly saved my existence. Carry On implored me to not give up. Kerry’s search brought him to religion, mine led to science. So I disagree with the line “knowledge and reason change like season, a jester’s promenade”. Listen to this whole album in its entirety. Then listen to The Wall.

[@paulwhite7972]

I love that there was really only one band playing full on prog in the States mid 70s and it was these guys. Still love Kansas to this day. And still devastated that they never did a full UK tour

[@NickWebber-vp4pd]

Kansas sound hits you from everywhere…like the sound is riding in on the crest of a tsunami…unstoppable

[@johncassidy3071]

Awesome Dave Hope bassline to start us off.

[@dillonohlemiller401]

I got to see them live last year on their 50th anniversary tour. They played this live. It was the first time I heard the song, and it was amazing

[@jackspoerner8852]

This is half the song. The first half is Mysteries and Mayhem. This was once a epic 14 minute song. But the record company wanted it broken into two parts. (Idiots) There are on You tube attempts to combine them again. I also have a live recording of them doing it as one song!

[@lefty5757]

I’ve been to many Kansas concerts, my first was February 2nd, 1977. This was the album before they hit it big and went commercial. Many great unknown songs. My all time favorite band.

[@alejandrobojorquez6181]

You Need to check out " SONG FOR AMERICA " and " HYMN TO THE ATMAN " 1975 studio version and also " MAGNUM OPUS " ( Howling At The Moon ) 3 Incredible EPIC 🎸 Masterpieces 🎹

[@KarlElvis]

When I was 17 these guys were my favorite band. I love them.

[@L33Reacts]

They fucking rock karl! I've loved them since I was a kid. Well, carry on at least. Lol

[@mrz80]

I was in Junior High when Boston's first album hit. I mentioned to a friend of mine that I loved it. She snorted and said, "Ah, Boston just wishes they were Kansas!" which is what got me started listening to them. I've seen 'em 9 times now and have never been anything less than utterly blown away. 😀

[@BlazinRiver1]

I saw Kansas back in the day when they opened for Aerosmith. They were doing music off their new album that wasnt out yet..Masque. They blew Aerosmith away. Tyler was not happy that Kansas was out performing them and even tried unplugging their equipment during a show. Starcastle is another USA prog band. The original/best lead singer for REO sang lead for Starcastle.....Terry Luttrell FYI: If you ever want to hear REO when they were still a rock band listen to anything Terry Luttrell sang lead on.

[@michaelbriefs9764]

Lee, the word you are looking for is “Symphonic”.

[@jamesgarlena5612]

I remember my brother delicately slicing the plastic off of the vinyl album. Just enough to slide the album enough to put it on the turntable. He is 67 and still has all of his albums, in their sleeve. Pristine.

[@KevinRCarr]

Always love to see a reactor checking out my favorite Kansas album. Great driving music, indeed. Spent 25 years travelling as a salesman, and never did not have this in the vehicle on tape or cd. Doing a road trip and it's kind of dark and maybe a little rainy and you have a distance to go...pop in Kansas, Masque and enjoy the trip.

[@jeffschielka7845]

Kansas ROCKS! First time i saw them live was 1978 in Chicago. The last time i saw them they opened for YES. That was a magical night!!🎵🎼🎶🔈🔉🔊😎

[@L33Reacts]

It sounds amazing!! What a show. I wish I could have witnessed that :)

[@jeffschielka7845]

@@L33Reacts It was a great night under the stars!⭐️⭐️⭐️😎

[@erickvermeulen9734]

Wish I had been there.

[@ilbrnb22]

Currently on their 50th anniversary tour

[@db321g]

If you like lyrics...Death of Mother Nature Suite. Very appropriate today.

[@AdrianJeffreys-fj2fv]

This is my favorite song and album from Kansas

[@Cyberfender1]

"With talons wrought of steel I tore the heart of doom And in one gleaming moment I saw beyond the tomb I stood where no man goes" Sounds very familiar.... To me this speaks of Jesus Christ Thank you L33 for reaction to this Band and this deep song!

[@patricknicolucci5073]

From this same album Child of Innocence

[@TerryKrysinski]

Also Icarus,All The World, Mysteries & Mayhem..... :-)

[@L33Reacts]

I will add it to the list thanks patrick!! 😊

[@markdrechsler5660]

“Song For America” is quintessential 70’s prog. From the second Kansas album.

[@elbowout]

Ever hear of the Dixie Dregs??

[@tamadrummer001]

Kerry wrote the majority of the lyrics to the songs. The whole band including the ellefonte days were better than 99% of other bands. Learned to play drums listening to these guys.

[@JimFlickinger]

I really enjoy how you don't just stick with the Known" songs and dive deeper! I'll keep listening.

[@davidlane1169]

'Ole Audiophile to L33Reacts: Great job on that eval. I sorta few in under the radar when I first found Kansas, it was a concert promoter turned TV executive that first introduced Kansas to the world. If you've noticed their record label, it's Kirshner Records for Don Kirshner, said record/tv executive as in Don Kirshner's Rock Concert, a major presentation on the national stage. This happens to be the best Kansas album they ever produced but it barely got recognition during early years. This album got so lost, most of us didn't know for years whether this was the 2nd or 3rd Kansas studio album released. it slept in my collection for near a decade before a local retrieved this wonder from my collection and presented it to me for what it is. Now the funny part of this story was that i'd caught a Don Kirshner's Rock Concert on TV that had gob-smacked me upside the head. But I could never nail down what album it came from but I'd bought them all anyway. An audiophile sometimes gets lost & behind on first listens, this was the case. Enjoy! The whole album is very much like Pinnacle cept the first song. Thanx

[@davidlane1169]

Someone wise to it whispered a secret about this album. He claimed they reversed the order of the songs on each album side, thus the first song presented was supposed to be the last & least liked. So the rumour goes...

[@jeffersoncosgrove1910]

Omg, one of the first things I did as a dad was take my daughter through the entire Kansas catalog.

[@TheProgCorner]

Supernatural!!!! Best show ever!!!

[@L33Reacts]

Yes!!!! I'm glad someone said something about that finally. I am a huge fan of the first 7 seasons. After that, meh. Lol

[@jjacoby1010]

You have great taste in music, good sir! Kansas is a magical band!

[@donholl]

This, and the preceding song - Mysteries and Mayhem - were meant to be a single one, but the label insisted they be separated (although MaM still blends into TP): I suggest re-listening, with both together (reaction or not). There's a video - from Kirshner's Rock Concert - of MaM, where you can see/hear they were fully-capable of performing live, at studio level: kzbin.info/www/bejne/aZ2cnnunr6d9d9k

[@timwendt1935]

I think someone created a version where the two songs were remerged into one monster song.

[@riczen6652]

Kansas were always very good at creating epic-sounding songs. Another one you should try is the just as appropriately titled "Magnum opus" ;)

[@firaonoyus2112]

Pinnacle is pinnacle of Kansas in my taste.

[@L33Reacts]

I can't equate that just yet for me personally but it sure as hell is good enough to be when I can. 🙃😊

[@brianvernon249]

Lamplight symphony is my life now & Im too young for that. Fave tune is What’s OnMy Mind or Nobody’s Home, depending upon mood. Kerry & Steve were the Lennon/McCartney of that band. If you are an empath, do Nobody’s Home.

[@timwendt1935]

I didn't realize what Nobody's Home was all about even though I love the song and have listened to it a million times. Heard someone explain the story and can't believe I missed it for so long.

[@sjdanthem]

I made a music video in high school (1979) on 8mm (I think) and this was part of the soundtrack. The main ones. though. were "Child of Innocence" and "Mysteries and Mayhem." I gotta admit, it was pretty cool considering the tech, and this was before MTV, even. Anyway, I was obsessed with this album. I think "Icarus" is my favorite but the whole album is phenomenal. Frankly, every album up to "Point of Know Return" is epic.

[@paulfarley0078]

try CHILD OF INNOCENCE or TWO CENTS WORTH , i bought this when it came out and still have the album every thing else on the album is a prog rock mess i also seen them when they were promoting SONG FOR AMERICA , they were a super tight band

[@iznone]

Now you know the real Masters!

[@TerryKrysinski]

GReat one,Lee! You will adore jumping into the Kansas pool,bro. All seven of the original band albums are epic! And- because I see how much you love this prog rock stuff...you'll love getting into all things Neal Morse. You'll be amazed! :-) T

[@L33Reacts]

Thank you Terry! I appreciate you bro. I definitely already have affection for this band since I know some of the hits well but I am excited to dive into them in the scope of the channel. They are so damn catchy AND deep. It's the best of both worlds.

[@001snapshot]

Alice....you have only just stuck you head thru the looking glass that is Kansas.....now.....step thru.....there so SO MUCH MORE....

[@J3scribe]

Even Dust In The Wind is an amazing song. Who else could have pulled it off? Check out Lamplight Orchestra. A brilliant bolero. And Magnus Opus from Leftoverture. All the discarded bits and pieces combined into one incredible whole.

[@philsmith2444]

I love this song, an army friend who HATED rock loved it. They’re like the American Yes. A few others you should check out (that I haven’t seen mentioned) are Icarus - Borne On Wings Of Steel, No One Together, and Aperçu.

[@sidneialmeida1211]

Bela postagem tenho esse LP

[@jimralston7562]

It is a movie! One of my fav songs at age 16. 1977... Icarus also from this album is excellent. Drums?? Check out Incomudro from Song for America (Phil's epic drum solo). So many memories... thanks!

[@ramsin99]

Time for "All the World" from the same album! Great reaction!! I just subscribed!

[@L33Reacts]

Great to have you my friend! I'll write that one down and keep it mind. Thank you! 😊

[@TheProgCorner]

I love Kansas!!!!

[@L33Reacts]

Me too bro! They are so damn good. American classic 👌

[@robertcussins2807]

Do check out "Journey from Mariabronn" from their first album. Still gives me chills. Well, that goes without saying, 'cause everything from their first six albums does that to me, but yet I said it. Have no armor for it.😁

[@santiagocalderon3261]

Masterpiece, my second favorite Kansas song after this would be the wall.

[@L33Reacts]

They have a song called the wall?? Wtf lol I had no idea

[@santiagocalderon3261]

@@L33Reacts yeah, it goes right afer carry on my wayward son on the leftoverture album, well worth checking out.

[@TresLanes]

If you liked The Pinnacle I think tou would really did Song for America, the 10 min version off that album. Its incredible and has the fastest, tightest odd signature instrumental I've ever heard.

[@mrz80]

Don't forget "Magnum Opus", "Lamplight Symphony" "No One Together", and "The Voyage of 8:18"

[@TheVoltrom]

react to live performances from Kansas

[@paulkobler8049]

Now go back and play Mysteries and Mayhem it flows right into the Pinnacle. Masque is my favorite Kansas album.

[@edalisauskas7313]

Ok, Huge Kansas fan here They are still out there touring currently. Check their web site and see if they’re near you Hint: they play this one on the current tour The current band only has two original members (the drummer & the guitarist)but they are firing on all cylinders. Check out some recent concert clips Interesting you mention the lyrics Kerry Livgren (the keyboard / guitarist) was the main songwriter He was going thru a spiritual journey during his time with Kansas trying different religions (he finally became a born again Christian in 1980) The lyrics represent this journey Song suggestions? Magnum Opus (this one ya gonna like!) The Wall Song for America Lamplight Symphony Crossfire (written when Kerry became a Christian) Miracles out of nowhere Closet Chronicles Pick the one with the coolest title LOL Studio versions, of course. They were American Prog Rock in The 70s Nice one here One of their best actually They have MANY others Deep hole here

[@markgreene6349]

Did you listen to mysteries and mayhem first?...there combined... Kansas has several songs that flow into the next song seamlessly...

[@haze61151]

Kansas didn't start out to be a 'prog rock' band. They were so much beyond that definition..They sound like no one,,it's not studio tricks. After 13 times seeing them, it's exactly like the record. No other band can touch them. There'll never be another Steve Walsh..

[@barbaramiller2279]

You will also appreciate The Wall.

[@61guitbox]

Song for America 👍🏻✌️

[@meistergedanken4790]

It's funny; when I listen to Kansas I always resort to comparing different parts of their songs to different bands. It seems there is always a portion that is reminiscent of another band's style, perhaps because Kansas songs tend to be amalgamations of many musical ideas. This particular song seems like the bastard offspring of Queen and Jethro Tull, but raised in America (which is not a criticism). "Masque" and "Leftoverture" are definitely the best Kansas albums, and worth listening to in their entirety.

[@L33Reacts]

I will definitely be diving into masque. Everyone keeps mentioning it so it must be good.

[@RJ-oy7cq]

Also a huge SUPERNATURAL fan! Carry on! Who's your favorite character on the show?

[@L33Reacts]

Carry on indeed :) glad to see a fellow fan! I am a big fan of the first 7 seasons. The rest was hit and miss. But my fav character is either Cass or Dean or John. It's hard to pick lol

[@RJ-oy7cq]

Dude this is weird--those are honestly my 3 favorite characters. I couldn't pick a favorite among those, though if forced to probably would pick the heart of the show...Dean. But on another day would pick one of the other 2 lol. Agree the earlier seasons are the best--though I still enjoy the rest. Catch down the road still to be travelled!@@L33Reacts

[@RJ-oy7cq]

*catch you down the road still to be travelled!*

[@L33Reacts]

Dean was such a great character. I mean seriously. Kripke outdid himself with that character. I mean damn. He went through every thing you could ever imagine happening and then some. What a journey. He was the heart. Sam was the ... moose. Haha

[@DaKidd62]

Dream Theater is awesome but their transitions have never been as smooth as Kansas.

[@jimcampbell4410]

New sub just found ya ❤

[@bryanirvine6169]

Phil on the drums and Dave on the Bass never got their proper recognition - not did Rich on guitars. They never wanted to spotlight.

[@beekay5914]

This album should have been a lot bigger. Every song is great. And Carry On...is not the best song on Leftoverture. Listen to the rest of THAT album.

[@haroldallen4047]

Sorry but talking through the song is disrespecting the band

[@gracegeek4678]

Kansas...not rock stars....musicians.

[@randlerobbertson8792]

Very neo classical, definitely progressive, my take, USA's answer to the veritable prog rock barrage coming across the Atlantic from the UK in those heady times. And as usual, your insight is interesting, heartfelt and observational. 😊 (Kansas were the outfit with the very talented nut job bouncing about the stage in Basketball players uniform like a total madman, as I recall.) Ps zoom club- Budgie......

[@mrz80]

Original vocalist Steve Walsh, in addition to being one of the best male vocals in rock music, was quite the amateur gymnast. He did so many handstands on his Hammond that the crew installed a steel bar for him to use for the stunt so he wouldn't wreck the instrument.

[@katesjanice]

Try Journey to Mariabronn, Icarus, Song for America, Lamplight Symphony, Incomudro, The Wall, Miracles out of Nowhere, Magnum Opus, Hopelessly Human, Relentless, Hold On, Curtain of Iron….and many, many more epic Kansas tunes. You’ll thank me.

[@philehart7843]

@@katesjanice