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In seventh grade I would stay late after music class to copy lyrics of my favorite songs. This was before we could use our phone to snap off a picture copy or Google the lyrics. The old notebook was cleaned out of an attic a few years back. The song I was most intrigued by was “Dust In The Wind” from Kansas. Guitar intro harking back to “Stairway to Heaven” but then Steve Walsh’s vocals kick in and sends you further into the clouds, and then the strings. I don’t remember if I saw them at the Civic Center or not, don’t think so, but recall wearing a concert jersey with 3/4 length sleeves and watching the video. My favorite part is after the Violin solo: “now, dooon’t hannng o-on”.
Palladia premiered Kansas: Miracles Out of Nowhere (2015) a week or so ago, a documentary film directed by Charles Randazzo and written by band member Phil Ehart. The six original members talk about the various “miracles” that took place in order for the band to reach as far as it did. What is interesting about this look into the life of a rock and roll band is that it does not cover sex, drugs or drama, aside for the occasional reference to “the Rock and Roll Lifestyle”. Instead, it takes a deeper view into the development of a band by a believing music publisher, Don Kirshner. More attention is paid to how a song is created and produced. An easy going film that is reflected in the laid back delivery from Ehart.
Knew of Steve Walsh and knew of Kansas as a progressive-rock band but was unfamiliar with the rest of their story. This film does a great job of catching you up on their story with little to no filler. Stylistically, it was essential in following the narrative to have the 1970s picture of each band member superimposed on the video of current interviews. What with all the facial hair, weight changes and eye patches it was a bit difficult to identify each member. Worked it out about halfway through. However, the main photo shoot for the Kansas album was a bit over used. Through the film, I gained a deeper appreciation for Steve Walsh as a vocalist and Kansas as a musical unit. Both alluded to in the 78 minute documentary. Perfect length. Catch it if you can.
- Subject: 4.0
- Camera: 3.5
- Style: 3.5
- Soundtrack: 3.5
- Overall: 4.25
- Total: 3.85